Tag: The Pioneer Group

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Building momentum across Castle Vale with The Pioneer Group

Simon Wilson, The Pioneer Group CEO / Photograph by Phil Greig and supplied by The Pioneer Group

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support

We know that Castle Vale is a proud community with a strong sense of identity, and the Government’s latest data* shows that things are beginning to move in the right direction.

While we remain aware of the challenges many residents face particularly around income, employment and access to opportunities the estate is less deprived than it was five years ago, which shows clear signs of progress.

We are also seeing improvements in community safety. Crime levels remain lower than the Birmingham average, showing the positive impact of local partnerships and a strong community spirit. These shifts matter; they create the foundations for greater confidence, investment and wellbeing.

We know that high‑quality housing and a safe, attractive environment are essential for a thriving community. The latest data highlights that Castle Vale performs better than many similar neighbourhoods in areas such as housing quality and the wider living environment, and we remain committed to strengthening those advantages.

But opportunity also depends on skills. Our Skills Hub, based in Topcliffe House continues to grow, offering CV support, training and pathways to local jobs helping residents build brighter futures right here on the estate.

Castle Vale is changing, and we are proud to play our part in driving that positive momentum forward.

(*Based on the Government’s 2025 statistics on deprivation, for more visit www.deprivation.communities.gov.uk)

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Community celebrations, support, and achievements this festive season with The Pioneer Group

Simon Wilson – The Pioneer Group Chief Executive / Photograph by Phil Greig, supplied by The Pioneer Group

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support

As we approach the festive season, there’s plenty happening across Castle Vale.

We’re delighted to bring back our popular Take a Tag gift tree at The Sanctuary, giving residents the chance to make Christmas brighter for those in need. Look out for our advert in this paper which gives you all the information to get involved.

A big thank you to M&BG for donating a Christmas tree and to Nationwide Windows and Doors for providing the lights, we’ll be announcing the details on our social channels of our Christmas Tree Light Switch-On.

Beyond the festivities, we’ve been investing in our community.

This year saw the launch of the Topcliffe Skills Hub, a space for our Skills and Employment Team. Since opening, the hub has welcomed 142 Job Club attendances (including 46 Castle Vale residents), 39 course registrations (18 local), and hosted a popular AI information session with 16 attendees.

Participants range from 16 to 67 years, and courses such as English with Social Media, Parenting Skills, and Digital Skills for Beginners have been in high demand. We’re now consulting residents to shape future courses and working with partners like the BAN network to introduce vocational training and strengthen links with local employers.

We’ve also published our latest Customer Annual Report, which shows: £1.5m saved and reinvested into community regeneration, £867k secured to retrofit 77 homes, 84% customer satisfaction, above sector averages & £4.6m in social value generated.

I’d recommend having a look at how we’re performing on our website.

As always. thank you for your continued support, and I wish you an enjoyable festive period.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Birmingham United FC’s First Team move home matches to Castle Vale Stadium

(l-r) Representatives from Birmingham United FC and Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph supplied by The Pioneer Group

Words supplied by The Pioneer Group

Birmingham United FC is proud to announce a major milestone in the club’s journey — the first team will now play its home fixtures at Castle Vale Stadium, marking the first time since adopting the name Birmingham United that the senior side will compete within the city of Birmingham itself.

This move represents more than just a change of venue — it is a homecoming, a statement of intent, and a foundation for further impact and growth.

Founded with the goal of creating opportunities for talented young footballers across Central Birmingham, Birmingham United FC has built a reputation for developing players both on and off the pitch.

Sign outside Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King

The relocation of the first team to Castle Vale aligns with the club’s mission to be based at the heart of the Birmingham footballing community and to use sport as a tool for positive change.

“Playing in Birmingham has always been a key goal for us,” said Rajab Noor, Birmingham United FC Chairman.

He adds: “Castle Vale Stadium offers fantastic facilities and a passionate local community. We’re excited not only to bring semi-professional football to the area but also to support the next generation of players through new grassroots and youth initiatives.”

The club intends to work closely with The Pioneer Group – who own and operate Castle Vale Stadium – and other local stakeholders in and around Castle Vale to create accessible football pathways for children and young people.

Public attending football match at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Ed King

Plans are already underway to expand Birmingham United’s grassroots programme — developing new youth teams, delivering coaching sessions, and supporting initiatives that harness the positive social impact of sport.

A spokesperson for the local football club added: “Football has the power to transform the lives of young people, unite communities together and remedy society’s greatest inequalities.

“By basing ourselves in Castle Vale, we feel well-placed to have a significant positive impact on young people across the area.”

As Birmingham United FC embarks on this exciting new chapter, the club invites local residents, fans, and supporters to join them at Castle Vale Stadium and be part of a growing movement that champions opportunity, ambition, and community spirit.

Irfan Mehboob, The Pioneer Group’s Head of Community Facilities, told: “It’s fantastic to have Birmingham United FC hosting their home games here at Castle Vale Stadium. The stadium remains an integral part of our community, and we’re delighted to see more people making use of this great facility.”

He added: “Since investing in the stadium, we hope even more people will take advantage of the excellent facilities we have here.”

For more on Birmingham United FC and links to the club’s social media visit: www.linktr.ee/bhamutd

For more on Castle Vale Stadium visit: www.castlevalestadium.co.uk

For more from The Pioneer Group visit: www.pioneergroup.org.uk

The Pioneer Group is a key partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

 

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: A new chapter in community engagement

Jo Fieldhouse – Housing & Community Director, The Pioneer Group / Photograph by Phil Greig

Words by Jo Fieldhouse – Housing & Community Director, The Pioneer Group

I’m really pleased to introduce our new Customer & Community Engagement Plan which is a big step forward in how we listen and act on what matters most to our customers.

This plan is built on every voice matters. It’s designed to make engagement easier, more inclusive, and more impactful. Whether it’s through Listening Hubs, Scrutiny Panels, community champions, or digital platforms like Vale Voices, we’re creating more ways for people to get involved and shape the services they use every day.

We’re proud of the strong foundations already in place, from our Customer Influence Committee to the Searchlight Panel and our Block & Green Champions. These groups are already driving change, and this plan will help us go further.

Over the next three years, we’ll widen participation, embed customer voice into our governance, and ensure feedback leads to real action. We’re aiming for 80% of customers to say we listen and act on their views, and 85% to feel we make a positive contribution to their neighbourhood.

This plan is about collaboration. It’s about making every contact count and turning everyday conversations into change that makes people proud.

We’ll be working over the coming months to showcase this plan and bring it to life.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

Posted on

FEATURE: “It’s just brilliant to be here,” over a twelve hundred locals and visitors attend Castle Vale Community Festival

Family after taking part in the Colour Run at Castle Vale Community Festival ’25 / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Tracy Fisher

On Saturday 30 August, Castle Vale Community Festival returned to Farnborough fields – as organised by The Pioneer Group and Compass Support.

Despite the wind and rain, The Pioneer Group reported over 1,200 Castle Vale locals and visitors attended throughout the event – enjoying a free fun-filled afternoon exploring a variety stalls, activities, and entertainment.

Laura Grigg, Compass Support Community Hubs Manager, told Castle Vale Local: “This is a great opportunity for the whole community to come together, and we have got quite a few of our partners here today… it’s an opportunity for people to highlight what they do in the community.”

The festival also offered local businesses the chance to showcase their work. Rachel Beard, who runs Raquel’s Decoupage and Crafting, told: “I’m based on Castle Vale [and] I just love coming out and meeting the community.”

She added: “It’s about meeting people, making connections and just having a good vibe on the day; it’s just brilliant to be here”.

Activities and attractions included the Animal Man, aka Nature’s Burrows, who proved popular with young and old alike.

Paget Rangers FC offered youngsters free football coaching sessions, and there was live music from Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums, alongside face painting, soft play and bouncy castles for children.

Luke McClean, from YoungStars Community Hub, said: “We’ve been going around speaking to all the community, meeting some of our obviously regulars who come to youth club [and] advertising a little bit about what we do.”

McClean also praised the YoungStars dance acts who demonstrated their talents in the main arena to the sounds from festival hosts, Switch Radio.

Mid-afternoon, crowds suddenly dispersed and made a dash for the start of the annual Colour Run.

Castle Vale resident Tiffany, who brought along her family to the event and took part in the Colour Run, summed up what the festival means for locals.

She explained: “It’s brilliant they brought the festival back to Castle Vale; it’s a great turnout, lots to do and the colour run was good fun.”

PICTURE GALLERY #1: Castle Vale Community Festival / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

PICTURE GALLERY #2: Castle Vale Community Festival / Photographs by Darren Dodd

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Making homes ‘safer, warmer, and more energy efficient’ across Castle Vale

Dave Livesey, Asset Management & Development Director – The Pioneer Group / Photograph by Phil Greig

Words by Dave Livesey, Asset Management & Development Director – The Pioneer Group

In 2024, we launched our Windows and Doors Programme in direct response to customer feedback, with the aim of making homes safer, warmer, and more energy efficient. As the project nears completion, we’re proud to reflect on the positive impact it has had across our homes and the community.

Backed by a multimillion-pound investment, the programme set out to upgrade over 2,000 properties with modern, secure windows and doors. So far, 1,694 homes have been fully completed, with work underway on a further 243 properties.

Beyond the physical improvements, the programme has also delivered social value back into our community. Nationwide Windows and Doors, our delivery partner, has re-engaged with the community, supporting events such as the Castle Vale Community Festival.

Their commitment to giving back continues to grow, with plans for further investment in local activities.

We’re proud of the progress made and pleased to share these figures as the programme enters its final stages this autumn.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

 For more on Nationwide Windwos and Doors visit www.nwd.co.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

 

Posted on

NEWS: Castle Vale Town FC win first game of the season 4-0

Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Words by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale Town FC, aka the Spitfires, played their first game of the season against AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August – with the match played at their home ground, Castle Vale Stadium.

Established in 1998, and currently seventh in Division Three of the Midland Football League, the Castle Vale club recently signed four young players – including Rayarn Henry – who enjoyed their first competitive debut this month.

Minutes into the first half a visitor injury halted play, but as the game continued both sides fought hard to keep possession of the ball. A breakthrough for the Spitfires came shortly before half time with Josh Pitters scoring the first goal.

The second half created some good chances, and the team built momentum with Jordan Mackenzie scoring a second goal and setting the pace for the rest of the game.

Despite a missed penalty, five minutes later Owen Reynolds leapt into the box scoring the Spitfire’s third goal. An altercation between Zaman and one of the visitors created friction but was quickly diffused.

Just three minutes before full-time, Edam Suliman scored an impressive fourth goal, securing a win for Castle Vale Town FC before backflipping to celebrate the victory.

At full time the score was 4-0 to Castle Vale.

Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Manager Luke Evans told Castle Vale Local: “I’m really, really happy, we didn’t know what to expect from them today but they’re always a good side.

He added: “We’ve had a really good pre-season, and we prepared well, the kids that come off the bench did a really good job also, it was just a good day really, a good day in the office.”

Castle Vale Town FC are based at Castle Vale Stadium, behind Farnborough Road on the Castle Vale estate.

Castle Vale Town FC playing AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August at Castle Vale Stadium / Photograph by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale Stadium has been managed by The Pioneer Group since 2014, after the prominent estate landlord took responsibility for the sports facility from Birmingham City Council and saved it form closure.

Castle Vale Stadium also hosts local squads including Concords FC and Romulus FC.

PICTURE GALLERY: Castle Vale Town FC beat AFC Birmingham at Castle Vale Stadium / Photographs by Tracy Fisher

For more on Castle Vale Town FC visit www.castlevalefc.clupik.app

For more on Castle Vale Stadium visit www.castlevalestadium.co.uk

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Strengthening connections across Castle Vale

Chief Executive Officer of The Pioneer Group, Simon Wilson / Photograph by Phil Greig – supplied by The Pinoeer Group

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support

At the heart of our work is our pledge to listen, engage, and improve how we connect and work together with our community. Across Castle Vale, we’re making real progress in strengthening our communications and ensuring customers feel informed and involved.

This summer, we’re excited to welcome everyone to our Community Festival on Saturday, 30 August. It’s a brilliant opportunity to come together, celebrate what makes Castle Vale special, and show the great work taking place across Castle Vale. Whether you’ve lived here for years or just moved in, we’d love to see you there.

We’re also hosting a Financial Wellbeing Drop-In on Thursday, 18 September at The Sanctuary, offering practical support and advice to help people manage their finances.

Alongside this, we’re continuing to deliver our Listening Hubs across the estate, these are spaces where you can meet the team, share your views, and hear about what’s happening locally. I’d really encourage you to come along, get your voice heard, and help shape the future of Castle Vale.

You can find these sessions in the latest printed edition of Erdington Local (page 9) or on our Social Media: ThePioneerGroup (Facebook), pioneergroup_ (Twitter/X)

On the housing front, I’m proud to share that through our Windows and Doors Programme, we’ve now completed installations in 1,480 homes, representing an investment of over £7.1 million. We remain on track to complete the programme this autumn, delivering warmer, safer homes for our customers.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected Castle Vale. Thank you for being part of it.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Safety on the Vale

Chief Executive Officer of The Pioneer Group and Compass Support, Simon Wilson / Photograph by Phil Greig – supplied by The Pioneer Group

Words by Simon Wilson, Chief Executive Officer – The Pioneer Group & Compass Support

Earlier in June, we were pleased to share the results of our latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs), which show how you feel about the services we provide.

I’m proud to say that overall satisfaction has risen to 83.9%, a result that reflects the hard work of our teams and the valuable feedback you’ve shared to help us improve. While this is encouraging, we know there’s still more to do to be the best landlord we can be.

One area where we’ve seen a notable improvement is in satisfaction with how we handle anti-social behaviour (ASB). This remains a key priority for us, and we’ve taken steps to strengthen our response.

We’ve invested in a major upgrade of our CCTV system across Castle Vale, which plays a vital role in helping to tackle ASB and keep our neighbourhoods safe.

To date, 96% of the CCTV upgrade has been completed, and in 2024/25 alone, the system helped us capture 456 incidents. This has allowed us to work closely with our local neighbourhood policing team, who we’re proud to host in our building on the Vale.

This technology not only supports enforcement but also acts as a deterrent, helping partners respond more quickly and effectively when issues arise.

We’re continuing with this work and making sure everyone feels safe and supported in our community. Thanks to your feedback, we’re able to shape our services and deliver the best outcomes possible.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.

Posted on

COMMUNITY ANCHORS: Castle Vale Community Festival returns on Saturday 30 August – bigger and better for 2025!

Colour Run at previous Castle Vale Community Festival – organised by The Pioneer Group / Photograph supplied by Castle Vale Local

Words by The Pioneer Group

(Ed’s note… this column was written the June/July Erdington Local newspaper and first published, in print, on Thursday 12 June.)

The Pioneer Group is thrilled to announce the return of the Castle Vale Community Festival, taking place on Saturday, 30 August 2025 at Farnborough Fields, next to Castle Vale Stadium, 12midday till 6pm.

Following the overwhelming success of last year’s event, which drew over 1,000 attendees, this year’s festival promises even more excitement and entertainment.

The 2025 programme will feature a children’s colour run which comes back by popular demand, alongside a full day of live performances, family-friendly activities, food, music, and more.

Stalls at previous Castle Vale Community Festival – organised by The Pioneer Group / Photograph supplied by Castle Vale Local

Jo Fieldhouse, Housing & Community Director at The Pioneer Group, shared: “The Castle Vale Community Festival is a celebration of the people who make this estate such a great place to live.

“It’s a chance for everyone on Castle Vale to come together and have fun. We’re thrilled to bring it back this year and can’t wait to see everyone there.”

The festival is a proud continuation of Castle Vale’s fantastic community spirit.

After the success of the 2024 Colour Run and Festival, the message from residents was clear – “Let’s do this every year!” and now, it’s official, Castle Vale Festival is back.

This is a community-led event, and everyone is invited to take part. Here’s how you can contribute:

  • Volunteer – Help plan, set up, run the day, or clear up afterward.
  • Sponsor – Support the festival and showcase your brand.
  • Donate – Every contribution helps us do more.
  • Run a Stall – Join our bustling marketplace.
  • Perform – Bands, dance crews, solo acts—we want to hear from you!

Stay tuned for updates, announcements, and the full schedule of events via The Pioneer Group’s social media channels.

For more on The Pioneer Group visit www.pioneergroup.org.uk and for more on Compass Support visit www.compass-support.org.uk

The Pioneer Group and Compass Support are key partners in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme – supporting independent local and community journalism.