Orbit has successfully achieved its goal to deliver £100m in social value by the end of 2025/26 ahead of schedule. The milestone was confirmed following an independent audit by HACT (the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust), which reviewed Orbit’s approach to measuring and reporting the social impact of its activities.
Working in close partnership with HACT, Orbit invited an independent review to ensure its data collection methods and social value calculations meet best practice standards. The audit confirmed that Orbit’s data is of high quality and that the organisation has accurately applied HACT’s Social Value Bank metrics in calculating the £100 million in social value generated through its services and community initiatives.
Building on this achievement, Orbit is now collaborating with HACT to develop a new, expanded framework that captures a broader range of social and economic impacts. This includes the value created through the construction of new affordable homes, repairs, and other key services. The enhanced approach will underpin a new, more ambitious social value target, set to be announced in 2026.
Afzal Ismail, Chief Regulatory & Governance Officer and executive sponsor for sustainability commented:
“Meeting our £100 million social value target ahead of schedule is a significant achievement and a clear demonstration of Orbit’s commitment to delivering meaningful outcomes for our customers and communities. The independent audit by HACT provides assurance that our approach to measuring and reporting social value is both accurate and robust.
“We are now broadening our social value measurement across the business, and with HACT’s support, making greater use of the United Kingdom Social Value Bank and new Built Environment Bank metrics. This will enable us to set a more ambitious target that truly reflects the full scope of the positive difference we strive to make for our customers and wider society.”
Frances Harkin, Head of Services for HACT added:
“Orbit has continued to demonstrate leadership and best practice in delivering meaningful social value outcomes across its organisation. The results of this year’s audit highlight significant progress, reflecting the maturity of Orbit’s approach and the strength of its new business-wide social value framework. By embedding evidence-based decision-making at the heart of its operations, Orbit has deepened its understanding of the positive impact it creates for customers and communities.
“As an early adopter of the UK Social Value Bank and now an active user of the Built Environment Bank, Orbit has expanded the scope and consistency of its measurement, ensuring social value is integrated into every part of the business, from front-line services to new housing developments. The organisation’s achievement of its £100 million social value target ahead of schedule is testament to this commitment. Orbit’s focus on transparency, data quality and continual improvement will ensure that its social value reporting remains robust, credible and aligned with best practice in the years ahead.”
For more information about Orbit’s approach to social value, go to: orbitgroup.org.uk/sustainability/