Discover Thirteen’s New Podcast Series on Building a More Inclusive Future

At Thirteen, we’re all about more than just building homes. With over 36,000 properties across the North East, Yorkshire, and Humber, and a customer base of around 100,000, our goal is to create a community where everyone feels included. We believe that diversity isn’t just a checkbox—it’s at the heart of everything we do.

14 Oct 2024

That's why, ahead of the Tees Valley Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards, we’ve teamed up with CVFM Radio to launch a special podcast series. Over three episodes, we dive into how Thirteen Group is making a difference through our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We’re excited to share how we’re bringing these values to life across our organisation.

Community Voice FM (CVFM) is a not-for-profit media organisation based in Middlesbrough: they operate a grassroots-led radio station. 104.5 CVFM Radio started broadcasting in August 2009 serving the diverse population of Middlesbrough and the surrounding areas. 

You can listen back to the podcast episodes through Spotify below:

Part One – A Good Organisation to Do Business With

Sara Wetherill, blonde hair and glasses wearing a black sleeveless jumper with a red floral sleeved blouse stood in front of a grey wall with welcome to cvfm radio on it.

In the first episode, we sit down with Sara Wetherill, our Head of Procurement, to talk about how Thirteen is creating more chances for local businesses to work with us. Sara explains the impact of the new Procurement Act and why diversity is a key part of our approach. If you’re a local business looking to get involved, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to part one here

Part Two – A Great Place to Work

two women one with long dark hair and one with mid-length blonde hair smiling at the camera in front of a grey walll with welcome to CVFM radio on it

The second episode showcases why we are a great place to work. Rachel Malpass and Becky Smith were our second podcast guests over at CVFM, Rachael’s responsible for leading the recruitment process at Thirteen whilst Becky works on developing training and learning opportunities for all our colleagues through her role in the Training and Development Team. We sit down with them and learn all about their respective roles, how they are building a more diverse workforce. They talk about new roles for women in trade jobs, like electricians and plumbers and how they’re making training more inclusive. It’s all about creating chances for everyone to grow and succeed. You can listen to part two here

Part Three – Community at the Heart of What We Do

women with dark shoulder length hair and wearing a bright fuscia short sleeved top in front of a grey wall which says welcome to CVFM

In the final episode, Angela Corner, our Head of Regeneration and Communities talks about the amazing work we’re doing to support local communities.  From tackling crime to improving the environment, Angela explains how Thirteen’s partnerships are bringing people together to make a real impact.

You can listen to part three here

Let’s Build a More Inclusive Future Together

At Thirteen, we’re dedicated to making sure everyone has the chance to live, work, and thrive. Our podcast series shows just how committed we are to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made so far, including achieving bronze status in the TIDE self-assessment with the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (ENEI). But this is just the beginning.

We’re on a journey to inspire change not just within our organisation, but throughout the Tees Valley and beyond. Together, let’s build a future where everyone feels valued and included.