In compliance with the standard, we have just published our fifth ESG report covering the year ending March 2026. If you wish to have a copy of the excel spreadsheet which accompanies the report, please email marketing@communityhousing.co.uk.
This year's report provides us with a position statement of where we are with ESG and, having assessed the business against the 46 criteria, gives a baseline position and gap analysis.
We recognise that ESG and adopting the SRSSH involves a journey and we are improving, year by year. We have in place an ESG Working Group made up of Heads of Service across the business with the support of the Executive Management Team and the Board to move forward with our approach to ESG and reporting
We have been improving methods for data collection and measurement of those criteria that we have not previously measured and establishing a baseline for carbon reporting with the assistance of a specialist advisor.
During 2022-23 we launched our People Strategy and our Customer Strategy both of which drive and provide direction to our approach on ESG.
Our ESG Strategy is tied in with the future years objectives contained in our 2024-27 Corporate Plan.
This year's report continues to build the baseline position of where we are in relation to ESG. It shows we have strong foundations, particularly in relation to governance and social themes which are highlighted in the report and we are looking to build on these through the future years of our Corporate Plan and through continuous improvement. It also highlights areas where we are at the start of our journey, particularly around measurement of some of the environmental criteria. It highlights our responses to the cost of living crisis and the work we have done to assist our customers during what is a difficult period, as well as the governance changes we have made to safeguard the businesses financial position whilst increasing our customer focus and involvement.
Our ESG Working Group are developing our ESG strategy and action plan using this year's report as a baseline. It will take into account the targets within the Corporate Plan including our cost of living addendum, our new strategies for our people, and our customers and will be developed in tandem with the Environmental Strategy which is currently being written. We recognise the challenges of achieving a minimum EPC rating of C by 2030 and net zero by 2050 particularly in the current climate with the cost of living crisis and recession creating pressure on our customers, colleagues and the financial plan.
We are in the early stages of our ESG journey, and we will involve the Board, Executive Management and Leadership Teams, all our colleagues, customers and other stakeholders to embed it into our business.
