Driving social value through collaboration
Liz Steel, Strategic Engagement Manager – NSAfC and CE Support Advisers, CITB
Social value in construction goes beyond the project. It’s about creating lasting benefits for communities. From apprenticeships and local hiring to sustainability and community engagement, today’s projects are expected to deliver outcomes beyond buildings. Embedding these principles isn’t just good practice; it’s becoming a core requirement for tenders and a marker of industry leadership – however, it will require industry collaboration to prove successful.
I recently attended an award presentation to recognise the A57 Link Roads Project, delivered by Balfour Beatty on behalf of National Highways, with the CITB National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) status.
Developed by CITB and approved by industry, the NSAfC framework provides structure and direction to help contractors deliver consistent, high-quality training in the live-site environment of construction projects. The NSAfC is one of 19 National Skills Academies supporting UK industries by developing training infrastructure to address sector-by-sector skills challenges.
NSAfC recognition marks a significant step in embedding skills development and social value outcomes across the construction industry. The projects involved work toward benchmark outcomes, such as sustainability targets, set out in CITB’s refreshed framework, ensuring that skills for today, and the future, are at the heart of delivery.
Celebrating early careers and talent
At the award presentation, we met twenty young people who have recently joined the A57 project. These early careers professionals, ranging from engineers, surveyors, and more, shared their stories about how they entered the industry and the roles they now hold. Many were inspired to apply after engaging with Balfour Beatty at construction careers events, highlighting the importance of local outreach and showcasing real career pathways.
Their enthusiasm and commitment to social value activities demonstrate the positive impact of creating opportunities for new entrants and supporting talent pipelines.
Kieran, a digital apprentice from Tameside College, reflected on how he lives right in the middle of the A57 project area, so he saw the works begin before he even knew about the available career opportunities. He said: “It means a lot to see the project prioritising local people. It’s making a real difference by giving young people jobs, helping them explore different roles, and showing them just how many opportunities are out there.
“Going back to Tameside College felt like a full circle moment for me. I was giving the same kind of career talk that I attended last year, which led to me getting my first job. It felt a bit unbelievable, but it was a really fun experience.”
Refreshing the benchmarks
We recently refreshed the benchmark for the NSAfC to reflect evolving industry priorities, including green skills, sustainability, and net-zero targets. The A57 Link Roads Project is a perfect example of how these updated benchmarks can be implemented in practice, setting the tone for future projects.
One of the most exciting aspects of the NSAfC framework is its ability to shape social value outcomes before a project even breaks ground. By promoting and celebrating projects that embrace these principles, we create a snowball effect, encouraging future projects to plan skills development early and build strong pipelines of talent.
The NSAfC framework isn’t just a checklist; it’s a roadmap for delivering social value. It helps projects:
- Plan skills development early, even before construction starts.
- Embed green skills and sustainability targets, reflecting the industry’s shift toward net-zero.
- Support diversity and inclusion, ensuring opportunities reach everyone.
- Connect regional training providers with contractors, so the entire supply chain is engaged
And it’s not just for Tier 1 contractors. From large employers to small and micro-businesses, everyone can access grants, apprenticeships, and training support.
Why social value matters in construction
The A57 project with Balfour Beatty and National Highways shows what can be achieved when we collaborate to embed skills and social value into construction projects. The NSAfC is more than just a badge of recognition, it’s a commitment to attracting and developing diverse talent, upskilling the workforce for a sustainable future, and delivering social value that benefits communities and the industry alike.
Social value is important for the construction industry because it amplifies the impact of construction. By strengthening communities, driving economic growth through local hiring, embracing environmental responsibility, and meeting compliance requirements, social value allows projects to have a lasting, positive change.
