Social value
At VolkerLaser social value is embedded within the culture of our business – we want to make a positive difference to local communities, beyond the specialist work we do as part of our infrastructure projects.
Each of the communities we work in is unique. Across all our projects, we work with community partners and various stakeholders to identify how we can deliver long-term social value together, aligned to the needs of the local area. We believe social value signifies leaving a legacy to be proud of and making a genuine difference to people’s lives, improving the environment, and positively impacting the local economy.
In line with our 'People-Planet-Purpose' sustainability framework, we focus on delivering long-term social value in three core areas.
Education and employability
We are passionate about encouraging the next generation to consider careers in construction, and work closely with local schools and colleges to engage with young people. Our teams get involved in STEM activities, careers fairs, interview practice and CV workshops, as well as offering work experience and work placements across our main offices and sites.
In line with our 5% Club commitments, we are delighted to have a number of apprentices and graduates as part of our team.
Charity, volunteering and community engagement
We are committed to engaging with local people and understand construction works can have a big impact within a community. During the early stages of our projects, we identify and actively engage with charities and community groups that we might be able to positively impact. We encourage all our employees to get involved, with everyone receiving one day per year to undertake volunteering activities.
Our volunteering work has seen us take on physical challenges, food collections and donations, tree planting, habitat restoration, coffee mornings and sleep-outs.
Sustainable supply chain and ethical procurement
We know a big way to impact local communities and families is to procure as much as we can within the local area, as well as working with SME’s, Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSE’S). Where we can, we prioritise this approach, and work with our clients to encourage this throughout the the wider supply chain on a project.
To read more about how to become part of our supply chain, please click here.
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