Fusion21 partners with one of the UK’s largest social investors to maximise social value on government scheme to deliver new youth facilities

We’re delighted to announce we are partnering with Social Investment Business (SIB) to maximise social value and benefits through a government funding scheme to create, expand and improve youth facilities.

SIB will be distributing grants of more than £300m as part of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) Youth Investment Fund Phase 2 (YIF2).

Open to registered charities, social enterprises, local authorities, and others in targeted areas across the country, YIF2 aims to provide new and redeveloped sustainable facilities to increase the number of young people taking part in regular, positive activities.

Selected as a procurement partner for the scheme, we’ll be providing procurement services to grant recipients, helping them to successfully procure contracts for the delivery of works in the area of building refurbishment, new build construction, modular building, and consultancy services.

Dave Neilson, Chief Executive at Fusion21 said: “As champions of positive social change, we’re proud to be supporting SIB with the delivery of this significant contract, designed to make a lasting difference to young people and communities across the country.

“SIB has a unique role in the UK’s social investment landscape, financing and supporting social enterprises and charities to make an impact in the communities they serve so it makes sense for us to partner – and it’s also a great example of how Fusion21 continues to diversify working in sectors outside of housing, local authority, education, NHS, and blue light.

“Many of the local authorities identified as eligible for funding are already Fusion21 members and with our track record of delivering social value you can see in every project, we will ensure the contract maximises, monitors, and measures social value outcomes in addition to procurement efficiencies."

We will also support SIB with assurance and governance obligations associated with procurement activity.

Nick Temple, Chief Executive of Social Investment Business said: “Phase 2 of the Youth Investment Fund provides a golden opportunity to prioritise the needs of young people, their wellbeing, and to help them develop vital skills for life and work. This government funding will enable up to 300 youth facilities to be built or renovated, benefitting thousands of young people across England.” 

“Social Investment Business is delighted to be working in partnership with Fusion21, with a procurement framework that not only ensures we can support individual building projects to completion with the right expertise, but also drives social value through the whole supply chain.”

Registered charities, social enterprises, local authorities, and others interested in applying to the Youth Investment Fund should visit: https://youthinvestmentfund.org.uk