The call comes in a report published this week entitled The Housing and Race Inquiry, which says that the equal opportunities records of contractors should be evaluated before they are permitted to go on the register.
The report adds that the workforces of contractors and consultants employed by registered social landlords should reflect the racial mix of the communities in which they work. It says this is one way to assess a firm's commitment to equal opportunities.
The document was commissioned by the Housing Corporation, the Commission for Racial Equality, the National Housing Federation and the Federation of Black Housing Organisations.
Leroy Philips, who chaired the inquiry that produced the report, said it was up to the DTLR to make contractors aware of their responsibilities.
The goal is for all the firms to be truly representative of the areas they work in
Leroy Philips, Housing and Race Inquiry
He said: "The goal is for all the firms that housing associations employ to be truly representative of the areas they work in, and meet race equality targets."
The report says the service offered by Constructionline should be evaluated regularly to assess if it is meeting equal opportunities criteria. It notes that only contractors that accept the Respect for People code should qualify for registered social landlords' tender lists.
A Capita spokesperson said Constructionline did take equal opportunities seriously but could not make it a pre-qualification criterion for legal reasons. She said the Local Government Act and European law restricted what could be asked.
The report coincides with figures released by Capita, the Constructionline operator, which reveal growing interest in the service. It is understood to have signed up its first two major contractors.
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