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"What people do outside of the business is up to them – it's about ensuring that they deliver business for you through a behavioural change."

Cox was speaking at the launch of the race and housing inquiry's draft code of practice for RSLs, at the National Housing Federation conference.

It places the onus on associations to illustrate that black and minority ethnic tenants are actively involved in service planning, delivery and performance reviews.

Associations will also be expected to show that the views of their BME tenants are reflected in their business plans, and report annually on how their needs are being met.

In keeping with housing minister Lord Falconer's view that more existing associations should bid in the stock transfer process, the code urges mainstream RSLs to work in partnership with their BME counterparts in the transfer process to ensure the community needs are met.

Associations are urged to monitor equality through tenant feedback; staff forums; surveys of partners and meetings with local BME landlords.

Annual reports on moves towards the panel's findings could be required.

Speaking from the floor, Alistair Hall of Western Challenge Housing Association said it took the RSL at least two years to begin to put a race strategy together.

It will probably take associations at least five years to fully implement a race strategy, he added.

But Housing Corporation chief executive Norman Perry said the panel realised the situation will take longer than a week or a year to change.

Jim Coulter, federation chief executive, said: "Integration of this issue into organisations is where it will get itself embedded. What is different is that there is a clear commitment by the Housing Corporation that race equality is a critical part of the business plan."

Delegates called on both the corporation and the federation to encourage more associations to enter into partnerships. And others wanted intensive training for frontline staff.