As part of our Every Person Matters campaign, we spoke to our Social Value Lead, about her background, her role and what excites her most about being part of our organisation.
Emma joined AFG in April, bringing almost a decade of experience in community development and social value. Before joining AFG, she spent nine years at Onward Homes, a large housing association, working across communities in Salford, Bolton and Greater Manchester. Her role involved supporting local projects, securing funding and creating opportunities for people through partnerships and social value initiatives.
Joining AFG
“I wanted to work somewhere that genuinely lives the values it talks about”, Emma said.
“Social value works best when it’s authentic, and from what I’d seen of AFG, making a positive difference wasn’t something added on top of the day job. It was already part of who the organisation is.”
That commitment to making a difference is what attracted Emma to AFG and continues to shape her work today.
Emma’s Role
Since joining the organisation, Emma has been meeting colleagues across AFG and learning more about the social value activity already taking place.
“A big part of my role is helping us tell the story of the impact we’re already having. There are so many brilliant things happening across AFG, whether that’s supporting people into employment, volunteering in local communities or helping people become more independent. I want to help capture that and show the difference it makes.”
Emma also supports contract bids and works with local authorities, partners and colleagues across AFG to help deliver meaningful social value commitments.
For Emma, social value goes far beyond policies and reporting requirements.
“It’s about recognising that organisations can have a positive impact beyond the service they provide. Sometimes it’s the small things that make a difference, creating opportunities for someone to gain work experience, supporting a local community project or helping people feel more connected. Those things matter.”
Emma believes it is important that AFG recognises and celebrates the positive impact colleagues make every day.
“I’d love for us to be able to show, with real evidence, the difference we’re making every day. Not just for commissioners and partners, but for ourselves too. Sometimes organisations do amazing things without fully recognising the impact they’re having.”
Developing AFG’s Reporting
One of Emma’s key priorities is helping shape reporting of social value and impact at AFG.
“We want to showcase the positive difference AFG makes in the lives of the people we support, using evidence, data and real life stories to highlight outcomes, achievements and wider impact.
“We support people in so many different ways and there are countless examples of colleagues going above and beyond every day. I want us to be able to capture that and tell those stories properly.”
Improved reporting and social media presence will help showcase AFG’s impact across our communities, including:
- Investing in our staffs development and wellbeing
- Environmental impact
- Volunteering
- Employment support
- School engagement and work placement opportunities
Our Culture
One of the things that has stood out most to Emma since joining AFG has been the people.
“Everyone has been incredibly welcoming. There’s a real sense that people care about what they do and about each other. It sounds simple, but you notice it straight away.”
When asked why someone should consider a career at AFG, Emma pointed to the support available for colleagues.
“People are genuinely supported here. Whether it’s wellbeing, development opportunities or helping people progress in their careers, there seems to be a real commitment to investing in staff. I’ve met lots of people who have been here for years and grown into different roles, which says a lot about the organisation.”
Get In Touch
If you’ve supported someone into volunteering, community initiatives or work etc, Emma would love to hear from you. Please email emma.needham@afgroup.org.uk.