Over £5m of social value delivered by Major Works partner
Our partnership with Equans UK and Ireland has generated more than £5m of social and local economic value for our residents and their wider communities, according to a new report published by the company.
Equans is one of our Major Works Investment Programme (MWIP) partners, delivering improvements to our homes. As part of its contracts, all our MWIP partners signed social value commitments to create a lasting impact in the communities where we operate.
Social value, as defined through the Social Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, came into force in 2013.
It requires all public sector organisations and their suppliers to consider how to secure wider benefits beyond the financial cost of a contract.
The partnership with Equans overall has generated £5,245,127, equating to 109 per cent of its target. This figure includes:
- £62,457 promoting local skills and employment;
- £5,158,245 supporting growth of responsible regional business;
- £10,817 promoting social innovation;
- £13,555 on developing healthier, safer and more resilient communities;
- more than 175 volunteering hours;
- 13 weeks of apprenticeships, 125 hours of educational sessions;
- 168 hours of training opportunities.
Barry McCarthy, Regeneration Director at Equans Places & Communities South, said:
“I am extremely proud of all the hard work by L&Q and Equans on delivering such worthwhile social value initiatives on the first year of the Major Works Investment Programme.
These initiatives have made a significant impact to the lives of the communities we serve. A massive well done and thank you to all the volunteers, partners, community champions and our valued supply chain.”
Mark Newstead, Director of Major Programmes at L&Q, said:
“Our partnership with Equans has allowed us to not only deliver high-quality improvements to our residents’ homes but also support the local community with social initiatives to improve their lives.
There have been opportunities for employment and skills development, supporting local services and improving the overall wellbeing of the community.
We've also focused on building a lasting, positive legacy that will continue to benefit residents now and in the future.
“A huge thank you to its outstanding social value team. Their dedication and commitment to making a real, tangible difference to those we serve has been pivotal.
We look forward to continuing working together in the future to make even greater strides in creating thriving, sustainable communities that people are proud to call home.”
Equans UK and Ireland is one of ten partners working with L&Q on its Major Works Investment Programme.
This will see L&Q invest around £3bn over 15 years to improve the safety, comfort, and environmental performance of residents’ homes.
Beyond improving homes, the partnership includes social value commitments to create a lasting impact in the communities where it operates.