Our 10 Criteria

The route to creating role model projects that solve social injustices is not easy.  For example, we need to be certain that we are breaking new ground and not simply doing what has been done before sufficiently well but simply needs promoting.  Similarly, we need to stretch ourselves to make sure that we really do make big steps forward through our projects.  To help us apply this discipline before considering a potential project, we initially test it against the following 10-Criteria:

1.  The role model project must serve a housing need in London or in those locations designated for easing housing stress in London but may also have replication potential elsewhere in the country.

2.  The project must either solve a housing need that is not currently being solved or endeavour to solve a need in a significant and measurable better way than is being achieved by current solutions.

3.  The project must be supported by demonstrating a clear understanding of the details of the housing need being experienced by people with that need.

4.  The project will be operated in a spirit of openness to offer learning and help for those who would want to replicate the prototype on a larger scale.

5.  The project must be suitable for being developed as a prototype role model striving for best practice at all stages.

6.  The prototype project, when proven, should be suitable for being replicated on a larger scale by other organisations.

7.  The medium to long-term performance of the project must be assessed according to the criteria set by third party experts who will measure and report on performance at pre-determined frequencies.

8.  Commonweal Housing will principally provide the housing or the finance for the housing element of the project but will work with partners on securing revenue funding where necessary.

9.  The project must go through rigorous levels of scrutiny and due diligence to test viability.

10. The project must be within a 7 - 12 year period, return Commonweal's initial housing investment according to agreed terms so that it can be recydled in other housing projects.