Social value
Making communities. Making Vistry.
Social value goes beyond simply building houses. It’s about creating positive social, environmental, and economic benefits for the communities where our homes are built. This holistic approach ensures that new developments contribute to a thriving and sustainable future. We have embedded social value into our group Sustainability strategy which focuses on the creation of placemaking, enhancing nature and increasing employment, skills & opportunities, creating a legacy within communities and most of all creating places people love.
At Vistry we have broken social value down into 4 core pillars: health & wellbeing, environmental wellbeing, community engagement and employment, skills and opportunities. Each pillar represents an area of social value in which we can support the communities and places that we work in, and with, daily.
Social cohesion - community engagement
At Vistry, we invest in diverse and inclusive community networks and leverage our skills and expertise to address local issues and facilitate social innovation. We achieve this is by working with residents beyond in consultations, empowering local voices and engaging with local stakeholders, investing in infrastructure, and creating mixed-income developments all with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Community Canteen and Food Bus
At Clapham Park we are collaborating with our joint venture partner to deliver Be Enriched, a local initiative, aimed at supporting residents’ financial resilience and providing a warm space and a meal in the local community centre.
Community Restoration project
Vistry Cotswolds recognise the important part Gloucester Aircraft Company has played in their local area both as an aircraft manufacturer and employer, and have therefore had a commemorative mosaic restored and plaque added to one of our residential streets in Hucclecote.
Community Donations
Amongst many donations by Vistry in 2023 we saw Vistry Cornwall South West donate old PPE to HMP resettlement institutions as part of a local initiative, A Strategy for Progress and Support. The aim of the initiative is to provide resources to support progression into employment and help reduce reoffending rates.
Economic inclusion - employment, skills & opportunities
We contribute to local economic growth by supporting local businesses, investing in infrastructure, and improving employment prospects for local people. We provide employment opportunities for businesses local to our developments, as well as creating opportunities for apprenticeships and further training, including pre employment support through our Vistry Plus onsite Skills Academies. Vistry are invested in developing the work force of the future through engagement with schools, colleges and universities and encouraging innovation and collaboration across the housebuilding sector.
Vistry Plus Skills Academies
Targeting students, young people not in education employment or training (NEET), armed forces veterans and career changers (after 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. In 2023 we saw 299 learners complete courses across our academies.
Careers Fairs
We attend many careers fairs around the country, engaging with students of all ages providing them with valuable insights into the diverse opportunities we have available, including working within our supply chain and highlighting any work experience possibilities, especially for those exploring Tlevels as their next steps.
Site Visits
60 Year four pupils from a local primary school visited our site at Seymour Place, Undy to see what was being built in their local area and to find out more about the housebuilding process. Getting on site 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.
Sports clubs
Across Vistry we support many local clubs through volunteering and donations. In South Kilburn we have partnered with the charity Box up Crime to provide an annual programme of free boxing classes, schools outreach and mentoring support, for children and young people aged 7 to 19. In 2023, 156 hours of free boxing was provided.
Valuing our workforce
At our Sandymoor Extra Care development we have provided fruit and breakfast onsite for all those how are working on and visiting site.
Lighthouse Club
Across the Northwest we saw 120 Vistry and Supply Chain colleagues attend sessions hosted by the Lighthouse Club, who brought their #MakeItHappen campaign to site. The Charity provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to the construction community and their families.
Environment
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.
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 the workforce about all aspects of sustainability
Pollinate in Partnerships
Vistry Group 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.
