On International Human Rights Day, we are pleased to announce that we have been awarded the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) Gold Accreditation – one of the highest awards in the UK for excellence in domestic abuse practice within housing.
This recognition places GCH among a small number of housing providers nationally who have demonstrated sector-leading, whole-organisation commitment to ensuring that every resident’s right to safety, dignity, secure housing and freedom from violence is upheld in practice, not just in policy.
DAHA Gold Accreditation is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous quality standards in the UK housing sector, requiring strong evidence of survivor-led practice, trauma-informed responses, anti-racist and intersectional approaches, accountable perpetrator management, robust data systems, and lasting organisational culture change.
Attendees at the first in-person meeting of the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Housing Champions Network marked this achievement as they were welcomed by Nick Gazzard, Founder of The Hollie Gazzard Trust, and Caroline Lucas-Mouat, Domestic Abuse Programme Manager at Gloucestershire Housing Partnership. The programme featured contributions from key partners across the region, including GDASS, Gloucestershire Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, DAHA and the Hollie Gazzard Trust.
GCH’s CEO, Guy Stenson, said: “GCH has deep roots in the city and its surrounding communities. In close-knit communities like ours, word spreads quickly which makes it critical that residents know they will be believed, supported and treated with dignity when they disclose abuse.”
DAHA assessors found this ethos embedded throughout GCH, visible at every level of the organisation.
Emma Storey, Executive Director of Housing, Standing Together Against Domestic Abuse said:
“Achieving DAHA Gold Accreditation is a huge achievement and speaks volumes about Gloucester City Homes’ commitment to safety, dignity, and human rights. This shows what is possible when a housing provider truly listens to survivors, challenges harmful systems, and invests in its people. GCH has built a culture where everyone understands the vital role that housing plays in preventing harm and helping people rebuild their lives. We are incredibly proud to recognise GCH as a DAHA Gold organisation on International Human Rights Day.”
Domestic abuse is a violation of fundamental human rights, and safe, secure housing is one of the most powerful ways to protect and uphold those rights.