Building Future Ready Communities: How GAIN LINE Delivered a Multi-Site Platform for Jigsaw Homes Group

Jigsaw Homes Group is a leading housing association proudly managing over 37,500 homes across the North West and East Midlands. They have a firm commitment to creating safe, affordable, and sustainable living spaces, Jigsaw Homes Group goes beyond traditional housing services to touch lives and foster thriving communities.

Jigsaw Homes are an ambitious group who constantly embark on development journeys, currently they possess plans to build nearly 4,400 new homes by 2028. Their mission is not reliant on expanding housing stock, it’s about shaping future-ready communities that prioritise sustainability. Through targeted programmes, they strive to break the cycle of poverty, and create vibrant, inclusive neighbourhoods.

Problem

In April 2018, Adactus Housing merged with New Charter Group to form Jigsaw Homes Group. Jigsaw Homes Group was grappling with the challenge of being able to efficiently manage the various divisions spread across multiple sites that had been created as a result of the merger. They needed a solution that not only centralised control and streamlined operations, but also provided flexibility to evolve with the future of housing.

Additionally, cost-effectiveness was a crucial factor for Jigsaw, as they understandably wished to stay within a definitive budget. Essentially their vision was a dynamic, adaptable system that balanced both financial responsibility and a transformation.

Solution

GAIN LINE was brought in to seamlessly integrate the internal operations of the teams, external consolidation had already occurred. Jigsaw wished to retain full control over branding decisions, and through technical implementation GAIN LINE was able to transform their vision into reality. This meant we had to gain an understanding of what commitments were really important to Jigsaw, which turned out to be accessibility for users and employees alike.

GAIN LINE ensured this commitment would be accomplished, by achieving triple-A compliance in line with WCAG guidelines for the site. We were also able to introduce a digital inclusion solution, called ReachDeck, which enabled Jigsaw to provide essential support services; like benefit, debt and money advice, information on how to access local food- banks, how to reduce energy costs and much more.

Results

GAIN LINE designed a bespoke multi-site platform that evolved as Jigsaw does, allowing a centralised point for the management of reward systems, client enquiries, and support service. All while keeping in line with the unique branding that makes Jigsaw stand out as a leading North West housing association. GAIN LINE was able to achieve accessibility to such a degree, due to their comfortability using WordPress. This collaboration has resulted in a flexible system, whilst having fostered a lasting partnership between GAIN LINE and Jigsaw Homes Group.

The key thing GAIN LINE wanted to implement for Jigsaw was accessibility features that could be utilised by a diverse audience; such as translation tools, high contrast mode (improves readability for those with visual impairments), and quick exit buttons for users in sensitive situations, such as those seeking support for violent situations.