Social Value

Social Value Guidance

EWIS is committed to delivering long-term, sustainable improvements to society by embedding social value principles into every project we undertake. This document serves as a comprehensive guide for our supply chain partners to align with EWIS’s social value objectives. By fostering social, economic, and environmental benefits, we aim to leave a positive legacy in the communities where we work.

Defining Social Value

Social value is the broader, measurable impact on society that goes beyond financial gains. In the context of construction projects, this can include creating local job opportunities, supporting skills training for underrepresented groups, engaging with community improvement initiatives, promoting environmental sustainability through waste reduction and energy-efficient practices, and prioritising local procurement to stimulate the economy. It encompasses positive contributions to:

Employment and skills development.
Community engagement.
Economic stimulation.
Environmental sustainability.

By prioritising these factors, EWIS ensures that each project contributes to the well-being and resilience of local communities.

Social Value Objectives

EWIS aims to:

Enhance local employment and workforce skills.
Invest in and engage with local communities.
Promote sustainable practices to protect the environment.
Support local economies through procurement and partnerships.

Social Value Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Our social value commitments are measured through clear KPIs, including but not limited to. These KPIs are strategically aligned with both EWIS’s overarching goals and the needs of the communities we serve. For example, they support workforce development through targeted training and employment initiatives, address community-specific challenges by prioritising local engagement and investment, and contribute to broader environmental sustainability objectives that align with global and national standards. By linking these indicators to tangible organizational and societal outcomes, we ensure meaningful and measurable impact.

Employment and Skills Development

Target: Recruitment of 5-15 local workers per project.
Duration: Employment for at least the project lifecycle or 26 weeks.
Process:
- Work with local job centres to source candidates and provide tailored job placement services.
- Collaborate with regional colleges and apprenticeship providers to create structured training programs, including construction-specific qualifications.
- Partner with organisations such as the National Apprenticeship Service and local employment agencies to identify and engage underrepresented groups.
- Host job fairs and open days to connect with potential employees directly.
- Ensure fair wages, adhering to Living Wage standards, to promote equity and financial stability for employees.

Community Engagement

Target: Deliver 3-10 community improvement projects annually.
Examples:
- Refurbish local community centres or schools.
- Conduct educational workshops and career talks.
- Organise volunteering days for community projects.

Economic Growth

Target: Allocate 30%-50% of project spending to local businesses and SMEs. This includes sourcing materials from regional suppliers such as local hardware stores, engaging nearby logistics companies for transportation services, and contracting tradespeople or specialised subcontractors based within the community. For example, utilising a local scaffolding provider or partnering with nearby waste management firms ensures direct economic contributions while fostering long-term relationships with the local supply chain.

Action Plan:
- Partner with local suppliers for materials and services.
- Track and report on local spending.

Environmental Sustainability

Target: Divert 95% of construction waste from landfill.
Strategies:
- Use sustainable and locally sourced materials.
- Implement waste management plans.
- Monitor CO2 emissions and reduce energy consumption.

Implementation Framework

Action Planning

At the start of each project, EWIS will develop a tailored Social Value Action Plan in collaboration with our supply chain partners. This plan will:

Define specific KPIs.
Assign responsibilities.
Establish timelines for delivering social value outcomes.

Monitoring and Reporting

Social Value Coordinators will provide supply chain partners with tracking templates.
Quarterly progress reports must be submitted to ensure compliance and transparency.
Case studies highlighting successes will be compiled at the project’s end.

Training and Support

EWIS will provide:

Social value awareness training for all supply chain members.
Access to free or subsidised upskilling programs for employees.
Dedicated Social Value Coordinators to support implementation.

Social Value Initiatives

Local Employment

Advertise vacancies through local channels.
Provide opportunities for disadvantaged groups, including those furthest from the labour market.
Support apprenticeships in collaboration with training providers.

Community Engagement

Volunteer staff time for local projects, such as park clean-ups or charity events.
Host educational sessions on construction careers for schools.
Fundraise or donate to community initiatives.

Environmental Protection

Use renewable energy sources on-site where feasible.
Reduce water consumption through efficient practices.
Educate workers on environmental best practices.

Economic Contributions

Prioritise procurement from local businesses.
Support social enterprises by incorporating them into the supply chain.
Deliver measurable economic benefits to the local area.

Benefits of Social Value Integration

For Communities:

- Improved quality of life and opportunities.
- Enhanced community infrastructure and resources.

For EWIS and Supply Chain Partners:

- Strengthened relationships with clients and stakeholders.
- Increased competitiveness in tendering processes.
- Enhanced brand reputation as socially responsible businesses.

For the Environment:

- Reduced ecological footprint.
- Contribution to a more sustainable construction industry.

Compliance and Accountability

Failure to comply with social value commitments may result in:

Performance reviews and corrective action plans.
Withholding of payments until compliance is achieved.
Potential removal from EWIS’s approved supply chain list.

Get in touch

We’d love to hear from you! Whether you have a question, feedback, or just want to say hello, our team is here to help. Drop us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.