Innovation Chain North Framework- Care

We have delivered – or are in the process of delivering – over 1,000 units through the framework and continue to help accelerate delivery pipelines through land led opportunities and 106 agreements, JV partnerships and modular manufacturers.

The quantity and type of communal facilities varies and has changed greatly in recent years in affordable products, from large properties with libraries, gyms, hobby rooms, music rooms, hairdressers, and cinemas, to a lighter product with more multi-use spaces alongside the core offer of assisted and pamper bathing rooms and a larger quantity of quality accommodation, typically of 100+ units.

Schemes under this Framework have included a 100 apartment Extra Care for Halton Housing Trust, a package deal with Vistry and an innovative Extra Care for Wigan Council with ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. The Wigan project also includes several bungalows and specifically a bungalow for bariatric care.

Stakeholder management is pivotal to successful extra cares. This includes the local authority and health board but also the internal stakeholders from care and support, housing management, IT departments and development teams. We undertake bespoke workshops with each to drive forward a scheme that is fully considered, with the latest assistive technology and most importantly creates a home first, with care if required.

As part of the renewed framework in 2020 our aspiration is to help draw new RPs and local authorities to the framework. The latest iteration presents social value as a key driver and has struck a partnership with the Social Value Portal to assist consultants and contractors define and deliver social value that goes beyond the impact of the schemes. At Drees & Sommer we have set up a Social Value sub-group to deliver our own social value across this and our other Frameworks.