Delivering More Than Roads: How social value is shaping Buckinghamshire Highways
At Buckinghamshire Highways, our alliance is not just building and maintaining roads; we are helping to build stronger communities.
When we think of highways, we often picture tarmac, traffic cones, and road signs. But behind the scenes, something much more impactful is taking place - the delivery of social value.
What is social value?
Social value refers to the wider benefits that projects and services bring to society, beyond their primary purpose. In the context of highways, this means using our work to create positive outcomes for local people, the economy, and the environment.
It’s about asking: How can this project improve lives? Whether it’s through local job creation, supporting small businesses, reducing carbon emissions, or engaging with schools and community groups, social value ensures our work leaves a lasting legacy.
How we're delivering social value in Buckinghamshire
Through the Buckinghamshire Highways Alliance, a partnership between Buckinghamshire Council, AtkinsRéalis and Balfour Beatty Living Places, we have embedded social value into everything we do. Here are a few examples:
- Local Employment & Skills: We’re creating opportunities for Buckinghamshire residents by recruiting locally, offering apprenticeships, and supporting career development in the highways sector.
- Supporting Local Businesses: By working with local suppliers and Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs), we’re helping boost the Buckinghamshire economy and keep investment within the county.
- Community Engagement: From volunteering days to school visits, our teams are actively involved in giving back to the communities they serve.
- Environmental Responsibility: We’re looking to improve green spaces around Buckinghamshire and reduce our impact on the environment by adopting sustainable construction methods and materials.
- Inclusive Practices: We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring our workforce reflects the communities we serve and that everyone feels welcome and valued.
Why it matters
Social value isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a commitment to doing things better. By embedding it into our highways work, we’re helping Buckinghamshire thrive in ways that go far beyond infrastructure.
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, and we are excited to continue working with our partners and local communities to deliver even more value in the years ahead.
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