New Appointment to improve employment and training opportunities in the supply chain

Coastal Housing Group appoints to improve employment and training opportunities in its supply chain

Coastal Housing Group has appointed Clare Watkins to head its supply chain targeted recruitment and training programme amongst the Groups’ construction framework and maintenance partners.

Clare, originally from Cardiff, is responsible for maximising the benefits of securing construction and maintenance employment and training opportunities for people living across Coastal’s operating area. She has vast experience of working within the social housing sector having worked for both housing associations and their contract suppliers since 2003.

The Coastal Housing Group supports people by developing homes and communities across south west Wales. It has one of the largest affordable housing development programme in Wales, investing over £30m every year.

The organisation offers desirable, affordable homes, for rent and sale, to people with different needs, lifestyles and accommodation preferences. It is expert in supporting people who require adapted homes, help in managing their tenancy and provides specialist services for older people.

Clare said: “I am thrilled to be joining the Coastal Group at such an exciting time. The company is rapidly expanding its operating area and targeted recruitment and training within our supply chain is an important aspect of leaving a lasting legacy in the areas in which we work – I am looking forward to delivering some great projects that will have an impact on local communities.”

The Group has recently announced its construction framework of eleven companies, which will bid on projects between £1m to £60m. Clare will be responsible for working with the Groups’ construction framework and maintenance partners to ensure that employment and training is sustainable and that community projects are supported.

Clare will also be ensuring that procurement within Coastal Housing Group’s supply chain contains social inclusion clauses thus widening the scope of what is already a successful approach to providing opportunities for communities through procurement.

Speaking of her appointment, Coastal Housing Group’s director of development Gerraint Oakley said: “We are thrilled to have Clare on board. She brings with her a wealth of experience and starts her role at an exciting time for the organisation.”

Coastal Housing is an industrial and provident society, existing only for the benefit of the community.  It is run by a voluntary Board of Management that includes tenant members.