Aligned to our Environmental, Social Impact, and Governance, we're proud to share with you our first Consensus Sustainability Report for 2025; making an impact 'One Step at a Time'.
Sustainability Report 2025
Our World. Our People. Our Responsibility.
Contents Introduction Contents
3 4
Our World
Environmental
Our 2025 Highlights Sustainable New Developments
5 6
Our People
Social
Our People Great Place to Work 2025
7 8
Our Responsibility
Governance
A Great Place to Live We’re a Carbon Neutral Organisation
9 10
Our Impact Not Just Surviving, But Thriving Families Say It Best
11 12
Our Commitment
Our Commitments to the Future Net Zero 2050
13 14
Our Stories
Sustainable Steps Together
15
Consensus | Sustainability Report 2025
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Our Story So Far....
Real change starts with small steps. At Consensus, our ‘One Step at a Time’ approach has shaped 2025 as we embed sustainability into everything we do, supporting people to flourish, working smarter, and caring for one another. This first Consensus Sustainability Report reflects our progress, lessons learned, and our future commitments. Aligned to our Environmental, Social Impact, and Governance (ESG) priorities, it shows how we’re reducing our carbon footprint, strengthening our culture, and maintaining the highest standards across our services. Most of all, it highlights the positive impact our colleagues are having on our workplace, the people we support and our world. In 2025, we’ve seen what’s possible when everyone acts, from recycling and energy-saving initiatives to wellbeing and inclusion projects that improve the quality of life for the people we support and our colleagues. Each step contributes to a sustainable future and reflects who we are at Consensus. Sustainability isn’t a project - it’s how we work. Every choice, action, and idea considers our world, our people and our responsibilities. Guided by our values of Kindness, Creativity, and Commitment, we’re moving towards a greener, fairer future for all. With over 2,000 colleagues and nearly 700 people we support working together, one step at a time, we make real change, and lasting impact.
NET ZERO 2050
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Our World
We’re very proud of the huge strides we’ve taken towards being a more sustainable organisation. The philosophy at the centre of everything is ‘One Step at a Time’, because we know that the thousands of little steps our people take every day add up to one huge impact. Thousands of small sustainable steps = One Huge 2025 Impact!
Driving Energy Efficiency
In 2025, we invested £2.9 million 90% to upgrade & futureproof services, with of our properties benefitting from improvements
18% decrease
in energy related emissions (electricity and heating we purchase) in 2025
Lighting Upgrade
Efficient Appliances
Energy Standards
Replaced incandescent fixtures with efficient LED lighting
Minimum C-rating, selecting most efficient options available
Prioritised A- rated models for white goods
Our small but mighty habits
Digital Innovation for Sustainability
ZERO Electronic Waste Sent to Landfill
232,000 We have saved
Car sharing Turning lights off
sheets of paper by implementing digital support plans
In 2025, this prevented 25,350KG of C02 emissions
28 trees This saved and enabled the absorption of 280 kg of CO ₂
Planting, growing & re-wilding
Recycling appliances
Recycling appliances
86% of services achieved
Hazardous waste is diverted from landfill, with our primary supplier converting waste into usable energy via Energy from Waste technology. Turning Hazardous Waste into Energy
zero general waste to landfill We aim to increase this to 95% of services
Chris, who lives in a Consensus service in Kettering, has been passionate about going green for years. For more than five years, he’s taken charge of recycling at his service, and last year he proudly became a Recycling Champion. Every week, Chris sorts the bins, makes sure they’re out on time, and helps others understand why cutting down on waste matters. His commitment is a brilliant example of how one person’s enthusiasm can inspire others to live more sustainably.
Chris
Consensus | Sustainability R eport 2025
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Our World
In 2025, we’ve grown sustainably across the UK, investing £14.2m in new developments to help people thrive. We’ve opened seven services with 53 places, designed for energy efficiency and community wellbeing, including solar panels to cut energy bills and EV charging points to support low-carbon travel. New Developments Forever Homes Angie has celebrated her first year in her new home, a year filled with joy, achievements and the freedom to truly flourish. Over the past twelve months, she’s created wonderful memories, reached meaningful milestones, and embraced every moment of life in a space designed to help her thrive.
Created 53 new places for people to call home
£14.2m million
invested in sustainable new developments
Our New Development team missed no opportunity to make an impact on our environmental and carbon footprint. They work with our Local Authority partners to ensure that every new development is built to meet our Biodiversity Net Gain target.
Heating - They have installed solar panels, air and ground source heat pumps.
Angie, from Essex
Lighting - LED bulbs, solar- powered lights, PIR sensors have been installed in shared and outdoor spaces
“In 2025, I have started my education and settling into my new home”
Insulation - They have upgraded building insulation wherever possible
During Construction We’re boosting biodiversity by planting trees, adding bat and bird boxes, and creating green spaces that restore habitats and support local wildlife.
Vehicles - They have added EV charging points
Construction - They work with our partners to cut CO2 and focus on energy efficient ways of working
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Our People
We invest in wellbeing, financial support, and personal growth, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and connected. Through our ‘One Step at a Time’ approach, everyday choices are shaping a culture where every moment matters. Our People Our people are at the heart of what we do at Consensus. Colleagues and those we support bring creativity and commitment to drive sustainability every day, whether leading recycling projects or promoting inclusion through our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Charter. Small actions make a big impact. 0% Gender Pay Gap
We provided colleagues with opportunities to make their household spending more sustainable.
of colleagues are paid above the National Living Wage regardless of age 100%
87 Every Moment Award Winners recognised for making every moment matter at Consensus
Kudos for Kindness Kindness is one of our core values at Consensus and we celebrate colleagues who have brightened someone’s day through a small (or BIG!) act of kindness; kudos for kindness is all about celebrating those moments that make Consensus a Great Place to Work. We make sure that acts of kindness are appreciated and colleagues know that they have made a difference. Where every moment matters, every little act of kindness counts.
providing invaluable support to colleagues, whenever they need it 34 Trained Mental Health First Aiders
Financial Support through real time access to wages
123,556 hours of training completed
We launched our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter
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Our People
Being a Great Place to Work®
Our commitment to sustainable employment & making an impact on the lives of the people we support starts with our colleagues. In 2025, we were recognised as a Great Place to Work® for the third year running and as one of the UK’s Best Workplaces™ for Women, Wellbeing, Development, Healthcare as a Super Large Organisation. These awards reflect the strength of our culture and the commitment of our colleagues, they’re more than badges; they show our people feel supported, trusted, and valued. A positive, high-trust environment is key to a sustainable organisation. When colleagues feel proud, cared for, and have opportunities to grow, they stay engaged and deliver consistent, high-quality support to those who live in our services. We value feedback that shapes how we improve. Here are some highlights:
What a line up!
You are made to feel welcome when you join the company
90%
Of colleagues contributed to our survey
My work has special meaning: this is not "just a job"
91%
I am offered training or development to further myself professionally
89%
90%
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Our Responsibility
A Great Place to Live At Consensus, safe and high-quality support is so important, but we want to go even further! We are unwavering in our commitment to fulfilling the needs, aspirations, and development of the people we support. Supporting people to have the best quality of life means we can have the greatest impact.
93% Good &
In 2025 we launched our Quality of Life tool built on the key areas of personal choice and development, strengthened by collective engagement and support. 92% of people engaged, and they scored: My Home 10/10 Feeling safe 9/10
Outstanding Services
As rated by CQC, CIW, Care Inspectorate, & Ofsted
9 Outstanding services
Looking after my physical health
9/10 8/10
My work and education
Our regulators see the impact of what our teams are achieving, with 93% of our services rated as good, excellent or outstanding and inspection reports full of fantastic moments and achievements.
Ty Hendy: A place where people are empowered to thrive!
Following their recent Care Inspectorate Wales inspection, we're thrilled to announce Ty Hendy has been rated as ‘ Excellent ’ across the board. “People have excellent well-being outcomes as they lead high-quality, active, fulfilling lives supported by caring, motivated and dedicated staff.” Heather Holmes: Where people are at the heart of the service Achieving a ‘Good’ rating in their latest Care Quality Commission inspection, the team at Heather Holmes is attentive, collaborative, & caring. “There was a culture of people being at the heart of the service. Everyone valued and promoted people’s individuality, protected their rights and enabled them to develop and flourish.”
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Our Responsibility
Built on Strong Foundations
We take pride in building a culture of safety, transparency, and integrity, underpinned by great data and strong oversight. Robust governance shapes every decision, upholds the highest standards, and fosters trust among colleagues, those we support, their families, and our commissioners. In 2025, we’ve made big steps in reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing our cyber-security.
Carbon Neutral Certified Organisation In October 2025, we became Carbon Neutral - a big step in cutting emissions and offsetting what’s left to help build a sustainable future.
We aim for net zero emissions by 2050, with interim targets of a 25% reduction by 2034 and 50% by 2042 from our 2024 baseline, and have already cut emissions per FTE from 1.42 to 1.13 tCO ₂ e in 2025, ahead of our target.
Cyber Essentials Plus Certified We’re Cyber Essentials Plus
By refurbishing and recycling our IT equipment, we’ve not only reduced waste but also helped give back to nature. Our recycling partner planted 10 trees on our behalf - these trees absorbed 5,900 kg CO ₂ e, that’s the equivalent of 40 days of continuous heating for the average home!
certified, proving our IT security is strong and keeps your data safe. Cyber security helps us reduce risk, maintain trust, and stay resilient so we can keep delivering great support.
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Our Impact
Not just surviving, but thriving
Every day, the people we support, and their families, show us what meaningful impact truly looks like. Their stories highlight not just the progress they’ve made, but the power of personalised support, compassionate teamwork and environments where people can truly thrive.
Anna*, who lives with complex needs and autism, moved into her new home in December 2024. She found it difficult to go out, and her frustrations led to a lot of distressing incidents. Anna's team worked with her, and she is now going to the beach, taking daily walks in her local community and enjoying life to the full. She loves chocolate!
Jack* had spent 23 years in an NHS high secure hospital, cut off from peers, routine, and the everyday world most of us take for granted. Autism and complex needs meant finding the right place for him wasn’t just difficult… it felt impossible. The NHS team had tried everything. Nothing fitted. And then they met Consensus. One LD Nurse Specialist put it perfectly: “The initial meeting with Consensus was professional. But as someone who has worked in medium and high secure hospitals, I felt that no one could understand the complex needs of the individual. I was wrong!”
That moment changed everything. Today, Jack is thriving in a Consensus service he can truly call home. He’s got his own room. He’s out walking every day with a team that
understands him. He’s building new skills, rediscovering life, and yes, enjoying the occasional McDonald’s!
*Photographs & names have been changed to protect confidentiality unless full consent has been given.
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Our Impact
At 25, Joan* arrived at Consensus facing big challenges linked to Prader–Willi syndrome, low mood, diabetes and limited mobility. With personalised support and a healthier routine, she turned everything around, losing over 13 stone, reversing her diabetes and ditching her walking aids. Now she’s confident, independent and volunteering in her community. A fantastic transformation powered by great support and sheer determination.
Family Feedback
To know he’s somewhere we don’t have to worry, safe, content, active and fulfilled, means everything. Our lives went from chaos and breaking point to watching our son grow, develop and live like any other lad his age, doing what he wants to do. At Consensus, he has real choices; if the team can make it happen, they do. That’s what makes it brilliant, and we can’t thank the staff enough.
Family Feedback, Redan Street
There have been times that have been very trying, and Consensus have helped us to manage this. They’ve given our son everything he needs, they provide them with mind tools so he can try and work things out. They have just been brilliant and I can’t thank them enough. A few years ago, I couldn’t imagine him living anywhere else apart from our home with us and now he calls The Beehive home. That says everything: Thank you. Family Feedback, The Beehive
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Our Commitment
Our Commitment to the Future Building a better future starts with everyday actions. Every Consensus service follows our One Step at a Time plan, finding practical ways to protect the planet, strengthen teams, and help people flourish. Our central support teams play their part too,
aligning with ten Environmental, Social Impact and Governance commitments and making pledges to act responsibly and sustainably. These commitments mean creating safe, modern environments, a resilient workforce, and a culture where every moment matters, today and for generations to come. Reviewed annually, our ten commitments are shaped by our values of kindness, creativity and commitment, ensuring we stay strong, sustainable, and compassionate, One Step at a Time.
1 2 3
Every service and support team will have an action plan that addresses how they will contribute to sustainability... one step at a time. We will improve our cyber security and become ‘Cyber-Essentials Plus™’ accredited in 2025. We will continue to be an accredited ‘Great Place to Work®’ and a ‘UK Best Workplace™’ in the categories of Women, Wellbeing, Development and Healthcare. We will become carbon neutral in 2025. We will work towards climate neutrality by 2050. We will continue our commitment to recycling and will: Continue to send zero electronic waste to landfill. Reduce our general waste to landfill to less than 0.5% by 2027. We will give back 4000 hours of team time per year to our local communities through volunteering projects. We will work with the people we support to improve and measure their quality of life. We will work smarter to reduce paper usage throughout our organisation by adopting digital technology.
Environmental
4 5 6 7 8 9
Social Impact
Governance
We will invest in training of colleagues to enhance our sustainability plans. 10
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Our Commitment
Achieving net zero means balancing unavoidable carbon emissions with actions that remove or offset them. It’s about embedding sustainability into everything we do, reducing carbon emissions across buildings, transport and operations, and safeguarding the environment for generations to come.
NET ZERO 2050
We’re making practical changes: improving energy efficiency, recycling resources, and choosing responsible suppliers. Net zero is more than numbers, it’s about helping people flourish, creating a resilient organisation, and ensuring every moment matters.
Sustainability Ambassadors Across our 110 services and central support teams, Sustainability Ambassadors lead the way, driving sustainability fun. They also run pulse surveys to track progress. In our latest 2025 survey, they reported: 50% of colleagues volunteer in their local community 80% of services are saving energy and water Creating change, one step at a time. new initiatives, keeping us accountable, and making
Sustainability Action Group Every quarter, we assemble a team of colleagues from every part of Consensus to form an action group to share progress and ideas, get new viewpoints on our goals and give everyone the chance to help shape the future of sustainability at Consensus. From coming up with fun ways to recycle over the holidays to getting involved with future planning, our people are at the heart of everything.
David, from Northamptonshire
Regan, from Central Support Team
We are evaluating the efficiency of our current fleet with the aim of transitioning to a 100% fleet portfolio of electric vehicles by 2040.
Every month, we create tailored challenges based on real-time feedback that we’ve received to help us all achieve our sustainability goals.
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Our Stories
Giving back Giving back locally is another way our colleagues support a sustainable future. Caitlin and Faye, support workers from a Consensus service in Northamptonshire, picked up their knitting needles to make baby hats for their local hospital after a community call-out. Their effort offers practical help for families and strengthens community ties, showing how small, people-led actions can create lasting social impact. centered support to help him manage his Prader-Willi Syndrome, Kieran is able to successfully work with food; giving him more opportunities to volunteer and be a part of the community. Help with a smile With the right support in place, Kieran, who lives in a Consensus service in Wales, volunteers at his local hospital, bringing smiles to patients as he takes the shop trolley around the wards, as well as supporting a charity shop and community farm. Through person- Dream duo in action Michael and his support worker, Caroline from a Consensus service in Lancashire, make a sustainable dream team - they organised a themed weekly calendar with a new focus every day to help them achieve their goals - from Meatless Mondays to learn about sustainable cooking, to Thirsty Thursdays with reusable cups and Fruity Fridays to promote healthy, packaging-free snacking for all. Small steps - big impact.
Kieran
Caitlin and Faye
Michael and Caroline
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Our Stories
Litter Picking Champions To celebrate Global Recycling Day, the people who live and work at a Consensus service in Northamptonshire, set out on their own clean-up of their local parks and green spaces. Armed with litter pickers and rubbish bags, they collected rubbish before taking it home to sort, clean and recycle. Just doing their part to keep their local public spaces clean and safe for all to enjoy; showing you don’t need to wait for an event to go out and make a difference. Sustainability in Season A Consensus service in East Midlands showed us just how much of an impact something simple can have on our environment, health and happiness. They put together an amazing proposal to get the people they support involved with growing their own veggies (packed with research including a seasonal planting schedule) - and it showed not only the environmental benefits, but the cost savings, team building and diet improvements that it could have. The Green Team At a Consensus service in Desborough, each member has their own superpower that they use to make their home more sustainable. With Sharon the queen of energy-efficient laundry, Cheryl the ‘Dinner Lady’ who makes sure food is never wasted, upcycling superstar Kim who gives new life to old furniture, and Heather who learned how to transform old crisp packets into insulated blankets to donate to local shelters - each action has a massive impact.
Ben, Kelsey, Jennie, Katie, Northamptonshire
Emily & Chloe, East Midlands
Green Team, Desborough
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Consensus Support Services Ltd 3 The Courtyards, Phoenix Square, Wyncolls Road, Colchester, CO4 9PE 0808 223 5320 enquiries@consensussupport.com www.consensussupport.com
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