Social Value
The value Ashden Support creates goes beyond the placement itself. It shows in where young people are when they leave, in how we treat our staff, and in how our homes sit within their communities. This page sets out what we commit to and how we report on it.
Our commitment
The young people we support are the reason the service exists.
A young person who leaves Ashden settled, with a tenancy they can hold and a plan for education or work, is the most important outcome we can deliver. Everything else on this page supports that.
Young people
Education, employment and training is a priority from the first week of placement. Keyworkers work with each young person and their Virtual School to agree realistic next steps, and progress is tracked as a key measure of the service.
Independent living skills are taught through everyday life: cooking, budgeting, looking after a home and travelling independently. Young people leave knowing how to sustain a tenancy and who to contact when something goes wrong.
Move-on is planned with the young person, their social worker and their personal adviser, so that leaving Ashden is a step forward rather than a cliff edge.
Mental wellbeing is supported through consistent relationships with staff who know each young person well, and through access to services including CAMHS and Kooth.
Tackling isolation
Many of the young people we support arrive with no family nearby, and some arrive in the UK alone. Staff help each young person build a life beyond their placement, through local activities, sport, faith and cultural groups, and friendships that last after they move on. Birthdays and milestones are marked.
Consistent relationships with staff who know each young person well are the foundation of how the service works.
Being a responsible employer
We recruit our staff locally. Every member of staff receives face-to-face induction, monthly supervision and ongoing training. Staff without a relevant qualification are supported to work towards a Level 3 qualification. Where a suitable vacancy arises, care leavers are encouraged to apply and are supported through the recruitment process. Staff are trained in safeguarding, exploitation and domestic abuse awareness, which strengthens the wider community as well as the service.
Staff are recruited locally and supported towards a Level 3 qualification where they do not already hold one.
Local economy and community
We use local trades and suppliers for repairs, maintenance and household goods wherever this is practical. Our homes are ordinary, well-kept houses on their streets. We keep a low profile, respond quickly to any concern raised by neighbours, and support young people to be good neighbours. We work with local police, health and education services, and help young people make use of local amenities.
Based in Birmingham, in the West Midlands. We accept referrals from placing authorities across England.
Environment
We are working towards Net Zero by 2050, in line with PPN 06/21. Our Carbon Reduction Plan sets out our baseline, our targets and the practical measures in place in our homes, from energy use to recycling. Young people learn to run a household efficiently as part of their independence skills.
Our Carbon Reduction Plan is set out in full below.
At a glance
- Organisation
- Ashden Support Ltd
- Location
- Birmingham
- Sector
- Supported accommodation for young people
- Regulation
- Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023
- Ofsted URN
- 2907824
- Company No.
- 17013754
- Net Zero target
- 2050
- Aligned with
- PPN 06/21
Carbon Reduction Plan
Ashden Support Ltd commits to achieving Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
We are a small company. Our direct environmental footprint is modest compared to larger providers. That is not a reason to treat this lightly.
The young people we work with will live with the consequences of decisions made today. Part of what we do is help them develop responsible habits around energy, waste, and consumption. We should hold ourselves to the same standard.
This plan sets out what we are doing, what we are committing to, and when we will report back.
Where our emissions come from
Ashden Support Ltd provides Ofsted-registered supported accommodation for looked-after young people aged 16 and 17. We are based in Birmingham and operate in line with the Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023.
We are a small organisation. Our environmental footprint comes mainly from the accommodation we operate, staff travel, and the day-to-day running of our homes. This plan covers all of that.
Sustainability is built into how we run our homes. Teaching young people to manage energy use, reduce waste, and make sensible choices about household resources is part of preparing them for independent living. That is not separate from this plan. It is part of it.
Baseline emissions
As a new organisation, we do not yet have a full year of operational data from which to calculate a formal emissions baseline. We will complete a baseline assessment covering all three scopes within our first year of operation and publish the results. This is standard practice for new organisations and is accepted under PPN 06/21 guidance.
Combustion and owned vehicles
Emissions we produce directly.
- The company vehicle used for staff travel and activities with young people
- Gas heating in our homes
Purchased energy
Emissions from energy we buy.
- Electricity consumption in our homes (lighting, appliances, heating)
- Gas for heating and hot water
Indirect and supply chain
Wider emissions linked to our activities.
- Staff commuting to and from our homes
- Food and household consumables for young people
- Waste generated in our homes
Baseline timeline: A formal quantified baseline (in kg CO2e) covering all three scopes will be completed within Year 1 of operations and published here. All subsequent annual reviews will measure progress against this baseline.
Carbon reduction measures
These are the measures in place in our homes. Some are practical decisions about how our accommodation is run. Others are part of how we support young people every day.
Energy-efficient homes
We fit LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances as standard in our homes. We do not purchase high-energy equipment when lower-rated alternatives are available at reasonable cost.
Smart energy monitoring
Smart meters and energy monitors are installed in our homes, giving staff and young people real-time visibility of consumption. This data feeds directly into our annual reviews.
Responsible procurement
We give preference to locally sourced food and sustainable household products where cost-effective. We avoid single-use plastics and consider environmental impact when making purchasing decisions.
Waste reduction and recycling
Recycling and composting are part of the daily routine in our homes. Managing waste responsibly is a practical life skill. We model it and explain why it matters.
Low-carbon staff travel
Staff are encouraged to use public transport, walk, or cycle where practical. Vehicle journeys are consolidated where possible. We keep a travel log to track and review use over time.
Digital-first operations
Support plans, records, and communications are held digitally. Printing is kept to a minimum. We use cloud-based systems in place of paper processes wherever we can.
Sustainability as a life skill
Young people in our homes take part in the sustainability practices of the home. Understanding how to manage energy, reduce food waste, and make sensible household choices is part of preparing for independent living. We explain the reasons. We do not just post rules on a wall.
Our commitments over time
These targets are proportionate to our size and honest about where we are starting from. Where we do not yet have data, we will collect it.
From day one
The service
Measures in place
LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, smart monitoring, responsible procurement, and digital-first operations. These measures are in place. This plan is published and accessible.
Year 1
The service
Complete a formal baseline emissions assessment
Within the first year of the service operating, we will quantify emissions across Scope 1, 2, and 3 and publish the results. This becomes the reference point for all future reduction targets.
Year 2
The service
20% reduction in Scope 2 emissions against baseline
Using the Year 1 baseline, we aim to reduce electricity and gas consumption by at least 20% by the end of Year 2. This involves ongoing smart monitoring, engagement with young people, and reviewing tariff options including renewable energy suppliers.
Every 2 years
Ongoing
Interim reviews across all scopes
Progress against all emission scopes is reviewed at least every two years. Where targets are not being met, we identify the reasons and adjust our approach. Interim review reports are published on this page.
Annually
Each October
Plan reviewed and updated
This plan is reviewed and updated each October. If our operations change materially before the next scheduled review, we update it sooner. The date of the last review is shown at the bottom of this page.
2050
Net Zero
Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions
Ashden Support Ltd commits to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, in line with the UK Government's legally binding target. We will develop a detailed pathway as our baseline data matures and as decarbonisation options for small accommodation providers become clearer.
Measuring and reporting
We review these commitments every October, alongside our Carbon Reduction Plan. Progress is reported in our six-monthly quality of support review under Regulation 32 and is available to placing authorities on request.
Request our reporting
Placing authorities can request our quality of support review by emailing info@ashdensupport.co.uk.
Ashden Support Ltd. Social Value and Carbon Reduction Plan. Reviewed annually each October. Aligned with PPN 06/21. Company No. 17013754.