Infrastructure projects, like the Duffryn Heat Network replacement project, can be an opportunity to deliver meaningful social value initiatives. We spoke to Mark Chircop, Hedyn housing association’s Community Investment and Partnership Coordinator to discuss how to understand communities and make the contributions that matter.
Vital Energi (VE): What were you hoping to achieve through the Duffryn Heat Network Replacement Scheme?Mark Chircop
(MC): From a social value perspective, although this contract was based over a short period of time, our Community Development Team were able to carry out Asset Mapping before Vital Energi won the contract. We spent time talking to community members, charities, and community groups to really understand the wants, needs, and aspirations of the people in Duffryn. Our aim was to work in partnership with Vital Energi and pass on what we’d learned so that we could support the community and leave a long-term, positive legacy.
VE: Do you think that goal was achieved?
MC: Personally, yes. Together we tackled urgent needs, like donating Christmas food packages to the local food bank, and invested in long-term projects, such as the Nurture Farm at Tredegar Park Primary, which will benefit the community for generations. We focused on where we could maximise the collective impact on the community.
The Duffryn community has long felt unheard, but Vital, in partnership with Hedyn, showed they were truly listening and took meaningful action based on what the community had identified.
VE: Social value is clearly important to Hedyn…
MC: Absolutely. Social Value is very important. Utilising localised knowledge to help us make informed decisions. We were very focused on delivering something with longevity in the heart of the community. While short-, and medium-term initiatives are essential for urgent needs, we’re also thinking about the wellbeing of future generations.
Our mantra is: “Doing the right thing. Making it happen. Being the Difference”, connecting communities where everyone can live well and creating a lasting legacy.
The project delivery restored reliable, more efficient heating to the Duffryn Estate.
VE: How did Vital Energi align with that mantra?
MC: Like any partnership, it took time. Vital isn’t a local contractor, so we had to help them understand the community’s wants, needs and aspirations. What they did well was listen. There was no arrogance on their part, and they were open to the research we’d been doing and the options we were able to provide.
They worked with us to build initiatives that would have real impact. Once we understood each other, it was clear our missions were aligned. We found shared passions and worked hard to deliver on them. The Vital team was really positive and, overall, their mission and ours was very similar in that we want to help create stronger communities. Once this had been created, we were able to introduce them to the options in the community.
VE: Hedyn seems to have a deep understanding of Duffryn. How did you get to this point, and what advice would you give other housing associations?
MC: It’s an ongoing journey. We’ll never fully understand everything, but we’ve spent a lot of time engaging with groups and individuals, building an asset-based community development model. We look at what exists, what the challenges are, and how to remove barriers and unlock potential.
You also have to be honest, learn from what worked and what didn’t. Accept criticism and use it to improve. That way, we can help contractors maximise the good they can do whilst they’re working in these communities.
Not all contractors listen, and that’s their choice. But Vital made it clear they weren’t just an energy partner, they were a full partner, which is when this kind of work really shines.
For example, they funded a Carpet Kurling competition for the over-55s for a year. That one initiative promoted activity, wellness, mental wellbeing, and tackled loneliness. It had a real positive impact on that community and culminated in an away day visit to Rodney Parade stadium, where the sessions were put into practice, with other schemes from around the City. This also left somewhat of a legacy, as it continues to this very day, growing every year.
Tredegar Primary School's school's nurture farm includes goats and chickens as well as an vegetable patches where children can grow food.
VE: How important is the pre-construction period in building shared values and goals?
MC: : It’s crucial. I attended the mobilisation meetings and got to know the team early on. This was a shorter contract, just nine months, so we had to hit the ground running. We started mapping opportunities three months before the project began, so we had ideas to bring to the table.
That early dialogue helped us build strength and focus on real community needs.
VE: What advice would you give to organisations planning similar heat network replacement projects?
MC: Be open and honest. Have challenging conversations early on if necessary. Build understanding and gather feedback. Decisions should be collective and informed.
Balance short-term needs, like food bank support, with long-term goals, like the Nurture Farm.
VE: What can these Public/Private Partnerships Achieve at Their Best?
MC: I think the Tredegar Park Primary School’s new Nurture Farm, which Vital part-funded, is a fantastic example of what can be achieved. It’s created a new, outdoor space which promotes an active learning model.
In an age where it’s tempting for children to stare at their screens, the kids at Tredegar Park Primary are out in nature, learning practical skills and connecting with nature. This new facility now serves 430 children and the headteacher is sharing it with the wider community so more people can enjoy this fantastic facility.
If you want a metric that matters, look at the faces of the kids when they’re outdoors, looking after goats, chickens and tending vegetable beds… You really can’t put a price on that.
We worked closely with Hedyn Housing Association to identify opportunities to support community groups. The video below covers just a few of the initiatives we took part in.
