Hundreds of people including a record number of unemployed residents were able to get jobs in communities where building work, retrofit and housing repairs were taking place – after procurement experts Fusion21 helped companies maximise the impact of social value.
Working across housing, local authority, education, NHS, and blue light sectors, Fusion21 supports its members and suppliers to embed social value into projects.
This year’s data reveals 707 people secured employment in 2025-2026 as a result of social value commitments delivered through and embedded into Fusion21 frameworks – a 44.9% annual increase from 488 the previous year.
The number of jobs secured by residents living in the areas where the work was being carried out also soared in the space of a year from 96 to 264, representing a 175% increase.
The diverse roles obtained ranged from bricklayers, traffic marshalls and site managers to electricians, quantity surveyors and scaffolders.
The number of people previously out of work able to land jobs also increased significantly from 41 in 2024-2025 to 161 in 2025-2026 – a 292% annual rise.
A total of 116 apprenticeships across construction, engineering, utilities, surveying and specialist trades were created in roles ranging from lift engineer apprentices to trainee asbestos surveyors – an 8.4% annual rise.
Statistics also reveal that 76 of the jobs created were classed as ‘green sector’ – defined as those with a decarbonisation or net zero focus. This is almost double the 39 created the previous year. These positions ranged from retrofit assessors to low carbon heating technicians.
Head of Social Value at Fusion21, Sarah Maguire, said: “It is so pleasing to see these large year-on-year rises in the number of jobs and apprenticeships created. These results demonstrate the impact of embedding social value into procurement and creating real opportunities for local people. It is particularly heartening to see the hundreds of jobs created for people living in the areas where the work took place, and how the social value commitments we help drive have supported people previously out of work into employment.
“Behind every statistic is a person, a family and a life changed. Whether it’s someone securing their first job, gaining new skills through an apprenticeship or finding a pathway back into work, these outcomes have a lasting impact that reaches far beyond the numbers.
“At Fusion21, we never lose sight of that. We take our responsibility to drive social value through procurement seriously, and we’re proud to work alongside members and suppliers who share our values and commitment to making a positive difference. By using our influence in the right way, we ensure that every pound spent creates opportunities and delivers meaningful social value where it is needed most.”
Another area where Fusion21’s social value approach had an impact was accredited training with 316 people accessing training in everything from Carbon Literacy to Gas Safe and Fire Safety qualifications – up 30% from 243 the previous year.
As part of a strong commitment to sustainability and net zero, suppliers were encouraged to deliver training and activities that build greener skills and awareness within the communities they serve.
Data captured for the first time shows 411 people, including employees, residents, and community groups, were able to access a broad range of sustainability-focused training in everything from environmental awareness and retrofit to renewable technologies and carbon awareness.
The data also highlights the growing focus on digital inclusion and financial resilience, with 312 people receiving digital skills training and 171 people accessing financial advice and support.
A further 1,568 people benefited from a raft of careers advice, presentations and work experience placements. Fusion21 suppliers also carried out a host of voluntary activities to boost communities, ranging from tree planting and bird box installations to giving residents free LED lightbulbs and leading litter picking sessions. Suppliers also contributed a total of £689,674 in community donations.
