We're looking for a provider to develop a practical resource for impact investors, assessing the investment opportunity both through funds and direct investments, which align with the theme of social and affordable housing in the UK.
To construct our impact investing portfolio at Esmée, we are taking a thematic approach. This means being led by, and subsequently allocating to, impact themes. We research a sector through a deep dive to inform thematic decision making, and then select and diligence the leading funds and companies. Our first deep dive focused on sustainable food and agriculture, which will be our template for exploring the theme of social and affordable housing in the UK.
Social and affordable housing in the UK
As a core part of the impact research, the project will explore how local communities are currently, or should be, incorporated in these models, acknowledging both the shortage and difficulty in accessing quality housing in the UK, and housing as the base from which families live, work, learn and play. This is closely linked to our “local economies work better for the people who live there” impact goal, building on our corresponding investment strategy, Partner in Place.
What we're looking for
The provider should have:
- Knowledge of impact/thematic investing
- Knowledge of social and affordable housing, with a local community lens
- Relevant and demonstrable experience of research methodologies e.g. devising and delivering analytical research
- Strong communication skills, including listening and questioning, and the ability to communicate information to a non-technical audience, both verbally and in writing
- Analytical and interpretation skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Creativity and flexibility to respond to issues quickly and adjust the approach to or style of delivery
- Commitment to our values and taking a values based approach to research
We are open to proposals from organisations or individual consultants, where there are appropriate measures in place to ensure clear lines of management and communication. Payment arrangements will be via a single organisation or consultant, usually with the bid leader.
We are open to working with the provider to agree on and sign off on the brief, including timeframes. We expect that this could be 25 days over a few months. The total budget for this project is £30,000, including VAT and/or tax liabilities of the provider, as well as the costs for the design of the report.
Sending your proposal
If you're interested in tendering for this project, please:
- Read the full invitation to tender
- Email your proposal to jonny.page@esmeefairbairn.org.uk
The closing date for proposals is: 5pm on 25 July 2025.
Any questions about this tender can also be sent to that address. We will update this page with questions and answers as they come.
