Creating Lasting Value Through Our Contracts
At Clarion, we put residents at the heart of everything we do. We believe that the contracts we enter should deliver more than just goods, works and services. Each contract is an opportunity to create additional social, economic or environmental benefits for residents and communities. This is referred to as “social value”.
Making a difference in our communities
When we invest in our homes, we want that investment to benefit the wider community too. Social value helps us create opportunities for residents and local people, from jobs and training to supporting community projects and local organisations.
As the UK’s largest social landlord, we spend more than £1 billion each year with our suppliers. We want this investment to make a positive, lasting difference to the people and communities we serve.
How we create social value
We work with our partners and local communities to create opportunities and make a lasting difference. Through Clarion Futures and our supply chain, this includes:
- Jobs, training and skills opportunities
- Supporting local community projects
- Helping residents get online and build digital skills
- Improving community spaces and green areas
- Volunteering and community events
- Supporting longer-term community programmes
Watch our short video to find out more about social value in our projects.
Social Value across our Partnership
Our Asset Investment Partnership consists of five supply chain partners delivering multi-decade contracts in planned investment and major reactive works. Delivering services across Clarion properties nationwide allows them to scale the impact of their social value activities, while the long-term nature of their contracts means they can adopt a tailored, place-based approach, ensuring outcomes reflect local needs.
Read about how our Asset Investment Partners are creating opportunities, supporting residents, and delivering lasting impact in our communities
Axis Social Value Project | Manchester
Bringing Collin Avenue allotments back to life
We worked with Axis to transform a disused allotment in Collin Avenue, Manchester. As part of their social value commitment, they created raised vegetable beds, a small orchard and wildlife-friendly areas.
The new community garden has brought the space back into use, giving residents somewhere to enjoy the outdoors, connect with others and grow their own food while learning about sustainability.
Equans Social Value Project | Wisbech
Creating opportunities for Mums in Wisbech
Cristina was juggling two low-paid jobs alongside childcare when she found a Resident Liaison Officer role with Equans through our social value programme.
With support from Clarion Futures to build her confidence and prepare for interview, Cristina secured the role. She now has greater financial stability, a better work-life balance and the opportunity to grow her career.
Wates Social Value Project | Haringey
Supporting a career in Sustainability
After being out of work for 10 years following an injury, Reinaldo was keen to get back into work and find a career that reflected his passion for sustainability and protecting the planet. However, the training he needed was out of reach financially.
Through WPS’s social value commitment, Reinaldo was able to complete the training and gain the qualifications he needed. He has since secured a permanent role as a Domestic Retrofit Energy Assessor, turning his passion into a new career.
Watch Reinaldo’s story to find out more.
Cardo Social Value Project | Plymouth
Creating a space for sport and community
Tamar Saracens is a much-loved grassroots rugby club in Plymouth, bringing local people together through sport. When financial pressures made it difficult to improve their facilities, Cardo Group stepped in to help.
Together, they upgraded the changing rooms, showers and communal areas and created a new physio room. A donated cabin was also transformed into a tuck shop.
The improvements have created a more welcoming space for everyone, encouraging young people to get involved and helping the club build a stronger future
United Infrastructure Social Value Project | Snodland
Turning an unused space into a community hub.
An unused public toilet block in Snodland had become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour. Working together, United Infrastructure, Clarion and Snodland Town Council saw an opportunity to give the space a new purpose.
Through volunteer time and refurbishment works, the building has been transformed into a welcoming community hub, offering food support, housing, welfare and financial advice.
Residents can now access valuable support closer to home, creating a positive new space for the local community.
United Infrastructure Social Value Project | Penge
Opening doors to new careers in Penge
United Infrastructure is helping residents in Penge explore new career opportunities through its Customer Service Workshop. The sessions introduce residents to the role of a Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) and what it’s like to work in construction.
Residents learn about customer service and interview skills, with the chance to practise through mock interviews. For some, the workshop can be the first step towards a work placement or a new career.
Creating Employment Through Our Projects
United Infrastructure partnered with Clarion to deliver a two-day Resident Liaison Officer workshop at the Hawthorn Centre in Penge. The programme introduced local candidates to the RLO role, customer service, sustainability and employability skills, including CV writing and interview preparation. The workshop concluded with individual interviews, providing a direct pathway into work experience and employment opportunities. This initiative demonstrates how major works can create meaningful opportunities for local residents.