Helping The Community And The Environment
At CCS, our operational philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that delivering outstanding services is just one facet of our responsibility. We are equally deeply committed to enhancing the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the communities we serve. This strategy outlines our dedication to creating social value, aligning with the ‘National Procurement Policy Statement’ and demonstrating our initiatives aimed at fostering local growth and sustainability.
The strategy outlines our social value activities, following the Government’s 'Social Value Model,' and explains our comprehensive initiatives aimed at fostering local growth and sustainability. We ensure we make meaningful contributions to the local community to support and enhance well-being and unity.
We will closely align our work with the five National TOMS elements.
We will support the ESG Report (Environmental Social, Governance) launched in 2022, many of our initiatives align with the priorities identified across the key sectors in the ESG 2022.
The Latest Social Values News
The CCS Social Value Committee
Our Social Value Committee, composed of key individuals including Resident Liaison Officers, our Social Value Lead, and the Customer Experience team, plays a vital role in driving our social impact agenda. By working collaboratively, the committee identifies meaningful opportunities, fosters strong community relationships, and ensures the effective delivery of our social value commitments. Their efforts help embed positive change throughout our projects, aligning with both community needs and our organisational values.
Our Clients
Our clients and customers are the most important aspect in CCS business, we dedicate ourselves to provide a tailored service delivery that meets the requirements of individual residents, including those with specific needs. We have a number of initiatives already implemented that contribute to supporting older, disabled and vulnerable people, this has resulted in a stronger community unit in the areas we work in.
We understand that government initiatives, aftereffects of the pandemic and energy tariff increases continue to impact the economy, and we are observing how the cost-of-living crisis is negatively affecting our customers. This initiated a review of social value commitments and put in place adaptable, effective targets that can support a changeable economy, but also ensure we make a meaningful impact on the lives of the residents we work with.
Donations
Donations and/or in-kind contributions to specific local community projects and volunteering to support the local community & community projects.
- Employee release community days’
- Food Banks and Pantries
- Clothes Banks
- Homeless Shelters
- Community Gardens
- Animal Shelters
Our goal is to strengthen our community by providing tools that not only support practical needs but also inspire growth, creativity, and learning for all. We plan to boost this engagement further.
CCS Targets
We aim to increase the uptake of our valuable services & community release days by 20% at each engagement event, ensuring more people discover and benefit from the support we offer by 2030.
CCS Target
Grow our ‘Volunteer Buddy Scheme’ to encompass larger charity corporations, that can help connect with local nonprofit associations, inspiring growth, creativity & learning on a broader scale.
Our Planet
Due to the nature of the business, we are taking a proactive stance on environmental challenges. By focusing on creating greener and more sustainable communities, we mitigate risks and also leverage opportunities for efficiency and cost savings. This approach enhances customer well-being and builds a positive, transparent relationship with clients and customers.
Energy Efficiency
We strive to lower energy usage in our offices and worksites by utilising energy-efficient technology and equipment.
Targets
- ‘Save Water’ & ‘Turn off the lights’ signs to be located near taps and light switches
- Reduce water usage by 5%, by use if water butts or Gravity fed rainwater systems in all offices
- We aim to remove all roof racking on vans, use ‘job-specific’ materials in vans and promote wash Wednesdays to improve fleet efficiency by 15% by 2030
- We have installed 9 more EV charging stations around the HQ offices, and we aim to install 9 more EV charging stations in the other offices around the UK by 2050
CCS Target
Divert 99% of waste from landfills by 2030 by using sustainable waste contractors.
Net-zero carbon by 2045.
Net Zero Carbon
CCS is proud to acknowledge the vital role our clients play in helping the government achieve its Net Zero targets by 2050. Our range of services is specifically designed for those who are looking for low-carbon solutions, and we are dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of decarbonisation.
Leveraging our deep expertise in the social housing sector, we are committed to collaborating with our partners to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
We believe that by leading by example and helping our clients reduce their carbon footprint, we can make a meaningful impact on the fight against climate change. Due to understanding the importance of achieving zero carbon have reduced this target date to 2045, thinking ahead and helping our clients and customers and leading by example.
Strategy
We ensure that all elements of social value are embodied and integrated effectively into our themes, which encompass the various dimensions that contribute to a well-rounded and impactful representation of our social value strategy.
At CCS, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we work and live. It’s not just a responsibility; it’s a core part of who we are.
We apply the TOMS procedure to our commitments to demonstrate our capability and resources to deliver on these assurances.
Jobs and Employment
We place a strong emphasis on continuous training and development to ensure that our staff are up to date with industry trends and best practices. This commitment to ongoing education allows us to consistently provide an excellent service to our clients.
Our recruitment process is thorough, focusing on industry experience, qualifications, and alignment with our values. We actively seek individuals who share our dedication to excellence and are excited to be part of our team.
Creating jobs and employment opportunities
Developing apprenticeships and fostering career building, promoting stronger community ties and enhancing workforce development. Apprenticeships
We strive to enhance apprenticeship programs by providing ongoing resources and support, fostering an environment of shared knowledge between employers and apprentices.
CoTrain - We will continue to collaborate with our professional specialist apprentice programme partner CoTrain, to identify training candidates and collaborate closely with local businesses and industry leaders to address skills gaps and align apprenticeship opportunities with business needs.
Supply Chain Sustainability School – We will continue to partner closely with the Supply Chain Sustainability School. We will utilise the training and resources offered, which are crucial for helping businesses stay ahead of emerging challenges.
School & Colleges
We endeavour to partner with local schools, vocational schools, and community colleges (in our service areas) to integrate training programs/courses, exclusively with us, to build on their curriculum. We want to provide students with hands-on experience while preparing them for the workforce. This approach will aim to address skills gaps but also give students early exposure to real-world opportunities in the built environment sector, promoting propitious, meaningful career opportunities.
Our initiatives extend beyond placements, with the aim of creating sustainable employment opportunities and providing the local communities with valuable experiences. We organise a number of event days and commit to increasing the number of events we facilitate.
These events include:
- Career events
- Job fairs
- Tailored workshops
- CV writing
- Job-seeking skills
CCS Target
10 apprenticeships to be employed, split over different, integral divisions in the business - Q4 2025
Training and Learning Coordinator
We're pleased to announce that CCS has now employed a Training and Learning Coordinator to mentor apprentices, holistically train engineers, H&S and site skills, assisting with career counselling and job placement, and ensuring a well-rounded support system.
Collaborating with Work-Train for funding and recruitment will strengthen the pipeline for training and job opportunities in the local community. Work train provides funding for local training for NVQs & City and Guilds, recruiting trainees, apprentices, and mature job seekers from local areas.
In-house Training
Our plan to establish a dedicated, fully equipped training facility by 2025 is a progressive advance. It will enhance our own workforce development and also provide valuable support to SMEs, helping them upskill their staff and meet industry demands. It will provide a holistic learning experience and cover all areas of the job roles, as well as health and safety training.
CCS Targets
£250k invested into upskilling and training of staff - Q4 2025
An additional investment of £5,000 to advance the training centre and resources - Q4 2025
CCS Target
£20k to provide new technical equipment - Q4 2025
Implementation of developed and enhanced training programme - Q1 2025
Our Future
Focusing on staff morale, inclusion, and well-being is crucial for fostering a positive work environment and improving overall productivity.
- Employee Engagement Scores: We aim for 25% improvement in employee engagement surveys by 2025
- Retention Rates: Target a specific reduction in turnover rates, such as reducing employee attrition by 5-10% annually.
- Recognition Initiatives: We aim to build on our ‘ HR Star Awards Quarterly Initiative’ and begin rolling out ‘Staff Satisfaction Surveys’, so we can measure Staff satisfaction and include contributions to boost morale within our targets. We are aiming to achieve at least 80% employee satisfaction rates
- Training Completion: Achieve 100% employee participation in compliance and ethics training, including inclusion and diversity training annually.
- Equal Representation in Leadership: Aim for an increase score by 10% by 2050, via diverse leadership hires or promotions, ensuring leadership reflects the wider workforce.
- Mental Health Support: We aim to roll out an EPA programme heavily supported by our mental health champion, and we aim to have this launch by 2050.
Customer Feedback
Our 'Delighted' text system offers a tailored feedback experience designed specifically for our customers and clients. Before leaving a property, we inform residents about this system, but we aim to boost customer engagement by increasing feedback participation by 30%. To achieve this, we will introduce new initiatives to encourage responses and transition to simpler survey tools that deliver more effective results.
Innovation
Decarbonisation
To achieve our ambitious goal of reaching zero carbon by 2045, we must proactively implement initiatives that will significantly contribute to this target. At CCS, we are taking a comprehensive approach by analysing both on-site and off-site practices to identify opportunities for becoming greener and more efficient.
We have identified two key areas for improvement: materials sourcing and office energy consumption. First, we recognise the importance of sourcing materials from licensed, sustainable suppliers to reduce our environmental impact. By partnering with suppliers that prioritise sustainability, we ensure that the materials we use are responsibly sourced and aligned with our zero-carbon goals.
In our offices, we've also identified the potential to transition completely to 100% renewable energy. We're exploring a range of energy sources, including nuclear and other renewable options such as solar and hydroelectric power, to power our operations in a way that is both eco-friendly and efficient.
By 2045, we aim to have all of our suppliers fully vetted and appointed, ensuring that our primary supply chain consists of partners who share our commitment to sustainability. Simultaneously, we are committed to transitioning all of our facilities to 100% green energy sources, solidifying our role as a leader in environmental stewardship and paving the way for a zero-carbon future.
Our approach is grounded in long-term planning, with a clear vision of building a greener, more sustainable business that contributes to a healthier planet.
Community Charity Scheme by CCS
Our operational philosophy is firmly rooted in the belief that delivering outstanding services is just one facet of our responsibility. We are equally committed to enhancing the communities we serve.
Our strategy outlines the company's comprehensive initiatives aimed at fostering local growth and sustainability. We provide commitments that are specifically designed to benefit the communities we serve. This ensures that we make meaningful contributions to the local community to support and enhance well-being and unity. These initiatives are primarily driven through the Community Charity Scheme.
This scheme allows our employees to dedicate a workday to giving back to the community through volunteering with non-profit charities. This scheme offers opportunities for staff to engage in meaningful activities, from walking dogs to helping serve meals in soup kitchens.
Each employee will have the chance to volunteer once a year, ensuring that everyone can contribute to our community’s impact.
We have several exciting events in the pipeline, there are numerous opportunities for our teams to get involved in. We also welcome our employees’ suggestions and ideas for giving back, as their input is invaluable to this initiative.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a global call to action for all nations, regardless of economic status, to foster prosperity while safeguarding the planet. These goals emphasise that eradicating poverty and aligning efforts to stimulate economic growth and meet diverse social needs, such as improving education, healthcare, social protection, and employment opportunities, all while addressing climate change and enhancing environmental sustainability.
At CCS, we fully support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and have integrated them into our core commitments. By aligning our efforts with these global objectives, we contribute both locally and nationally to foster prosperity, sustainability, and social progress, helping the world thrive for the future.
