HGGJ Alliance Case Studies

Operation date: The government funded programme is scheduled to run from 1^st April 2025 until 31^st March 2028.

Location of project: East London

Funding: Allocated £1.3 million government funding for the programme.

Summary of the project

CHISEL are currently operating a project alongside partners e-ON Energy, aimed at improving energy efficiency in poorly insulated social homes, as part of the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund Wave 3. They are currently completing phase one of the project with over 10 homes receiving upgrades. Improvements being implemented include solid wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, solar panels & battery storage, loft insulation, double glazing, low-carbon heat systems such as air source heat pumps.

The scheme provides up to £15,000 for energy efficiency (like insulation) and up to £15,000 for heating upgrades. This is designed to ensure no cost to the resident, though landlords may be asked to pay up to 50%.

Operation date: Started in September 2024 and designed to run for 2 years.

Location of site: The local pilot operates in Dorset, across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Funding: The programme is funded and supported by the JPMorganChase Foundation.

Summary:

The Growing Green Skills programme is focused on developing skills, training and employment opportunities for social housing residents within the green economy. It is led by HACT in partnership with Sovereign Network Group (SNG) and funded by JPMorganChase Foundation. The programme is built on collaboration between housing associations, the local council, local training providers and businesses, and aims to:

• Support progress towards net zero goals
• Tackle stigma around green industries
• Create green job opportunities for social housing residents
• Boost financial resilience in local communities as part of a just and equitable transition to net zero

The programme has two components. Nationally, the Green Skills Network nurtures learning and collaboration, sharing good practice examples across a wide range of organisations and industries to identify effective pathways into the green job market; to date, more than 60 organisations have participated. Locally, the Green Employment Pathway is a two-year, place-based pilot led by SNG in Dorset, aligning local supply and demand by giving residents advice, guidance, vocational training and access to green skills roles and organisations.

To date, more than 60 organisations have taken part in the national Green Skills Network. Meanwhile, the team have engaged more than 60 local people through the Green Employment Pathway, with more than 30 participants having completed the programme and more than 10 who have gained green skills qualifications.

Operation date: Started in November 2025.

Location of site: Phase 1 in Bootle, Sefton, followed by Phase 2 in Kensington, Liverpool

Funding: £2.5m funding from Wave 3 of the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund, through the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, matched by Plus Dane to create a £6m programme.

Summary:

In mid-2025 we successfully secured funding from Wave 3 of the Warm Homes Social Housing Fund, through the combined authority. We then matched that funding to create a £6m programme, which is allowing us to deliver energy efficiency improvements to more than 100 of our homes in the Bootle area of Sefton in phase one. This will be followed by a further 200 homes across Kensington in Liverpool in phase 2.

This is our third successful round of this funding and takes our total investment to £16m since the start of Wave 1. This time we have budgeted for any unforeseen damp and mould issues and taken onboard all of our other lessons learned. Work on our homes started in November 2025 and we have 306 homes booked in for improvements in the coming years.

Background

Chevonne spent her early career in the justice system as a probation officer, prison officer, and paralegal. Over time, she found that administrative demands were getting in the way of the direct support she wanted to offer people - and began looking for a role where she could have more of a hands-on impact.

The Transition

Moving into housing as a Resident Liaison Officer (RLO) felt like a natural fit. Many people Chevonne had supported in the justice system also faced housing instability, so the work felt familiar — helping vulnerable people navigate systems and access the services they need.

"My move into sustainability wasn't a calculated decision, but a natural progression. My transferable skills — strong communication, empathy, and a genuine desire to help — translated perfectly into my new career."

Impact

Chevonne finds her current role more directly rewarding than her previous one — connecting residents with their council, doctor, and social worker to secure real improvements to their homes and lives.

"Within my role I'm not only connecting with residents but also their council, doctor, social worker to get them the right sort of help. It's satisfying being able to see the entire process from start to finish."

The improved work-life balance has also been significant — her previous roles were emotionally draining, making it hard to switch off. Her current role allows her to make a tangible impact while prioritising her own wellbeing.

Support

Chevonne was supported by a GoodPeople adviser who encouraged her to pursue the role at Mullaley, even when her own reservations held her back. That support made all the difference.

"Without their unwavering support and encouragement, I wouldn't have taken this step, and I am incredibly grateful for their help."

Advice for others

Chevonne encourages anyone considering a career change to reach out to organisations like GoodPeople. Look for companies that align with your values, and don't be put off by gaps in experience - many employers offer training. Most importantly, know what you want and don't be afraid to ask for guidance.

For the sector to attract more women, she says companies need visible female representation at job fairs, clear pathways for progression, and robust safeguarding in place — particularly in male-dominated environments.

Chevonne sees housing and employment as deeply connected — providing both is crucial to breaking the cycle of instability in communities. Job fairs, social media, and direct outreach are all key to raising awareness of these opportunities.