Transforming Homes: Delivering Optimised RetroFit Programme for Codi Group

Codi Group appointed SES to deliver a four-year whole- house retrofit contract under the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP), aimed at improving circa 800 properties. The client required a PAS-compliant, fully managed service covering:

• Delivery across occupied domestic homes throughout South West and South East Wales
• Full retrofit assessment, design, coordination, installation, QA, monitoring and resident engagement
• Compliance with funding deadlines and specific funding conditions, strong KPI performance and seamless tenant liaison
• Bespoke, integrated customer journey development and delivery from our dedicated project management team. Having remained consistent across all phases, they have enabled continuous improvement through seamless account management, maintaining clear accountability and strong relationship building utilising their local knowledge.

Prior to installation, SES carried out:

• A comprehensive review of Codi’s stock condition and RdSAP data
• Early engagement with the local community
• 792 PAS retrofit assessments
• Full ventilation strategies for each home including: upgrading bathroom and kitchen / wet rooms fans and door undercuts
• Structural checks and thermal bridging analysis
• Funding evidence pack templates to support ORP claims, helping Codi meet audit requirements

Our integrated survey, design and funding workflow ensured accurate measure selection and full spend of Codi’s ORP budget.

To date, SES has installed over 5,000 measures. All works are being delivered using our dual-delivery model with designs completed using SES’s accredited in-house teams. A sample of the measures SES has delivered include:

• 200+ EWI, loft, cavity and floor insulation
• 500+ ventilation improvements to comply with PAS2035
• 1300+ solar PV, battery storage and ASHP
• Enabling works such as roofline extensions
• Full electrical rewiring where required

During mobilisation, we established a regional delivery hub in Port Talbot, facilitating local material storage, and deployed our in-house PAS-qualified retrofit assessors, coordinators and designers. We’ve also expanded our local installation supply chain, enhancing local socioeconomic benefit. As vital added value to the client, 100% of the delivery workforce is local to the communities where works are being delivered.Early engagement with residents has included letters, resident information events, RLO visits and pre-works surveys. We agreed KPIs, reporting structure and data flows with the client at pre-start. We’ve integrating ORP requirements, PAS2035 roles and TrustMark processes at every stage of the delivery plan. We’ve been able to facilitate the instant creation of property timelines by using ECOSaaS, our proprietary retrofit platform, frontloading mobilisation, including auto-building survey routes and giving Codi early sight of expected measures, costs and funding opportunities.

All systems are installed in accordance with PAS2030 and PAS2035, MCS standards for renewable elements, manufacturer specifications (with manufacturer-trained operatives), Building Regulations and British standards. ECOSaaS links design specifications, installer guidance and PAS checklists directly to each property, ensuring engineers always work from the latest version; ensuring right first time rates are maximised.

Quality assurance is being delivered through:

• Daily site inspections by supervisors
• Mid-install and post-install QA checks
• Manufacturer audits and sign-off
• PAS 2030/2035 checklists
• Photo evidence and TrustMark lodgement
• Independent IAA verification
• Insurance backed guarantees.

Our H&S governance and stringent oversight has resulted in zero lost time incidents being reported across all phases of the project. Key H&S measures that have enabled us to achieve such consistently high performance have included:

• Development of CPHSPs
• Daily RAMS briefings and toolbox talks
• Full scaffold inspection regime
• Strict controls for hot works, working at height, manual handling and electrical isolation
• Close liaison with residents during high-risk activities
• Evaluation and monitoring of legislation
• Evaluation and monitoring of staff competencies
• Communicating and enforcing H&S updates/ requirements
• Undertaking audits at all stages (both announced and unannounced)
• Ensuring organisational accreditations remain valid

Upon completion of each project, we’ve provided a comprehensive handover pack inlcuding: updated EPCs, IAA guarantee, TrustMark lodgement, photo-evidence pack, and O&M manuals. All documentation has been issued to Codi within four weeks of project handover.

Our approach to the resident handover process on the project has been centred on ensuring residents fully understand how to operate the new technologies installed, crucial where renewable measures are involved. We’ve delivered comprehensive in-person resident handovers before leaving the property, including:

• A demonstration on how to operate controls, etc.
• A training briefing on how to maximise energy bill savings e.g. running electrical items to coincide with high solar yields
• Energy advice delivered from level 3 Energy Awareness-certified assessors.
• A reminder of our contact details where tenants can reach us with troubleshooting queries/any other concerns

All of the above schemes were delivered as multiple re-appointments from the client, a clear indication of the strong relationship we’ve built across the life of the ORP scheme. 

Codi’s lead on the programme, Kevin Jones, recently fed back: “Their teams showed a commitment not only to installation quality but also to delivering a customer centric experience, essential given the high number of vulnerable individuals. Given their performance on this programme, and their commitment to partnership working, we’ve built a strong relationship with SES UK and have continued working with them on several decarbonisation programmes.”

As further testament to our positive ongoing relationship, Codi has recently appointed us to deliver year 2025-26 of its ORP programme, a £5m investment that will enable us to continue our investment in the local community and support Codi to achieve its net zero objectives.