More than £10 million in social value generated by partners and contractors in 2021/22
As the largest social landlord in the country, Clarion Housing Group is in a unique position to use its buying power to leverage social value from its supply chain, working with partners to transform lives and make a difference in our communities.
Clarion’s approach to procurement is to maximise social value delivered through supply chains, achieving greater economic, social and environmental benefits for the communities in which contracts are delivered.
Working with partners enables the delivery of a broad range of social value initiatives in line with the priorities and objectives of the Group’s charitable foundation, Clarion Futures. These include the provision of employment and apprenticeship opportunities for Clarion residents, investing funds to improve community facilities, and volunteering time to support community projects or to help residents get online.
In 2021/22, this activity generated £10.8 million in social value*, including the delivery of 127 apprenticeships, helping young people to take their first step on the career ladder within the construction industry. In addition, 463 people have completed accredited training to help them gain new skills and find employment. In the coming year the training offer will expand, opening up opportunities outside of construction to prepare candidates to go into a wider variety of roles.
One example of this is on the Sherwood Close regeneration project in West Ealing where contractor Durkan has provided a wide range of employment opportunities for local people. Kyle has recently embarked on a three-year Quantity Surveying apprenticeship, funded by Durkan, having had an interest in construction from a young age. He believes passionately that apprenticeships are the best route to a career in this industry and feels incredibly lucky and proud to work in his local area.
Kyle said:
“Ever since I was 16, I started to really notice buildings go up around me in my local area and I was fascinated by how it happened. When I looked into the construction sector, I realised that it was in desperate need of new employees and from then on, it was a bit of a no-brainer for me to go after a job in the industry.”
In addition to employment-related activity, partners and contractors have invested more than £170,000 to improve facilities in Clarion communities. £203,000 has been donated to support community projects, and more than £28,000 has been donated towards digital devices as part of a loan scheme that offers residents a lifeline by connecting them to jobs and training opportunities, as well as to family and friends.
Phil Miles, Director of Clarion Futures, said:
“At Clarion we are committed to driving positive impact through every pound we spend, and we work with suppliers who share our values and goals.
“We’re proud to have worked with our partners and contractors to deliver more than £10 million in social value over the last year, and would like to say a special thank you to our three planned investment contractors, EQUANS, Wates and United Living, who have gone above and beyond to support our work. Together we can achieve more, increasing the opportunities available to Clarion residents and communities.”
Julian Sanz, Social Value Manager at EQUANS, said:
“It has been great to be able to deliver some life changing social value this past year, from community venue refurbishments, volunteer days and digital inclusion training to employability training, apprenticeships and job creation – it really has been non-stop. The partnership continues to go from strength to strength, delivering social value and outcomes that are targeting the areas that are important to local communities, and we’re excited to see what we can all achieve in the coming year.”
*Social value is calculated using the HACT (Housing Associations Charitable Trust) Social Value Bank.