Fortem - a leading provider of specialist property solutions for the social housing sector - has delivered over £1.8million of social value in the last twelve months alone, reaffirming its commitment to drive meaningful change within the communities it serves.
Delivered by a dedicated team of over 430 volunteers, Fortem has long recognised the importance of going above and beyond service delivery to create lasting social impact in the areas in which it works.
By embedding these values into every aspect of its operations, the company fosters strong collaborations with housing providers, ensuring that vulnerable and disadvantaged communities receive the support they need, from local employment to tailored community initiatives.
“We believe that delivering repairs and maintenance services is about much more than just bricks and mortar—it’s about people, communities, and creating lasting change,” said Leigh Garbutt, a leader in social value at Fortem.
“Social value at Fortem is about creating a lasting, positive impact in the communities where we work. It encompasses sustainability, employment opportunities, education, social mobility, and improving living conditions.”
For social housing providers, aligning with organisations that uphold these values is crucial in enhancing tenant experiences and improving long-term housing solutions. Fortem’s approach ensures that ethical business practices, community engagement programmes, and environmental stewardship remain at the heart of its service delivery.
Through its Pathways4Life programme, Fortem promotes local employment by engaging schools and colleges and introducing young people to career opportunities in housing. It also prioritises apprenticeships and traineeships, helping residents build brighter futures while strengthening its workforce. Additionally, Fortem supports SMEs within its supply chain, ensuring local businesses thrive.
Another crucial aspect of Fortem’s social value work is community engagement. By collaborating with schools, charities and local organisations to deliver initiatives that directly benefit residents, whether through volunteering efforts, community facility upgrades, or targeted support programs for vulnerable groups, Fortem can help reinforce long-term positive change.
An example of this approach can be seen in the social value delivered by the team for Birmingham City Council. Over a period of three months, Fortem worked with the council to deliver 12 Career Fairs, 4 Resettlement Fairs, 36 work experience placements, 27 apprenticeships and 90 Stay Warm This Winter Packs.
The latter, which was part of a wider nationwide campaign that delivered 295 winter packs in total, resulted in Fortem winning the Positive Impact Award at the at the 2025 CHIP Awards (Communities and Housing Investment in People.)
As social housing providers continue to face pressure to meet the diverse needs of tenants, aligning with organisations like Fortem remains crucial in enhancing tenant experiences and improving long-term housing solutions. Fortem is proud to play its part in making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable tenants, whilst strengthening its reputation as a socially responsible organisation.
