Communicating Social Value in Construction

Jill Willis on Communicating Social Value in Construction

In today’s competitive construction industry, winning contracts isn’t just about technical know-how and cost efficiency anymore. Public and private sector buyers in the UK and Ireland are increasingly looking at how projects positively contribute to society, and Tier 1 contractors and private developers are tasked with achieving these social value commitments with the help of their supply chain.

Co-Founder of Attract & Engage was invited to share her insight into this hot topic on Page 26 of BITA’s April edition of Networks Magazine. Jill shares her first-hand experience of B2B firms effectively integrating and communicating social value and how its been a business gamechanger.

Jill says, “Things like community engagement, environmental sustainability, and workforce diversity—is not just a box to tick but a significant factor in contract awards and business growth for sub-contractors”.

In her article for BITA Networks magazine Jill explores social value in the context of construction contractors. Below is an excerpt …

Understanding Social Value

Social value goes beyond traditional metrics of project success. It’s about leaving a positive impact on communities, whether through creating jobs, supporting local businesses, or enhancing environmental quality. It’s become a crucial criterion in many contract tenders, influencing who gets the job.

Why It Matters for Contractors

Prioritizing social value isn’t just about compliance; it’s about staying competitive and winning more contracts. By focusing on social value, contractors can:

Stand Out: Showcasing strong social value strategies can set you apart in competitive bidding processes.
Build Relationships: Forge stronger ties with clients who value companies committed to making a difference.
Reduce Risks: Addressing social and environmental concerns upfront can prevent issues down the line.
Attract Talent: Being seen as a socially responsible employer helps attract and retain top talent.

How to Make Social Value Work for You

I recently chaired the ‘Building a Better Future for Essex: Integrating Social Value and ED&I’ panel at the Essex Build Expo. Joining me were senior social value leads – Ringway Jacobs’ John Nicholson, Morgan Sindall Construction’s Helen Clements and Kier’s Sarah Woolley. All shared insight to help sub-contractors within the supply chain to leverage social value effectively and differentiate your business.

Essex Build – Jill Willis host

Key points were:

Take Ownership: Don’t wait for clients to define social value for you. Build relationships with social value leads within your company and your clients’. If unsure, ask your estimators or quantity surveyors for guidance.
Integrate It into Bids: Understand what your clients expect regarding social value and incorporate these into your bids. Show how you plan to exceed these expectations, demonstrating leadership in social responsibility.
Communicate Clearly: Share your social value successes widely. Use platforms like LinkedIn to highlight your initiatives and their impact. Consider regular newsletters or reports to keep stakeholders informed.
Engage Proactively: Keep in touch with social value leads through tailored updates and participation in relevant events. Engaging with public sector buyers’ social value initiatives can showcase your commitment effectively.
Think Beyond Sponsorship: While local youth team sponsorships are valuable, focus on initiatives that create lasting benefits. This could mean promoting diversity in your workforce, supporting career development for local youth and adults, or enhancing environmental sustainability.

Take-Aways

Embracing social value isn’t just good for society—it’s good for business. By integrating social value into your strategy, shouting about your impact consistently, and taking proactive steps to exceed client expectations, you position your company as a leader in a more inclusive and sustainable construction sector.

Taking charge of your social value narrative isn’t just about meeting client requirements; it’s about shaping a future where your business thrives alongside the communities it serves.