PlaceShapers and Fusion21 announce new partnership to support better outcomes for communities
8 July 2026
This partnership with Fusion21 will help us do more to ensure our members are recognised, supported and enabled as England’s leading place-shapers.
PlaceShapers and Fusion21 have announced a new partnership aimed at strengthening both organisations’ work to support public sector members in helping communities thrive.
The partnership will bring together Fusion21’s expertise in procurement, social value and social investment, with PlaceShapers’communities’ leadership, in place-shaping, policy, and community-led housing. Both organisations are member-led and united by a shared commitment to delivering visible community impact and social value.
Fusion21 will support the delivery of the new PlaceShapers Strategic Plan through a sponsorship arrangement and donation from their Foundation, to support research and development projects.
The two organisations will also partner on work that showcases and strengthens the place-shaping role of housing providers and support and enable more of this work to happen in the future.
Catherine Ryder, Chief Executive of PlaceShapers, said: "We are proud to represent the place-shaping work of our members and have seen how it can transform lives, communities, and places.
“Every one of our members is doing all they can to invest in their community and create places where people can thrive. But we know this isn’t easy.
“This partnership with Fusion21 will help us do more to ensure our members are recognised, supported and enabled as England’s leading place-shapers.
“Along with our board of member chief executives, I am excited to be working with Fusion21 and can’t wait to see what we can do together.”
David Neilson, Chief Executive at Fusion21, said: “For over 24 years, Fusion21 has worked closely with our members and partners to deliver Procurement with Purpose - creating impact that goes above and beyond our core role as a national procurement specialist. Social value is in our DNA, and this partnership with PlaceShapers is a natural fit due to our aligned values and shared commitment to helping communities prosper.
“Together, we are well placed to work in partnership to support place-shaping housing providers, unlock greater community benefit, and help create visible social impact in the communities that need it most. We are excited about what this partnership can achieve and the difference it can make for members and the people and places they serve.”
Nicole Kershaw, Chief Executive of One Manchester, a member of both organisations, said: "This is an exciting collaboration between two like-minded organisations dedicated to helping members invest in and regenerate the places they serve. I am confident that this partnership will drive greater social value, delivering tangible benefits that improve local communities and enrich the lives of residents”