London’s leading housing associations join London Anchor Institutions’ Network
Clarion Housing Group and Peabody Housing Association, two of London’s largest housing associations, have pledged to help build a fairer, greener and more prosperous city by joining the London Anchor Institutions’ Network (LAIN).
Together, the housing associations provide homes to hundreds of thousands of Londoners. As major employers, they collectively employ almost 9000 employees, making their membership a significant addition to London’s growing network of anchor institutions.
Anchor institutions are organisations rooted in a place, with a significant and long-term presence in their communities. Through their spending, workforce, assets and influence, they are committed to creating lasting social, economic and environmental benefits for the communities they serve.
Five years after being convened by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, LAIN has grown into the world’s largest anchor institution network. Collectively LAIN's members are working together to improve the lives of Londoners, support local businesses and protect the environment.
Its members have collectively entered into contracts worth more than £4.21 billion with small and diverse-led businesses, including awarding over 2,800 contracts to micro, small and medium-sized businesses.
Over the last five years, members have also support around 12,000 apprenticeships and have provided more than 800 supported internships for Londoners with learning difficulties. By transferring £4.5 million of apprenticeship levy funding to small and medium-sized organisations, they have helped smaller employers fund apprenticeship training.
Alongside supporting businesses and creating opportunities for Londoners, members have saved over 386,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide across their direct emissions and purchased energy, secured more than £215 million for decarbonisation projects, and trained over 15,800 staff in carbon literacy or environmental sustainability.
Both Clarion and Peabody have strong track records in delivering social value alongside their core role as housing providers. Their work extends beyond providing safe, comfortable and affordable homes to supporting residents into good work, tackling financial exclusion, improving digital skills, helping young people fulfil their potential and investing in neighbourhoods where people can thrive.
As members of LAIN, the two organisations will work alongside fellow anchor institutions to share expertise, develop new partnerships and explore how their combined resources and influence can deliver greater social, economic and environmental impact across the capital.
The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Clarion and Peabody to the London Anchor Institutions’ Network. Their deep roots in our communities and experience of supporting residents will strengthen our work to help Londoners into good jobs and support local businesses.
“By bringing together our expertise and resources, we can create more opportunities for Londoners and build a fairer, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.”
Catherine Thomas, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Clarion Housing Group said: “We’re excited to join the London Anchor Institutions’ Network and work alongside organisations that share our commitment to improving the lives of some of London’s most vulnerable communities. Our earliest homes were built in the capital by our funder William Sutton in 1909 and more than a century later, we’re proud to provide more than 50,000 homes across London.
“By collaborating with fellow anchor institutions, we can strengthen opportunities for local communities, support inclusive economic growth across the city, and build greater climate resilience – all of which are essential in today’s world.”
Christofi Christou, Economic Inclusion Manager for Peabody said: "Peabody has a strong social purpose and deep roots in 140 neighbourhoods across London. We know that providing good homes is only part of what makes communities thrive. By joining the London Anchor Institutions Network, we can build on the work we're already doing with local partners, share our experience and find new ways to create opportunities for residents and strengthen neighbourhoods across the capital."
Liz Hutchinson, Co-Chair of the London Anchor Institutions’ Network, said:
“As the network continues to grow, we’re seeing our membership diversify, which is a wonderful thing. The network’s biggest strength is the diversity of thought and experience around the table.
“We warmly welcome Clarion and Peabody as two of London’s largest housing associations and look forward to collaborating with them to explore how the collective strength of London’s anchor institutions can create lasting benefits for communities across the capital.”