Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility is in our DNA. It's part of our purpose and gives us a sense of pride.

We were the first social housing provider to be set up as a Community Gateway organisation, demonstrating the commitment we have to our communities, customers, colleagues and the city-region as a whole.

Our strong social ethos is underpinned by the principals of mutuality, accountability and engagement which we live out daily through our partnership-working and investment in the local economy and environment.

CGA is community-based and membership-led, meaning our customers are at the heart of all we do. We work in partnership with them and all stakeholders across the region to build thriving, sustainable communities. We are proud of our role as the largest landlord and an important anchor institution in Preston.

At Community Gateway, every single member of staff is committed to helping engage and empower local communities. Colleagues are given opportunities and encouraged to support charitable and community activities during the working week and in their own time.

Read about some of our key achievements over 2019 - 2020

Community

Key Achievements - Community
Community
£12,471	We awarded £12,471 from our Community Fund to 20 local groups.
1253	1253 benefits claims submitted by our tenants, with our support.
£532k	£532k worth of backdated benefits or grants obtained to help our tenants clear utility debts.
188	188 sacks of presents and 43 bikes were donated to children in our community at Christmas.
298	298 Christmas Food hampers were distributed to our communities at Christmas, helping feed families at an expensive time of year.
6	We ran 6 food hubs to help families in crisis and on low incomes.
800+	Over 800 customers supported both in the community and our sheltered schemes.
68	68 x new build homes providing quality housing where it’s needed most for the communities of the future.
28%	Over 28% of properties were let over the year to customers at risk of homelessness.
150	150 trips made on our Community Minibus by 51 groups, allowing local people to visit new places and learn new things.
£7k+	More than £7k raised for charity including through the PNE Big Sleep Out for local homeless people.
£9.4million	£9.4 million spent locally in Preston, boosting our economy and reducing the carbon footprint of our suppliers.

Read Sally's story here.

Environment

Key Achievements - Environment
Environment
78%	78% of our properties have an Energy rating of band C or above meaning lower fuel costs for our customers and lower carbon emissions.
207	207 boilers replaced, improving energy efficiency and reducing costs.
100	100 trees donated, planted and maintained for tenants increasing the number of trees across our estates.
48	48 tonnes of waste removed from our Callon and Greenland estates, creating cleaner, greener areas.
500m	500m increase in biodiversity to help fight climate change and support local wildlife. That’s the length of 10 Olympic Pools!
100%	100% of our tea and coffee supplies are Fairtrade, supporting disadvantaged farmers in developing countries.
100%	100% of our electricity supply is from renewable sources to support environmental sustainability and reduce costs.
70%	70% of our company drivers (including new drivers and new starters) completed a safer driving course, to enhance safety and reduce exhaust emissions.

Read about our support for National Tree Week here.

Workplace

Key Achievements - Workplace
Workplace
100%	100% of our colleagues are paid the real living wage, to ensure our colleagues earn a wage that meets the costs of living, not just the government minimum
91%	90.7% of our colleagues are satisfied with CGA as a place to work
49%	49% of our colleagues identify as women, an almost even split
10%	10% of colleagues are black or minority ethnic. We aim for our workforce to reflect our diverse community.
4%	4.4% of colleagues declare a disability/long term health condition: CGA is a Disability Confident employer, guaranteeing interviews for disabled applicants.
100%	100% committed to our Time to Change pledge, breaking the stigma around mental health
96%	95.6% of colleagues are in one of our pension schemes, helping secure their future financial wellbeing.
146k	We invested £146,000 in learning and development, to ensure colleagues have the skills to deliver a great service
62	62 colleagues protected themselves over winter by having one of our free flu jabs.
£17k	£17k reimbursed for everyday healthcare costs, keeping colleagues healthy and able to provide excellent customer service.
93%	93% of our colleagues live locally in a Preston (PR) postcode area.

Read about our support for the Preston Real Living Wage here.

Further Information

further reading
Gateway in The Community Impact Report 2019-2020	Corporate Social Responsibility Key Achievements

Corporate Social Responsibility

Search the Community Gateway Association website