Environmental, social and governance

Environmental criteria considers how we use energy and manage our environmental impact, with factors including:

• Energy Efficiency: Retrofits with the aim of increasing the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) or Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) rating to C or above.
• Climate Change and Carbon Emissions: Adherence to the Sovini Group Carbon Reduction and Environmental Management Strategy and reporting on regulated emissions.
• Geographical Information System (GIS) Mapping: Utilising GIS mapping to analyse data from our areas/estates, enabling us to proactively address environmental risks.
• Waste Management: Recycling of materials through our in-house supplier, Sovini Waste Solutions.

Social criteria examines how we foster our people and culture, and how that has a ripple effect on our broader community. Factors include:

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Promoting a workplace that embraces and values diversity across all dimensions (gender, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, disability, etc.).
• Employee Engagement: Creating a positive and supportive work environment that motivates and empowers employees.
• Customer Satisfaction: Prioritising customer satisfaction through excellent service delivery and addressing customer concerns effectively. This includes:
  • TSMs (Team Support Managers): Providing ongoing support and guidance to teams.
  • Customer Satisfaction Surveys: Regularly gathering and analysing customer feedback.
  • Ombudsman Service: Offering an independent and impartial service to resolve customer complaints.
• Community Relations:
  • Social Value Activities: Actively engaging in community initiatives, such as Christmas pallet donations and other charitable endeavours.
  • Financial Inclusion: Supporting customers facing financial hardship through dedicated Financial Inclusion Officers.
• Community Relations: Building and maintaining strong relationships with local communities.

Governance criteria considers our internal practices and procedures, creates transparency and ensures we adhere to industry best practice with factors including:

Leadership & Governance:

• Board Composition: Ensuring a diverse and skilled board with appropriate expertise.
• Executive Compensation: Fair and transparent remuneration practices aligned with performance and company values.
• Leadership: Strong and ethical leadership demonstrating integrity and commitment to good governance.

Risk Management & Control:

• Risk Management Framework: A robust system for identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks.
• Internal Controls: Effective internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure the accuracy of financial reporting.
• Risk and Audit Committee: An independent committee overseeing risk management and internal audit functions.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Regulator of Social Housing: Adherence to regulatory requirements, particularly G1 and V1 standards.
  NHF Code of Governance: Compliance with the National Housing Federation’s Code of Governance.

Ethical Conduct:

• Bribery and Corruption: Zero-tolerance for bribery and corruption, with robust anti-bribery and anti-corruption policies in place.

Social & Ethical Considerations:

• Equality & Diversity: Promoting equality and diversity throughout the organisation.
• Modern Slavery: Adherence to the Modern Slavery Act and commitment to ethical supply chains.
• Real Living Wage Employer: Paying all employees at least the Real Living Wage.
  Staff Wellbeing: Prioritising staff health and wellbeing through initiatives such as health and wellbeing programmes.
• Professional Development: Investing in the professional development of staff.

Supplier Engagement:

• Approved Supplier Process: A robust process for selecting and managing suppliers.
• Social Value Framework: Integrating social value considerations into all procurement decisions.

Our Net-zero Carbon Commitment

As part of The Sovini Group, our Environmental Strategy and Net-zero Carbon Commitment campaign is now in action to reduce the Group’s environmental impact. Visit our Net-zero Carbon Commitment page to learn more.

Social Value

We are central to the creation of thriving, inclusive communities across the region, but our role doesn’t stop there! Our dedicated Stakeholder Engagement Team works hard to support local volunteering and community groups to achieve their goals each year. See our annual Social Value report.

Value for money (VfM)

Through the collaboration and innovation of our people, from colleagues and customers to our supply chain, we have developed a robust strategic plan to achieve value for money and excellence in the services we offer. See our annual Value for Money report

Our homes

In 2023/24, 100% of our homes met the Government’s Decent Homes Standard and had valid Gas Safety Certificates.

Management systems

Our management systems are UKAS accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 standards.