Karbon lays foundations for community change

A North East housing association has delivered significant community impact through its social value programme.

Karbon Homes has invested £2.8 million into social value activity across the North East and Yorkshire, working with 47 contractors and suppliers to support local people and projects.

The organisation matched a record number of commitments to community initiatives during the 2024/25 financial year and published a report detailing the results.

A new social value lead has helped refine Karbon’s approach, introducing a refreshed measurement framework and ensuring outcomes align more closely with its wider strategy, particularly around employment and wellbeing.

Philip Pollard, assistant director of customer and community engagement at Karbon Homes, said: “Social value is a key part of our procurement activity, using the returns we get from our contracts and suppliers to create valuable, often life changing opportunities for our customers and communities. 

“From helping residents find jobs to improving local spaces and supporting essential services, our programme really helps us go beyond just cash value. 

“It’s about people, futures, and real-life impact.” 

Jess Alexander, social value lead at Karbon Homes, added: “At Karbon we believe in creating strong, thriving communities, and it’s fantastic to be able to utilise social value commitments to bring real benefits to people’s lives. 

“I’ve loved being able to work with our contractors and suppliers to find ways they can make a lasting difference to our customers lives. 

“The resounding feedback is gratitude for our support through the process, helping them support projects that empowering people, strengthening communities, and providing crucial support to those who need it most.” 

One standout initiative sees Karbon partner with the Greggs Foundation, using commitments from suppliers Jewson, CEF and Wolseley to fund eleven primary school breakfast clubs across the region.

The £60,000 investment is part of its wider approach to combating the cost-of-living crisis, affecting many families across the region. 

Consett resident Edward Baker has benefited from the breakfast club at The Grove Primary School, not only as a parent with children attending, but also as a member of the school’s teaching staff. 

He added: “The club is fantastic not just for the kids, but for the parents. 

“I have to get to work first thing and without this before school provision, I’d be at risk of not getting to work on time. 

“My eldest does struggle when he first comes into school, but I find that having him come in that bit earlier to have breakfast helps him settle down and as a result his behaviour is a bit better. 

“It’s a big bonus for us. 

“It also means that I don’t need to worry about breakfast mid-week. 

“I know the school’s going to have it sorted. 

“It’s perfect, everything in a nice little package.” 

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