Social value
Making communities. Making Vistry.
Building diverse communities are a vital part of making Vistry. This means creating plenty of local economic opportunities and making sure people have homes where they can live healthy, happy and sustainable lives. It’s an important responsibility and one we’re proud to have, which is why our Social Value strategy supports and strengthens our objectives for local and wider community needs. We’re passionate about making a difference across our 4 key pillars of Social Value; Community Engagement, Employment and Skills, Health and Wellbeing and Environmental Wellbeing.
Social cohesion - community engagement
We’re proud to create new communities and enhance and develop the existing neighbourhoods we work in. We invest in diverse and inclusive community networks and use our skills and expertise to address local issues and facilitate social innovation. We want to leave a lasting legacy.
Black History Month
We supported and sponsored Kaleidoscope, Notting Hill Genesis and Southwark Council with their Black History Event. More than 600 people attended, and we celebrated the diversity of the area and the rich heritage of local people.
North East Garden Makeovers
We helped two partially sighted veterans in Redcar & Cleveland with garden improvements, including brightly coloured plants, wind chimes and heightened visual stimuli to add to the sensory experience.
School Activity
72 students from the local SEN school, West Lea, were tasked with redeveloping a fictional area from scratch with guidance from Bryn Parker (Social Value Manager) and Craig Rought (Associate Development Director). They had input at all stages and the final designs, created by landscape architects, were theirs to keep.
Economic inclusion - employment & skills
We contribute to local economic growth by supporting local businesses, investing in infrastructure and improving employment prospects for local people. Creating these job opportunities is fundamental to our recruitment and our procurement strategy.
Partnerships Plus Skills Academies
Targeting students, young people not in education employment or training (NEET), and the long-term unemployed, we deliver training, mentoring and engagement at our on-site hubs, in classrooms and practical working spaces. Working in collaboration with local colleges, job centres, social enterprises, charities and local construction groups, we’ve supported more than 600 learners, with over 150 going into full-time employment.
Careers Fairs
Alongside our partners, which include Building Plymouth, Exeter Works, The Princes Trust and many more, we host and attend careers fairs around the country to showcase construction and the opportunities available in our industry.
Supporting Women in Construction
At the Women in Housing Awards 2019, we won Communications Team of the Year! We attend and sponsor the Inspire Summit in Manchester and support the Inspiring Girls Initiative in Devon.
Open Doors
Coordinated by Build UK in partnership with the Construction Industry Training Board, Open Doors gives children, students and career changers an opportunity to learn about our industry and inspire their future careers.
Health & wellbeing
We’re committed to positively impacting resident and employee mental and physical health. We want to reduce health inequalities.
Mental Health First Aiders
We have trained more than 100 Mental Health First Aiders, and alongside our teams, we continue to raise awareness and do more to remove the stigma surrounding mental health.
London Marathon 2021
Countryside Partnerships CEO Stephen Teagle, Countryside Partnerships London Lewis Claxton-Teagle, Countryside Partnerships East Midlands Andrew Handslip and Vistry East Midlands Neil Kendrick all ran and completed the London Marathon raising more than £25,000 for charity.
Current Charity Partners
Since 2021, Papyrus has been our Charity of the Year. To date, we have raised more than £86,000 for them.
Environmental wellbeing
We aim to build resilient communities that unlock growth in the green economy, regenerate ecosystems and enable people to interact with the natural world. We work closely with our Sustainability colleagues to be aware and mindful of the link between social value and sustainability.
Sustainability Strategy & New Environment Act
Every site will complete the new Vistry Biodiversity Action Plan - 25% by 2022 and 100% of our sites by 2025.
Bat Conservation Trust
Our pledge exceeds £30,000 in donations over the next three years to aid the Trust with its operations.
Supply Chain Sustainability School
The resources available in the school help educate our workforce about all aspects of sustainability.
Pollinate in Partnerships
Countryside Partnerships are proud business supporters of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust (BBCT).
Plus more
We don’t stop there. We’re active with Wild Flower Planting Days, Nature Treasure Hunts, Net Zero Carbon School Education, Hedgehog Highways, Bat Boxes and Bird Nesting Bricks.
Find out how you could help make Vistry. Search our current vacancies.
