The stigmatisation of the social/regulated housing tenure and tenants is a significant cultural problem for practitioners, tenants and (potential) applicants. Stigma is inherently a policy problem, as international research shows that stigma decreases when social housing access is widened (Angel 2021). Stigma discourages people who qualify for social housing from applying and can negatively affect the self-esteem and wellbeing of tenants. Stigma shapes practitioner and decision-maker perceptions of tenants and negatively influences the design and delivery of housing services.

This module approaches stigma as a wicked problem, and the content includes the following:

• What makes stigma a wicked problem?
• A behavioural understanding of stigma
• Stigma’s wicked effects (focus on individuals and organisation practices)
• Activity – focus on stigma in your work
• A look at interventions to reduce stigma
• Solution pledge – what can you do now and tips on staying conscious of stigma.
• This training is aimed at all who want to understand stigma better and reduce its effects on their work.

It is suitable for all interested in the complexities of stigma and how action can be taken to reduce its effects in your day-to-day work.