Community and Social Value
We are committed to advancing the economy and communities through sustainable means.
We are dedicated to delivering social value and mobility for our clients and stakeholders. Our Social Value strategy outlines our ambitions, focus areas, and approach, emphasising the role every person within our Group plays in driving positive changes for stakeholders and the communities we serve.
We focus on targeting improvements across key risks at the heart of our business to deliver tangible benefits for both our clients and ourselves. By managing these critical risks, we aim to demonstrate our leadership as the enabling specialist of choice in the UK.
Supporting Key Initiatives
Our Social Value Strategy aligns with several key initiatives, including:
UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- Goal 13: Climate Action
Public Services (Social Value) Act 2013: Requiring public authorities to consider economic, social, and environmental well-being in public service contracts.
Procurement Policy Notes (PPN):
- PPN 06/20: Incorporating social value in central government contracts.
- PPN 06/21: Focusing on carbon reduction plans in government contracts.
Various client and stakeholder social value strategies.
Measuring Social Value
Historically, the term ‘social value’ has been challenging to define and measure. At Erith, we define it as: The positive, financial and non-financial impacts that the Erith Group delivers for communities, stakeholders, and the environment.
To support our clients in creating positive social impacts, we have established robust partnerships with organisations to help meet section 106 commitments by identifying suitable candidates for apprenticeships and employment opportunities on our projects. Our partners include:
Construction Youth Trust (CYT):
Supporting young people from diverse backgrounds to achieve opportunities in the construction industry through targeted support, work experiences, skills development, and coaching.
Skills Centre:
Offering free pre-employment courses, NVQs, apprenticeships, and CSCS tests to help candidates secure opportunities in the construction sector.
Bounce Back:
A charity and social enterprise that supports individuals at risk of offending or with a history of substance abuse to change their lives and secure stable employment through training and skills development.
2B Enterprising:
Engaging local and national companies to financially support schools, helping students learn essential life and entrepreneurial skills.
Apprenticeships
Our Demolition Trailblazer Apprenticeship, developed in partnership with the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), is a two-year programme that combines hands-on demolition work experience with college training. Trainees receive mentorship from experienced professionals and are supported to become qualified demolition operatives by the end of their training.