Care provider Anchor has worked with The Purpose Coalition, an organisation that aims to break down barriers to opportunity, to assess its social impact.

The Purpose Coalition, chaired by former education secretary Justine Greening, brings together parliamentarians and businesses to improve the role that organisations can play for their customers, colleagues, and communities.

Anchor is the first housing association to collaborate with The Purpose Coalition to assess its impact against a framework which builds on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The Coalition assessed Anchor’s activity against a framework of 14 interconnected goals that measure social impact, including providing positive destinations for those over 16, building homes and sustainable communities, and achieving equality through diversity and inclusion.

The report praises Anchor for its commitment to driving change to benefit the communities in which it works. It highlights a focus on residents’ wellbeing and support for colleagues in areas including bereavement, menopause and financial inclusion. 

It also highlights successes in supporting young people into meaningful roles, ensuring a pipeline of diverse talent through its apprenticeship opportunities, and development of its staff with clear, supported career pathways.

The report was launched at the House of Commons at an event attended by Anchor residents and colleagues, and members of the Purpose Coalition. Chair of the Purpose Health Coalition and former minister for public health Anne Milton, said: “Purpose-led organisations like Anchor not only have a key role to play in our health and social care system through the provision of specialised housing and care services but can also lead the way in delivering opportunity across the country.”

She added: “This report demonstrates how Anchor’s comprehensive social impact approach is characterised not only by a dedication to its residents but also by an acknowledgement that its resident offering is interconnected with its colleague agenda and community approach.”

Sarah Jones, chief executive of Anchor, said: “Anchor is committed to providing homes where people love living in later life, opening doors to opportunity and empowering our residents, colleagues and communities across the UK – and the Purpose Goals have given us a useful framework for our efforts.”