National Highways has published its social value plan, which includes a pledge that at least 5% of its workforce will be enrolled on formal apprenticeships or graduate development schemes within five years.
The government-owned company said the plan, which can be found on its website, is based around four key pillars: economic prosperity; improving the environment; community wellbeing; and equality, diversity and inclusion.
Malcolm Dare, executive director of commercial and procurement, said: ‘We play a vital role in our society and economy. As an organisation, we’re committed to connecting the country and advancing the economy through safe, sustainable, and accessible roads. All our suppliers and every person working in our organisation has a role to play.’
National Highways said social value has been built into every aspect of its roads, ‘whether delivering 160 cycling schemes between 2015 and 2020, or plans to deliver even more, by investing £956m through the designated funds programme between 2020 and 2025’.
The Four Pillars
Economic prosperity
- directly contributing to economic growth including suppliers, local spend, new businesses, small-to-medium-size enterprises, micro, voluntary, charitable and social enterprises/mutuals
- improving productivity by improving the strategic road network
- contributing to apprenticeships, skills and education, and regional economic prosperity
Improving the environment
- working toward net carbon zero emissions from corporate activity, road users and construction
- enhancing the natural environment through improving ecosystems and biodiversity and protecting natural resources
- respecting neighbouring communities by reducing our impact on air quality, noise and water quality; supporting a healthier society
Community wellbeing
- healthier and safer communities
- promoting safe, active travel and non-motorised users improving health from issues related to the strategic road network
- improving community amenities
- improving connections within and between communities
- contributing to the process of creating quality places that people want to live, work, play, and learn in
- supporting community education and heritage programmes
Equality, diversity and inclusion
- contributing to employment and opportunities for women; ethnic minorities; the long-term unemployed; veterans; people with disabilities; the LGBTQ+ community; caregivers; school leavers; young people not engaged in education, employment or training; ex-offenders; the homeless; maternity returners; new to industry; flexible workers
- contributing opportunities to create a more equal society
- creating a more inclusive and accessible strategic road network
A video has been released with procurement director Andrew Stephenson explaining the strategy:
