Clarion marks £1bn in social value generated as it publishes Making a Difference report
Clarion Housing Group has published its annual Making a Difference report setting out performance against a range of ESG measures as the UK’s largest housing association marks its 125th anniversary.
In the last financial year, Clarion has reached a major milestone with more than £1bn in social value* generated. And this is in no small part due to the work of its charitable foundation, Clarion Futures, which delivers one of the largest social investment programmes in the UK.
Alongside facts and figures about emission reductions and progress against sustainability targets, the report features the stories of people living in Clarion communities who have benefited from the organisation’s work to boost energy efficiency and nature recovery, as well as the support offered to residents.
Since 2016, through Clarion Futures, almost 70,000 people have been supported into employment and training. This year, the organisation has increased its efforts on getting people into green jobs, providing opportunities for residents whilst helping to tackle the skills shortages which threaten to curtail its retrofit ambitions and delivery.
Reinaldo's story
Reinaldo is one of almost 450 people supported into green jobs during the year. After a decade of unemployment following a serious back injury, today Reinaldo is working as a Retrofit and Domestic Energy Assessor, helping to improve the energy efficiency of homes and make them fit for the future.
Reinaldo said:
“After years of treatment for my back injury, following successful surgery, I was left thinking ‘so what’s next?’ I’d been out of work for 10 years, and worries about my age and gaps in my CV were weighing heavy on my mind. In my time out, I developed a real interest in the environment and decided that I wanted to find a job that aligned with my values and would contribute to tackling the climate crisis.
“That’s why when I saw the opportunity to train to become a retrofit assessor thanks to Clarion Futures, I jumped at the chance. The training was intense, but the support I’ve received has been incredible. It’s been a massive learning curve getting back into work, but now with my qualifications and experience, I have lots of pathways open to me.”
During the year the Group also announced a new project as part of its major partnership with Octopus Energy. Building on work to create the first ‘Zero Bills’ homes in the UK available through affordable rent and shared ownership, this year the two organisations teamed up to retrofit ten 1950s Clarion homes in Kent with cutting-edge technology to make them eligible for Octopus’ innovative ‘Zero Bills’ tariff.
This is all part of Clarion’s commitment to enabling healthier, warmer homes which are more energy efficient, ensuring residents experience the benefits of the transition to net zero. This approach is set out in the organisation’s Climate Transition Plan published in May after 18 months of baselining, stakeholder engagement and collaboration, which sets ambitious targets alongside tangible actions to reduce environmental impact.
Our strategic priorities
Looking at other strategic priorities, during 2024/5 Clarion Housing Group:
- Built 1,727 new homes with 83% for affordable tenures;
- Supported 1,505 people into work, including 151 apprenticeships;
- Helped 5,423 households with bespoke money guidance and energy advice;
- Invested £22m in measures to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes, with 75% now at EPC C or above;
- Awarded £1,144,739 in grants to organisations supporting Clarion residents and communities.
Clare Miller, Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group, said:
“As we mark our 125th anniversary, I’m proud to play my part in ensuring Clarion can continue making a difference for generations to come. This year we’ve reached a major milestone of £1bn in social value generated and behind that are real lives changed for the better, which is what drives me every day.
“We know the road ahead isn’t simple, with rising costs and growing demands, but our focus is clear: working with partners and government to turn ambition into action. Change won’t happen overnight, but we’re here for the long run – sharing what we learn and showing how sustainability and social impact can make a difference in everyday life.”
*Social value is calculated using the HACT (Housing Associations' Charitable Trust) Social Value Bank.