Social Value in Action: Supporting Midland Heart’s Residents
At M·E·L Research, our approach to working with clients is rooted in collaboration and partnership. Our vision is to make a positive difference to organisations, employees, customers and wider society. We push for social value – in why we work, how we work and who we work with. At the heart of this is our team’s dedication not only to high quality insights delivery, but to creating meaningful social value alongside our clients.
Supporting our clients beyond research
As part of our social value commitment within our contract with the Midlands housing association, Midland Heart, we recently stepped away from our desks and into the gardens of two of their housing schemes, helping to prepare outdoor spaces for spring.
Earlier this year, we delivered research methods training to members of the Midland Heart team, strengthening their internal insight capabilities. This volunteering activity was a natural extension of that partnership and an opportunity to contribute in a different, more practical way to the communities Midland Heart serves.
Despite wet and cold conditions, Karen, Jenny, Steve, Catharine and Sophi from M·E·L Research joined Alistair from Midland Heart and rolled up their sleeves to clear leaves, cut back overgrowth, tidy borders and refresh communal outdoor areas. The results were immediate, with the scheme manager delighted by the transformation and residents pleased to see their shared spaces looking brighter and better cared for.
Kevin from Midland Heart shared his appreciation:
“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for your time and energy today especially in those wet and cold conditions. I’d like to think we made a big difference to our tenant’s external space and come spring; they will be able to enjoy the area we’ve played a small part in sprucing up.”
Left to right: Alistair from Midland Heart with M·E·L Research’s Catharine, Steve, Jenny and Karen
Our Commitment to Making a Difference
Each member of the M·E·L Research team is given two volunteering days per year. As a remote team working based all over England, this means our social value activity is not concentrated in one place. Instead, our volunteering makes a difference in communities up and down the country.
We are committed to nurturing our team’s ability to create meaningful impact by encouraging them to give back to causes they support and providing paid time to do so. This commitment is an important part of how we deliver social value accross the UK.
Supporting the communities our clients serve, and our team members are based in, is central to how we work at M·E·L Research. This day was a reminder that delivering social value is not just something we write into contracts. It is something we actively live through in our partnerships.
Wet weather, hard work, elbow grease and proud smiles.
Need support with your own social research or evaluation?
Whether you’re a public body, charity, or organisation looking to understand your audience, evaluate impact, or inform future strategies, we’re here to help.
Get in touch with the M·E·L Research team today via our ‘Get in touch’ form below to see how our expert researchers can support your goals. Alternatively, you can email the team at info@melresearch.co.uk.
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