Sanctuary Housing

Sanctuary is a prominent not-for-profit housing and care provider operating across England and Scotland. Established over 50 years ago, the company's original purpose was to deliver housing and care to individuals in need, a mission that continues to guide its operations today. Through a history of strategic acquisitions, mergers, and development initiatives, Sanctuary has expanded to become one of the largest not-for-profit housing associations in the United Kingdom. The firm currently owns and manages approximately 125,000 units of accommodation, serving more than a quarter of a million people.

The company's core mission is to build affordable homes and foster sustainable communities where people choose to live. As a not-for-profit organisation, Sanctuary does not generate profits for shareholders; instead, it reinvests all income back into its services and properties to further its social purpose. This financial model enables the firm to contribute to addressing the national housing crisis by constructing high-quality, affordable homes throughout the UK. Sanctuary's development efforts cater to a diverse range of needs and styles, with a focus on creating or enhancing sustainable communities, often through regeneration projects that prioritise resident input.

Sanctuary offers a broad spectrum of housing options designed to meet varied requirements. This includes a wide range of properties, from contemporary apartments and family homes to residences specifically aimed at assisting first-time buyers in entering the property market. Beyond general housing, the company is also a significant provider of care services. Under Sanctuary Care, the firm manages around 110 care homes, committed to enriching the lives of residents, their loved ones, and its dedicated teams, extending beyond the basic provision of care.

Through Sanctuary Supported Living, the company provides quality supported housing services. These programmes are designed to equip individuals with the confidence, self-esteem, and essential life skills necessary to live independently. Sanctuary's supported housing services cater to various special needs populations, including those with learning disabilities, and encompass over 650 supported housing services, ranging from retirement living communities to accommodation for adults with mental health needs. Additionally, the firm provides keyworker accommodation at hospital sites, supporting NHS staff, students, and other key workers by enabling them to reside conveniently close to their workplaces, often on-site.

Sanctuary Students is the division responsible for managing accommodation for thousands of students across England and Scotland. This dedicated service provides purpose-built student accommodation, offering more than just a room to over 10,000 students in major university cities across the UK. The company has been providing student accommodation for over 20 years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to the student housing sector.

The company also manages retirement communities, with 29 purpose-built or adapted services located across England, providing housing for individuals aged over 55. Sanctuary places a strong emphasis on its responsibility to ensure all residents can enjoy their homes and neighbourhoods peacefully. The firm is committed to learning from its customers and improving services, actively seeking feedback and involving residents in shaping its offerings through panels that scrutinise performance and help develop new policies. Sanctuary operates under the regulation of bodies such as the Regulator of Social Housing, the Scottish Housing Regulator, the Care Quality Commission, and the Scottish Care Inspectorate, holding strong G1 governance, V2 viability, and C1 consumer ratings, reflecting its robust governance, financial stability, and effective service management.