National Highways has published a new report highlighting the work to support communities alongside its network.
The government-owned company said its inaugural Delivering Social Value Annual Report measures for the first time the work that it and its supply chain have carried out in local communities.
National Highways launched its first Social Value Plan in October last year. More than 50 suppliers signed up to the plan and this year some £220,000 was spent through the regional social value fund.
Executive director of commercial and procurement Malcolm Dare said: ‘While our focus is to deliver a high quality, safe road network, we’re passionate about making a positive impact on our local areas and communities.
‘For us, social value isn’t a nice to have; it is integral to everything we do. With our partners and colleagues on board, I’m excited about what we can achieve for our local areas, communities, and the environment in the next 12 months and beyond.’
The company said its social value projects focus on four key areas:
- economic prosperity – such as supporting local businesses, voluntary and charitable enterprises and contributing to apprenticeships and education
- improving the environment – includes working toward net carbon zero emissions, enhancing the natural environment and respecting neighbouring communities by reducing impact on air quality, noise and water quality
- community wellbeing – this includes promoting safe and active travel, improving community amenities, connections between communities, supporting education and heritage programmes and helping to create quality places for people to live
- equality, diversity and inclusion – creating opportunities to create a more equal society, a more inclusive and accessible road network and contributing to employment and opportunities for all.
National Highways donated 50 laptops to veterans
National Highways cited examples of social value projects over the last year: introducing requirements to the supply chain regarding apprenticeships, which has seen 1,041 active apprentices being taken on
- Land next to the A120 near Braintree has been developed into a natural habitat for wild birds.
- Four traffic officers in the East Midlands have led multiple aid trips to Ukraine delivering ambulances, 4x4 vehicles and supplies for refugees.
- Social value work by the A46 Binley Junction scheme project team included £2,500 of community donations, improving cycleways and footpaths, 453 people hours supporting the local community, 196 hours on educational activities and 940 hours protecting and improving the environment.
- National Highways donated 50 laptops to veterans to help with their job-hunting endeavours.
- National Highways and key suppliers committed to spending £800,000 in 2022-23 and £1m in 2023-24 with a social enterprise led by the Royal British Legion Industries that employs veterans and people with disabilities to make road signs.
