Three projects in Derbyshire generate over £235,000 in social value

The works at Belper School & Sixth Form Centre, Anthony Gell School, and Wirksworth Junior School, all schemes being carried out on behalf of Derbyshire County Council, have generated over £235,000 in social value to help boost employment and the local economy.

Belper School & Sixth Form Centre is currently in the process of re-wiring and is overseeing the installation of a new roof, while Anthony Gell School, based in Matlock, has recently completed intensive roof repairs. Wirksworth Junior School, also in Matlock, is relaying floors throughout the school. These works not only improve the physical infrastructure of the schools but also generate much-needed economic activity in the area. By engaging local supply chain partners and providing support into work for local unemployed people, these works are helping to strengthen the local community.

The project teams of Concertus Design & Property Consultants and Stepnell have spent time visiting the schools to conduct mock school interviews to prepare pupils for work after leaving school and the projects have created opportunities for apprentices including learning traditional joinery techniques, providing a much-needed boost to the surrounding areas.

Tom Marshall, Operations Director at Concertus Design & Property Consultants, said: “The work currently taking place in Belper and Matlock isn’t just ensuring long-term stability at the schools but also putting money back into the surrounding area, which is great. These projects are an excellent example of how investing in local infrastructure can have a positive impact on both the economy and the community. It also shows our projects are designed with the communities and businesses of the local area in mind.”

Sue Woollett, social value manager at Stepnell, said “We are very proud of the added social value we can bring to the community and understand our crucial part in leaving a positive legacy. As a regional contractor, we live and work locally so even once construction has completed, our aim is to leave a thriving community with a surrounding area that is better off because of the work completed by the Stepnell team.”

Highlights on these schemes so far have included delivering STEM ‘brick tower challenge’ workshops at Anthony Gell School with Year 10 students as part of their employability careers day, and mock interviews with Year 10 Belper High School students. We are looking forward to developing some hands on practical careers initiatives with Belper School in the New Year.

What is social value?

Social value refers to the positive impact that a business, organisation, or project has on society beyond its financial or economic benefits. It is the measure of how much a business or program contributes to improving the wellbeing of the community in which it operates.

To create social value, businesses and organisations need to work collaboratively with their communities and other stakeholders to identify and address societal needs. This can involve investing in social programs, adopting sustainable business practices, and promoting diversity and inclusion.