The priority for Clarion Housing Group during the coronavirus outbreak is to do everything we can to keep our residents and staff safe.
If you are a Clarion resident, please read our latest update and guidance to you on our dedicated residents' website.
Clare Miller, Group Chief Executive: “However long the public health crisis lasts, Clarion will stand by our staff, provide extra support to our residents in greatest need and continue to build desperately-needed affordable housing.”
Helping our residents
Regular updates are given to our residents about our efforts to keep them safe and ensure their services are as uninterrupted as possible. We have continued to carry out repairs and conduct fire risk assessments, as well as caretaking services and cleaning in communal areas.
We have also made more than 80,000 phone calls to our 12,000 residents over the age of 70, to check how they are doing and provide extra help and support where it is needed.
Our charitable foundation, Clarion Futures, is providing grants to community groups to tackle hardship caused by Covid-19. And since March this year Clarion Futures has helped find jobs and apprenticeships for more than 400 residents.
Clarion colleagues have gone above and beyond to support their community, including making free face shields for local key workers. You can read their story and many others here.
Supporting our staff
All our office based teams, including our call centres, were able to work from when lockdown was introduced. We provided equipment and training to enable thousands of staff to work remotely.
Our protocols to protect the safety of staff are kept under constant review.
We also have trained Mental Health First Aiders are available for anyone who may need extra support during what is an unprecedented and stressful time.
A strong financial foundation
Our response to the threat of Covid-19 is underpinned by firm financial foundations – in 2019/20 our operating surplus increased to £293million and our turnover rose to £842m.
We have contingency plans if the pandemic results in reductions in house sales and delays to housing developments.
And we are trying to prevent tenants falling behind with rent by helping them manage their money, claim benefits they may be entitled to, and find jobs if they are out of work.
Clare Miller, Group Chief Executive: “Our commitment to long-term financial planning has left us in a strong position to do what matters most, to support our staff and residents through this pandemic and beyond.”