Retrofit Information, Support and Expertise (RISE) is a free support service fully funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The service (which was formerly known as the Social Housing Retrofit Accelerator and the Home Upgrade Hub) provides training, guidance and one to one support to help social housing providers, local authorities and their supply chains plan and deliver successful domestic retrofit programmes.

How does RISE work?

RISE offers a clear and simple pathway for organisations looking to bid for government funding to deliver domestic retrofit schemes. By offering a range of training, events and resources to help upskill teams responsible for delivering retrofit, alongside bespoke one to one support to those developing retrofit plans and applications for funding, RISE is helping hundreds of organisations across the country to get ‘retrofit ready’. The support RISE offers makes it easier for organisations to develop retrofit plans that attract funding, meet the needs of residents, create more comfortable homes and support decarbonisation commitments.

What does RISE offer? 

The Learning and Development offer The RISE Learning and Development offer is made up of a comprehensive online knowledge hub, a series of online and face to face training events, masterclasses, webinars and workshops, a podcast series, an online library of ‘Masterclasses On Demand’ and a range of detailed and practically focused toolkits. 

The RISE Knowledge Hub RISE offers a comprehensive online hub of resources, including on-demand Masterclasses on a wide range of topics, a podcast series, a range of toolkits and articles. RISE makes sure all this knowledge and expertise is easy to find and easy to access - offering you a clear pathway to success.
https://riseretrofit.org.uk/knowledge-hub

Masterclasses, webinars and training courses The RISE team brings together a dynamic programme of masterclasses, training, workshops and briefings to help prospective develop and deliver high-quality funding bids and retrofit projects. Always delivered by sector experts, these events are always free, and designed to fit into a busy schedule.
https://riseretrofit.org.uk/events

Podcasts Covering a wide range of subjects through expert interviews and lively discussion, the RISE podcast series keeps prospective applicants up to date and builds confidence as they develop their retrofit programmes and applications for funding.
https://riseretrofit.org.uk/resources/podcasts

Masterclasses on demand A wide range of key information and expert advice is provided via a comprehensive series of on-demand masterclasses and pre-recorded online events.
https://riseretrofit.org.uk/resources/masterclasses

The one to one support offer 

An integral part of the RISE offer, one to one support is available to all prospective applicants where it is felt it will be beneficial. 

The first step is a comprehensive on-line self-assessment; a tool which allows prospective applicants to share as much information as possible with the RISE team, in order that a bespoke package of support can be developed. This also includes a ‘maturity assessment’ – to help prospective applicants understand their own areas of strength, and needs for development. Beyond the self-assessment process, the tailored one to one support provides development input on the funding application itself, from technical and bid-writing specialists. Support is allocated based on a prospective applicant’s specific needs (through the self-assessment and follow up diagnostic meetings with a member of our team). 

The supply chain offer 

A stronger focus on supporting the retrofit supply chain is a response to need across the wider market. This part of RISE’s offer will help to create favourable conditions for growth in the retrofit supply chain and enhance productivity and innovation within the construction sector. RISE’s supply chain support is still in development, but it will likely focus on four key areas:

• Addressing standards requirements; ensuring that suppliers meet industry standards for quality, safety, and sustainability
• Certification of retrofit measures to ensure that any modifications or improvements to existing systems are properly validated
• Trustmark registration to help build confidence among consumers and partners by signalling RISE’s commitment to excellence
• Commercial frameworks and sub-contracting for efficient collaboration and scalability. 

How has this programme performed in the past? 

Since the programme was established: 

• 98% of successful SHDF bidders were supported 
• The average award amount for Home Upgrade Grant applicants who accessed support through the technical Assistance Fund is £15m, compared to £11m to applicants who did not access the support
• 131 of the 144 SHDF bids received support 

LINKS: 
www.riseretrofit.org.uk

Socials:
www.linkedin.com/company/rise-retrofit
www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/retrofit-information-support-and-expertise-rise-33892481181
https://www.youtube.com/@RISERetrofit
https://open.spotify.com/show/0sEhRw76no9DhxqSgZfxPV?si=5de94f0289264a91