Social value
We shape places that make a positive impact on people’s lives
As architects and building consultants, we have an opportunity to enhance the health, wellbeing, and prosperity of the people who use our places and the communities we work in – making a positive contribution to social, economic, and environmental issues.
We create social value in many ways – through our projects, our external activities and partnerships, and as an employer. Examples include supporting local economies by boosting employment and investing in local suppliers, promoting opportunities for disadvantaged groups and creating inclusive communities.
Achieving social value is part of our wider focus on sustainability. We believe these two go hand in hand – because the future health, wellbeing, and prosperity of people is intrinsically linked to the quality of their environments.
By formalising our commitment to social value, we can generate greater impact and have put in place three objectives to guide our actions.
We champion a fair right to education for all
As passionate supporters of equal rights to education, we strive to inspire future generations and are committed to providing better opportunities to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By continually sharing insights gathered from our work, we also aim to promote the open exchange of knowledge in our industry.
We foster inclusive, accessible communities
By working with people from all cultures and backgrounds, we shape a society where everyone feels heard, is equally supported, and is able to flourish. We are continually becoming a more representative organisation, who delivers places that encourage diverse communities to thrive.
We support improved health and wellbeing
Just as sustainability is a fundamental part of the built environment, we believe so too is the concept of wellness. As advocates of healthy, responsible, and sustainable practices, we are committed to shaping places that support and improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Key highlights
Working to become a more representative and inclusive workplace
Supporting and donating to 18 key charities
Mentoring students from schools, colleges and universities
Promoting colleague happiness, health and motivation through social activities
Supporting our team in continuing professional development
Participating in numerous fundraising events
Inspiring future generations in collaboration with Speakers for Schools
Promoting the open exchange of knowledge in our industry by sharing insights gathered from our work
Industry insights and nurturing future generations
Social Impact Report 2023
Sharing our journey towards positive change
How we action our objectives
Our robust methodology defines our approach, which offers an achievable and measurable way to deliver social value. By following rigorous measurement and reporting systems, for example, the National TOMs framework, we can track our successes and challenges and make informed decisions on ambitious targets year on year.
Giving focus to social value is not only right and responsible, but also a legal requirement or condition of funding for some projects. With decades of experience, we understand how long-term social value must be demonstrated across the lifecycle of a project – and provide full support to clients in achieving this.
We focus on how we can make a difference through our actions in three areas – the delivery of our project work; within our role as an employer and our internal initiatives; and through our external activities and partnerships.
External activities
We work with educators and charities to deliver talks, mentoring, careers support, work experience placements, and scholarships. Breaking down barriers and inspiring people from a diversity of backgrounds. By engaging with communities, we support their best interests and strengthen this connection by dedicating time to local projects, activities and charities. We embrace better health and wellbeing for all – by getting involved in fundraising activities for physical and mental health charities.
Internal initiatives
We actively encourage greater diversity in our industry and invest in all our people, providing the same opportunities for career progression and professional development. Alongside internal training days and mentoring schemes, we support ambitions for further education with paid study leave and are proud to offer apprenticeships. With our Mental Health First Aiders, Wellbeing Champions and a Social Committee, we create a positive and supportive working environment for all.
Project delivery
We believe a better future begins with better access to education and provide inclusive, sustainable, and flexible places to learn. We incorporate shared spaces to create sustainable communities and champion affordable housing for all. We focus on improving health and wellbeing across all our work. From delivering projects in the healthcare sector, to leading the transformation of town centres, we are revolutionising how people experience places across all our work.
The newly built chalets are lovely, very true to the originals and it’s great to see them reopened.
We love the community that is generated by them – we have lots of friends we have met here. It is very relaxing place to come to sit and watch the sea, the children playing on the beach, and meet friends for coffee.”
Martin Johnson
Retired local businessman, South Cliff Chalets
riba ahr scholarship
The experiences of our RIBA AHR Scholarship mentors
We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Nuala, our 2023 RIBA AHR Scholarship recipient, as she reached the end of her work placement. For her mentors Gary Overton and Hira Teirney, the experience has been an enriching one, not only in fostering the development of Nuala, but also in broadening their own perspectives and enhancing their professional growth.
The need to deliver relatively high-density housing had been cleverly met ... creating different types of building along a central “street”, which felt like “a processional way, culminating in a taller, elegant apartment block.
Houses and flats were equally well constructed and there was a positive sense of community among people living there.”
Judges feedback
Hertford Civic Society Award for visionary social housing
Making a difference through our projects
Greenwood Centre
The first of its kind, run by disabled people, for disabled people. Through the centre, people are empowered to take control of their own decisions, allowing them to lead a full and active lifestyle.
St Mary's Caritas Centre
In line with St Mary’s Catholic Church’s aspirations to create a new religious community centre for the residents of Crewe, fundraising for a new-build Parish Centre began back in 2011.
Woodmill and St Columba's RC High School
Inspiring better learning and nurturing future talent in a development set to be the UK’s largest Passivhaus education buildings.
Other ways we add value
We can help your project make a positive impact
Our team of experts are ready to take on any challenge - no matter how big, small, or complex. If you've got a project you'd like to discuss, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch