Leeds housing charity is seeking pro bono support with a health and safety audit

What do they need help with?

Canopy Housing is seeking pro bono support to carry out a comprehensive health and safety audit across its housing and construction operations in Leeds.

The charity owns and manages around 90 properties and typically operates two to three live retrofit construction sites at any one time. Its work focuses on bringing empty homes back into use through a volunteer-led model, with one volunteer experiencing severe housing need moving into each completed property through a supported tenancy arrangement.

Canopy works with between 75 and 100 volunteers each year, many of whom are from deprived inner-city communities. The organisation actively creates inclusive construction environments, with strong representation from women, people from the global majority, and individuals with physical or mental health challenges. Volunteers gain practical skills in insulation fitting, lime plastering, decorating, joinery and retrofit construction using bio-based materials including woodfibre, hemp and sheep’s wool.

Due to the nature of its work, health and safety is central to the organisation’s operations. Canopy already has policies and procedures in place and staff undertake job-specific training. Regular checks and inspections are carried out relating to asbestos, fire safety, gas, electricity, damp and mould, and on-site safety practices.

The charity is now looking for professional support to review whether its current systems, policies and processes are robust, compliant and suitable for the scale and complexity of its work. The requested support includes undertaking a full health and safety audit and helping the organisation identify any gaps or areas for improvement, alongside developing an action plan where required.

Timeline

As soon as possible

About the organisation

Canopy Housing is an award-winning self-help housing charity based in Leeds that empowers people experiencing homelessness to renovate empty homes and create affordable places to live. Founded in 1997, the organisation combines housing provision, retrofit construction and skills development to help individuals build confidence, gain qualifications and move towards secure employment and housing.

The charity manages around 90 homes and delivers volunteer-led retrofit projects using sustainable building methods and low-carbon materials. Alongside practical construction training, Canopy provides wraparound support to volunteers, including help with housing, employment, education, benefits and wellbeing.

Canopy’s innovative approach has received national and international recognition, including winning the UN World Habitat Award. The organisation also shares its expertise through published retrofit guides designed to help other community organisations replicate its model. Its work contributes directly to preventing and addressing homelessness by creating affordable homes, supporting vulnerable people and building stronger communities.

https://www.canopyhousing.org/