The role of the construction industry in the UK economy extends beyond the final delivery of a project. We all must demonstrate a proven commitment to delivering measurable Social Value
For construction businesses like ourselves operating within the UK, establishing Social Value delivery as a core part of our project delivery is essential to ensuring our impact isn’t just felt by our clients directly, but also the community and environment around us.
What is Social Value?
Social Value is officially defined as the creation of supportive environmental, economic, and social wellbeing through the construction of buildings, places, and infrastructure that ultimately improves the quality of life in the area.
The construction sector holds a pivotal position in efforts toward sustainable development, contributing significantly to social well-being by completing projects that connect communities and provide large-scale employment opportunities.
Addressing the Skills Gap
The construction sector employs approximately 9% of the UK workforce and is an essential part of the UK economy. However, the sector faces constant pressure to recruit and train skilled individuals. Strategic apprenticeship programmes serve a dual purpose: meeting the industry’s need for talent and generating significant Social Value.
Here at Embassy we have been championing apprenticeships since our beginning, and over the past 5 years, we have ensured that we make sure a portion of these apprentices come from the areas we work in. This helps both us and our clients reach their social value objectives.
We also have a history of supporting disadvantaged groups, and guiding them into employment. People we have helped gain employment include:
- Armed Forces Veterans.
- Rehabilitating young offenders
- Ex-Offenders
- People with disabilities
- Individuals who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEETs)
This is an area that Embassy Site Services are proud to have supported.
Local Initiatives and Engagement
Community initiatives involve direct engagement with the local population, addressing specific needs related to education, wellbeing, and safety. Effective community engagement improves the local quality of life and helps construction firms like ourselves integrate positively within their project areas.
Here at Embassy we make sure that our work always affects the community ina positive way. For example, on a recent project for our client Wates, we restored these benches, for the community to enjoy on the newly refurbished roof terrace, that our team installed as part of the roofing work.
Another great example of our community engagement includes our team making sure we brief residents on our works weekly, to ensure that everyone knows exactly what and where our teams will be. Part of this brief is crucial health and safety information. It also gives residents the opportunity to raise any concerns or ask questions about our work.
Charity Partnerships
Here at Embassy, our charity initiatives are a crucial part of what we do. Some examples of charity work we have completed in the last year include an easter egg donation for our client Wates, who then distributed these to disadvantaged children in our project area, and our annual Christmas donations, including a donation of gifts and toys and food bank items to our client Morgan Sindall Property Services, as well a donation to the Salvation Army.
We also raise awareness throughout the year for other construction wide issues including Movember, Metal Health Awarness, World Suicide Prevention Day, Remeberance Day and more.
Local Sponsorships
Local sponsorship is a visible form of community investment that demonstrates sustained commitment beyond the contract term. Here at Embassy, we have a history of supporting local people and clubs with their sporting endeavours.
Some examples of these sponsorships over the years include:
- Jonny Oake – A young, up-and-coming boxer
- Caden Tomlin – A junior motocross rider who is making his way through the ranks
- Grays Athletic U15s Girls – A strong girls football team in the local area
- Seb Lik – Marathon runner who works within the Embassy team
Here at Embassy Site Services, social value is one of the biggest areas of our business. We recognise the importance of making those affected by our work feel valued, and also make sure we give back to those who need it most, whether that’s through career opportunities, charity, sponsorship or local engagement. It’s just one of the ways we are focusing on Raising The Game.