Creating thriving communities
Our social purpose is at the heart of everything we do which is why we invest money in training, employment support and community projects, to support residents in the communities we work in.
We continue to run our Worksmart training and employment referral service and have introduced a new grant to fund construction training courses for residents. And with all the changes to the benefits system as result of Universal Credit, our Welfare Advice Team has also continued to help residents who are affected.
£2m
recovered in unclaimed benefits by our Welfare Advice Team
28
residents signed up to Worksmart
Improving job prospects for people in our communities
Through our Worksmart training and employment referral service, we support our residents to achieve their goals such as looking for a job, changing career or looking for training opportunities. We work with agencies to deliver one to one support, CV advice and employability skills and job seeking sessions. We also job match and promote suitable training for residents on a weekly basis. This year, 28 residents signed up for Worksmart.
In December 2019 we started using Slenky, an online platform for young people between 13 to 23 years old to access training, careers and networking opportunities. We’re using the platform to list all our opportunities at Network Homes and with our contractors.
All residents can access employment and training opportunities through our Building Futures Grant, which provides residents with funding for construction training courses.
Worksmart highlights in 2019/20
20+
residents accessed construction training
3
residents gained Level 3 construction qualifications and above
17
residents completed work experience
12
residents completed Level 1 Health and Safety Qualification
£20k
was invested into our local communities through our Building Futures Grant Programme to help residents gain qualifications in the construction sector.
8
workshops held at different schemes
8
jobs offered to residents including 4 through contractors Oakray
Meet Jonathan
Network Homes’ apprenticeship scheme has given a Wembley resident the keys to a successful housing career.
Jonathan Bussette is now giving the keys to prospective tenants thanks to his new role of Voids and Lettings Administrator at Network Homes. Chuffed Jonathan ‘loves’ his job and has praised the apprenticeship scheme for giving him the skills to ‘get on’.
Supporting residents with their tenancy
One of our core duties as a social housing provider is to support our residents to live comfortably in their homes. Many of our residents have continued to experience challenges with Universal Credit and this year our Welfare Advice Team have helped people to claim over £2m in benefits during the year.
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic our partnership working with local authorities, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), charities and food banks has increased dramatically. The Welfare team has registered for foodbank vouchers, allowing us to support residents who are experiencing financial difficulties and have no food.