Here’s the latest news, and the latest views about community investment across the UK.

Geographic networks update

The Centre has been busy setting up geographic networks across England. Here’s an update on what networks have been set up so far, which have held their first meetings, and which networks are soon to be established.

Updates from first North West network meeting

The first North West network meeting in Manchester brought together 32 people from 20 different housing associations across the local area. Sarah Kleuter, Centre’s Network Lead for the North West of England, told us about some of the key outcomes.

Geographic networks update

Updates from first North West network meeting

Researching housing and community investment

An interview with Professor Anne Power, Head of LSE Housing and Communities, discussing research into housing and community investment. [video width="640" height="360"...

The Scottish employment scheme helping hundreds into work

Employment scheme Wheatley Works is just over a year old and already it has created nearly 800 jobs and training opportunities in Scotland’s most deprived communities. Here’s their story so far.

Jobs in a Box: Dressing up with a difference

A dressing up box that teaches primary school children about different roles in housing will soon be piloted at three primary schools in the South West. Could this be a solution to the housing sector’s recruitment problems?

One year on: Sport

Last summer, amidst the world cup frenzy, Frances Harkin wrote about the role HACT was playing in building bridges between social housing providers and sports organisations. Here we reflect on her thoughts a few months on.

One year on: Developing insight

Here we reflect on HACT Chief Executive Andrew Van Doorn’s blog in which he outlined the third pillar of the Centre for Excellence in Community investment: insight. Originally published in October 2018, his words are still relevant a year on.

One year on: Local issues, local solutions

We look back at a blog written by Ian Wardle, a member of the Great Places Commission, and Group Chief Executive at Thirteen Group, about the special role Housing Associations can play as organisations in tune with local issues, and how they can contribute to creating ‘great places’.

One year on: Financial stability

We take a look back at HACT’s head of social value James Williams wrote a blog on financial stability.

The Centre one year on: Where have we come from and where are we going?

The Centre for Community Investment is celebrating its first birthday. And after one year in operation, there is lots to shout about. Here we take a look back at some of our best blogs this year.

Left behind: understanding communities on the edge

How OCSI have developed quantitative measures to understand left behind communities

Creating great places means sharing resources and power with residents

As housing associations, we already make a difference day in day out, but could we do more to help the communities we serve?

Initial reflections on the research symposium

Thank you to everyone who attended our first research symposium event in Manchester yesterday (18 July). It was an excellent, insightful and stimulating day.

Driving community investment

Our approach to social value is simple: it’s about making a positive difference to the communities we serve.

The poverty premium

Say the term “poverty premium” to people and many won’t know what it is. But when you use the “Boots Theory” to describe it, then it makes complete sense.

Taking the first steps

I don’t think there’s ever been a more important or pressing time for housing associations to breathe life into their social purpose and step up to the community plate.

The benefits of community investment

Sovereign recently committed to triple its investment in communities. This step change in investment was won off the track record set by our work in our priority communities, and the fantastic results our employment and training service deliver.

Learning from history

The Welsh Government’s rent settlement announcement at the beginning of the year was greeted with dismay by many social housing providers in Wales. It has already resulted in many assessing cost-cutting strategies, and may result in a significant reduction in community investement activities by some Welsh housing associations.

A new funding opportunity

Last week, I attended an interesting event to showcase the Community Impact Partnership, a £3m social investment fund run by Clarion, Peabody L&Q and Orbit. The programme provides an alternative option to traditional models of funding by offering a blend of grants and loan of between £25,000 and £150,000 to community businesses, social enterprises and charities.

The view from Bristol

We wrapped up our tour of Centre for Excellence Roadshows in Bristol last week, at the rather brilliant Armada Rooms. The conversation was lively with attendees coming from as far apart as Plymouth and Newcastle, and it was nice to see a few familiar faces.

The view from Cardiff

Yesterday I was invited to a workshop in Cardiff being run by Barry and Adam from HACT to develop the Centre for Excellence in Community Investment. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect…

The devil is in the detail

Following the budget announcements last week we welcomed the top level announcement on the additional support and funding for Universal Credit roll out. With 61% of customers in receipt of Universal Credit in arrears, Orbit have been actively looking at how we support customers and are successfully reducing levels of arrears.

The view from Glasgow

Sure enough, Kevin from CoControl was true to his promise, turning up at his third consecutive roadshow. Despite being warned by Barry that all the roadshows follow the same format, Kevin was no doubt conscious there are regional and national differences that emerge through the discussions we have at roadshows. Glasgow proved to be no different.

The view from Birmingham

As we continue our journey around the UK to talk with community investment colleagues to shape the Centre for Excellence, some of our intended outcomes are already being realised (albeit in a small way!).

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Our funders

The Centre for Excellence in Community Investment is supported by:

HACT

The Centre for Excellence in Community Investment is an initiative from HACT, UK housing’s ideas and innovation agency.

If you need help in developing a community investment strategy, measuring your social value or demonstrating the business case for community investment, please contact us.

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49-51 East Road
London N1 6AH