The council’s programmes have seen thousands of new homes being delivered and improved, thanks to the hard work of local apprentices and others
Greenwich has made substantial progress in its social value initiatives, creating nearly 1,000 hours of employment support and over 35 new jobs for local residents. This achievement is part of the borough’s £430 million investment aimed at improving council homes and constructing 1,750 new homes for those on the housing register.
Working closely with contractors, the council ensures that these projects not only provide essential housing but also contribute to the local community through various social value initiatives. These include new job opportunities, apprenticeships, work experience placements, refurbishment of community spaces, and support for community projects through donations and volunteering.
Pat Slattery, Cabinet Member for Housing, Neighbourhoods and Homelessness, highlighted the importance of these efforts: “As well as delivering much-needed improvements so that residents can have safe and secure homes, we’ve also made sure that local people are benefitting from the skills, resources and access to opportunities that our contractors can provide. This includes new jobs, work experience opportunities and access to qualifications, all of which can make a significant difference to the lives of local people and create lasting change in our neighbourhoods.”
The council’s programmes have seen thousands of new homes being delivered and improved, thanks to the hard work of local apprentices, work experience participants, and fully employed residents working alongside contractors across the borough.
One such beneficiary is Aura Abasse, an 18-year-old studying for T-Levels at Shooter’s Hill College. Aura completed a two-week work experience placement with the council’s kitchen and bathroom contractor, Mulalley, last November. Reflecting on his experience, Aura said: “During my work experience, I gained on-site experience, met new people, and learned about the roles of assistant site managers, project managers, and quantity surveyors. I also participated in validation checks to see if residents’ kitchens and bathrooms met the requirements for refurbishment. This experience was incredibly beneficial, and I hope to pursue a career in mechanical or electrical engineering in the future.”
Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, reiterated the council’s commitment to strengthening communities: “At Greenwich, we are dedicated to providing our residents with opportunities for employment and training. Social value enables us to use our contracts to achieve more for Greenwich. It allows us to build not just infrastructure and provide services, but to create an environment where residents and infrastructure can thrive.”
To date, the council has delivered social value across a range of activities, including, 922 hours of employment support; 59 weeks of work experience; 37 jobs for local people in the construction sector; 37 apprenticeships; 53 hours of engagement with schools for young people.
Community spaces have also benefited from these initiatives, with refurbishments including, The Middle Park Community Centre, refurbished by AXIS; The Long Lane FC Clubhouse, refurbished by United Living; An upcoming kitchen refurbishment of the Somali Teaching Group in Woolwich, to be undertaken by Mulalley.
Additionally, the Adolescent Assessment Resource and Residential Centre, a children’s care home, received a garden makeover by Elkins Construction, Blakeney Leigh, and Durkan Homes. A ‘secret garden’ was also created at James Wolfe Primary School by Blakeney Leigh.
These efforts demonstrate Greenwich’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through meaningful social value initiatives. By integrating employment and training opportunities with housing development, the council is fostering a more resilient and empowered local community.
