With the Procurement Act now in full swing, social value is under the spotlight again. New recruit Natalie Webb explains why it’s such an important aspect of Ashe Construction’s operations.
What does a social value manager do?
My job is to liaise with the communities surrounding our projects to identify ways in which we can add something positive beyond just the physical infrastructure.
I’ll evaluate and report on our social value activities, which is a requirement of our clients and framework partners.
What attracted you to the role?
I thought – that’s me! It’s all the things I want out of a job. Much of Ashe’s work is in public sector projects like healthcare and education, and one of the things I’ll be doing is to help boost local skills and encourage young people to join our industry.
I’m going to enjoy showing people all the opportunities in construction there are for them, from new apprentices to helping to retain seasoned tradespeople
I’ve spent most of my career so far in a local authority, managing projects with the aim of raising aspirations and career prospects for hundreds of disadvantaged young people.
I’m going to enjoy showing people all the opportunities in construction there are for them, from new apprentices to helping to retain seasoned tradespeople. This role builds on my experience – I’m a perfect fit.
What is a typical day for you?
Being new to the industry, there’s a great deal to learn. I’m meeting lots of people to find out how we can all work together to maximise our social value, such as managing events for young people at the schools, colleges and universities we build.
These activities give Ashe contact with people from all kinds of backgrounds, which has resulted in us recruiting several apprentices.
I’ll find ways we can sponsor local organisations or support local charities, not just by donating money, but getting employees involved. For example, Ashe’s staff recently volunteered to paint a homeless shelter they had refurbished due to a shortfall in local authority funding.
Of course, there are other really important aspects of social value, including paying close attention to carbon reduction, sustainability and people’s wellbeing.
I’m going to project manage activities that aim to leave a community legacy and benefit people for years to come.
For example, Ashe gives timber offcuts to a school it built so the children can continue to make bird boxes. And a recycling initiative we took to a school several years ago has now become embedded in their curriculum.
What do you think social value means to people? Are there any misconceptions about the term?
When I got the job, friends and family asked what social value was. When I explained that it is about the company operating with purpose and having a positive effect on society, not just focusing on the bottom line, they all said: “That’s brilliant, I didn’t know it was a thing!”
There are undoubtedly people who think social value is not important and just the ‘fluffy’ part of the business, but that’s not my opinion – it’s definitely built in and not a bolt on
There are undoubtedly people who think it’s not important and just the ‘fluffy’ part of the business, but that’s not my opinion – it’s definitely built in and not a bolt on.
Why do you think social value has become so important to businesses and the public sector?
In my previous role, it became apparent that young people want to work in organisations that can demonstrate they have good ethics and strong sustainability policies.
We need to inspire that next generation to join us. Thankfully, for those people who don’t take it seriously enough, we have guidance to ensure businesses working for the public sector give it the attention it deserves.
What gets you up in the morning?
I am motivated by having a job with purpose that will make a real difference to people’s lives.
