Delivering Social Value

Social value is an increasingly important consideration in the construction industry. In addition to delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required quality, construction companies are now expected to demonstrate that they are contributing to the wider communities. This might include creating jobs for local people, reducing carbon emissions, or improving the wellbeing of the communities in which they operate.

As highlighted in SCAPE’s Social Value in Construction 2023: Preview Report, £1.09bn of social and local economic value was delivered in the first 6 months of 2022, providing a 30.33% return on investment. This figure is 10.78% higher when compared to last year which demonstrates that the construction industry is driving positive social change through projects.

By considering the social impact of their operational activities, construction companies can build positive relationships with stakeholders and demonstrate that they are committed to creating sustainable and resilient communities.

Take a look at some of the projects that our members have delivered which have provided significant social value outcomes:

north west construction hub

Manchester SEMH Schools

Southern Cross | Camberwell Park | Castlefield Campus

Despite taking place during the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, the schools were delivered safely, on time and to budget, with 100% of the social value targets met, and 85% of them significantly overachieved. To maximise social value and long-term beneficial impact for the schools and their wider communities, ISG’s social value team worked collaboratively with MCC’s Neighbourhood team and ward councillors during the pre-construction phase to agree social value targets and develop a detailed social value plan aligned to local needs. We engaged with our supply chain partners and anchor organisations to deliver the social value plan commitments.

Key achievements across the three projects include over £6,000 in donations made to the schools and communities, including the purchase of computer kits to support home schooling during the lockdowns; seven jobs created for individuals from disadvantaged groups, and a range of virtual employment and education support activities enabling us to continue our work, supporting local people, throughout the pandemic. Overall, the programme delivered £12.7 million social, local and economic value (SLEV), as calculated in Social Value Portal (SVP) using the TOMs framework (Themes, Outcomes, Measures). This represents 67% of the contract value in added value for the local community.

southern cross school

scape

Darley Bank & Peak Court

Morgan Sindall committed to achieving a minimum 30% return on social value on all SCAPE projects, but exceeded expectations on Darley Bank and Peak Court project by achieving a 52.6% return. The project spent close to 90% of its budget with small to medium-sized businesses within 20 miles of the site, and the majority of the labour was also sourced within the same distance. Over £1m of the project spend was reinvested locally. Four social enterprises were appointed on the project, including Paint 360, Radiant Cleaners, Recycling Lives, and Nuneaton Signs.

Paint 360 supplied all the paint used on the ceilings, with each litre containing 50% recycled paint. Radiant Cleaners, a Living Wage employer that provides opportunities for disadvantaged adults, ensured the site was kept clean. Environmentally friendly skip hire company Recycling Lives helped ensure 100% of the project’s waste was diverted from landfill, while Nuneaton Signs provided all site and health & safety signage on the project, with 70% of its workforce employed through disability and intern schemes.

Morgan Sindall employed their Intelligent Solutions approach to enhance communities by collecting and donating items for a local food bank and hosting a Harvest Breakfast Community Engagement Event in partnership with the local church and the University of Derby. The event provided disadvantaged people in the area with hot meals, drinks, suitable clothing, and sleeping bags for colder months. The initiative resulted in 54 hours donated, two mentoring opportunities, £1,800 donated towards community investment projects, and a total Social Value spend of £1.04 million.

SCAPE Peak Court

Gedling Access Road Project, Braunstone Frith Primary School

Balfour Beatty were the main contractor for the Gedling Access Road project and engaged with local communities to mitigate the impact of the works on villages such as Burton Joyce. They provided creative and sustainable solutions on several community projects to create lasting relationships within these communities and preserve local landmarks. The team’s commitment to leaving a positive legacy in local communities was demonstrated through their willingness to help fix the burst water main in Burton Joyce, building planters for the Phoenix Infant and Nursery School, creating a new campfire circle for the 3rd Woodthorpe Scout Group, and resurfacing old and damaged pathways in the Burton Joyce Cemetery.

Hands planting in flower bed

Stoneham Park Academy, Eastleigh

Morgan Sindall helped deliver this high-quality, sustainable new primary school in Eastleigh, providing places for 315 children. Throughout the project, Morgan Sindall hosted 7 work experience students from Eastleigh College. The students were male, aged between 16 and 17 years old from the local area. In addition to work placements, the project exceeded its job creation target by double, creating 8 jobs in various trades such as labouring, scaffolding and carpentry. 4 site tours also took place which provided construction careers information, advice and guidance. 12 qualifications and certifications were awarded to 10 on site employees. These included three qualifications in Scaffolding, one qualification in HNC Civil Engineering and one certificate in Installation Fire Door Training. One female worker was awarded two certificates, one for Mental Health First Aid and one for SMSTS.

Stoneham Park