William Sutton Prize 2023: applications are open

Matt Parsonage, a proud RSA Fellow and Head of Communities at Clarion Futures (part of Clarion Housing Group), is excited to share news about the latest round of the William Sutton Prize.

The William Sutton Prize supports the growth of ground-breaking ideas that tackle England’s most urgent sustainability challenges. It was set up five years ago to celebrate the legacy of its founder, William Sutton, who bequeathed his fortune back in the 19^th century to improve the quality of social housing.

The focus this year is identifying innovations that have the potential to improve the carbon footprint of the social housing sector, accelerating the transition to net zero in a just and fair way to make sure nobody is left behind. This aligns with the RSA’s Design for Life mission, which aims to develop and influence the supporting conditions that people, communities and organisations need to drive regenerative change in the long term.

The prize strives to identify innovative opportunities for the sector to rapidly decarbonise in a way which supports people to realise the benefits of that transition – job opportunities, social value delivered and better health outcomes. Ultimately, a just transition will result in a social housing sector which offers high quality, zero carbon, low cost, healthy homes which support residents to fulfil their potential in life.

The prize is open to absolutely anyone. It welcomes entries from SMEs, individuals, consortiums or well-established practices - anyone who is committed to making a difference.

Applications are open until 12pm, Monday 3 July 2023. Winners will be announced in November 2023, where up to 5 projects will receive significant grant funding. See latest news of judges here.