What makes the delivery of Warm Homes different to other retrofit programmes?

The Warm Homes funding scheme is designed to be delivered in phases - and each phase works like a mini-project. This phased approach helps teams plan, mobilise and adapt in a way that supports scale and quality.

On Tuesday, 9 December, 3pm, I will be facilitating a RISE Masterclass for the retrofit supply chain, ‘Maximise delivery programmes for phase requests’, which will run through how to strategically plan a programme works based on the key considerations of Warm Homes schemes: Key timelines, planning for financial years and grant drawdowns, and information specific to hard to treat homes.

There’s also a real opportunity to maximise social value. There are huge opportunities for transformational change and community benefit where retrofit projects are taking place, and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) have built in social value requirements into the Warm Homes funding schemes. Contractors and grant recipients (GRs) are increasingly using their programmes to support local employment, apprenticeships and SMEs alongside installation work.

How should contractors plan for successful delivery?

Resident experience and the quality of installs are fundamental.

To keep residents engaged, clear, simple and honest communication is essential - no jargon and no hidden surprises. Strong engagement supports buy-in and reduces drop-outs.

Retrofit at scale must be matched with strong quality assurance. Every aspect of a retrofit project, from the materials used to the methods employed, must meet stringent standards to ensure the work is effective, safe, and sustainable. Quality assurance is often a key component of the Retrofit Coordinator role, required by PAS 2035 and therefore Warm Homes funding schemes.

What is the biggest cause of delay - and how can it be avoided?

Data. It is really critical to understand your housing stock early in the project. Inaccurate stock information or out-of-date EPCs often cause delays. Modern data tools are transforming the way GRs identify suitable properties and plan for delivery. Better data means more accurate targeting, quicker mobilisation and fewer surprises along the way.

On Monday, 8 December my colleague, Kate Watson, RISE Technical Support Lead, is hosting a Masterclass ‘Maximising delivery: Stock, data & policy’. It will run through strategies for identifying stock and understanding delivery potential based on stock distribution, rural challenges, and concentrations of treatable homes.

Why is maximising delivery so important?

Because it maximises impact. Every additional measure installed means a safer, warmer home. Strong delivery also evidences demand and drives continuation of funding. Appetite and investment in retrofit must stay high if the sector is to keep moving towards the EPC C ambition.

Warm Homes delivery is about more than hitting numbers - it’s about creating lasting change for households and communities. With the right data, good planning and strong collaboration, we can accelerate progress and unlock even more impact.

RISE support

We’re running a series of December masterclasses to help GRs, contractors and delivery partners plan, collaborate and maximise delivery outcomes:

• Tuesday 2 December, 3pm: Understanding Warm Homes Funding mechanisms | Supply Chain Masterclass
• Thursday 4 December, 12pm: Winning as a retrofit delivery team | Masterclass
• Monday, 8 December, 12pm: Maximising delivery: Stock, data & policy | Masterclass
• Tuesday, 9 December, 3pm: Maximise delivery programmes for phase requests | Masterclass
  
• Wednesday 10 December, 1pm: Maximising delivery within the supply chain | Drop-in Clinic

These sessions are designed to give you the tools, practical knowledge and confidence to ensure that your Warm Homes project is completed efficiently and delivers a real change for residents.