From inspiring the next generation of industry professionals to strengthening local charities and community organisations, meaningful social value is created through the relationships, experiences and opportunities developed throughout project delivery.

Contractor Partner Stepnell is demonstrating exactly that through a series of initiatives that are making a positive difference across the East Midlands, supporting students, local communities and those most in need alongside the delivery of live construction projects.


Inspiring the next generation of construction professionals 

As part of works to deliver the new library and sixth form facilities at Manor Academy, Stepnell welcomed seven students from West Nottinghamshire College onto site for an immersive learning experience.

Before entering the live construction environment, the students completed a site induction led by Site Manager Alex Hiddleston, providing valuable insight into the importance of health and safety and professional site practices.

The group was guided around the project by Robbie Butler and Richard Philpott, who explained how the new sixth form building is being constructed and highlighted the importance of quality, teamwork and why you should continue to ask questions throughout your career.

Experiences like these help bridge the gap between education and employment, giving students a understanding of the industry while encouraging them to explore future careers in construction.


Jack Neath, Social Value Advisor, Procure Partnerships Framework:

“Getting the next generation into meaningful employment has been a key topic over the last few years, and there are few industries where this is as important as it is in construction, where more than a third of workers are over 50. 

When our contractors such as Stepnell provide learning opportunities such as this, they aren’t just setting up the youth of today for the future – they’re ensuring that the nation has the staffing and expertise to build and innovate for a growing population.”

Supporting Local Communities

Working across two projects, Staveley 21, a £6 million package of improvements to Staveley town centre, and the recently completed Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe), the team volunteered their time to support Edge Ministries at its Holme Hall Centre. The centre provides essential services for vulnerable members of the local community in one of the UK’s most deprived areas.

Despite challenging weather conditions, the team spent two days constructing a 6m x 11m concrete base and accessibility ramp that will create a new outdoor social space for the charity’s service users.

The initiative was supported by Sunbelt Rentals, which donated equipment to help deliver the project, demonstrating the value of collaboration across the wider supply chain.

The completed space will provide a safe and accessible environment where members of the community can come together, further enhancing the support already provided by the centre.

“Procure Partnerships Framework is delighted to have supported the delivery of this nationally significant project. The tender process was exceptionally closely fought due to the importance of this project, and we are pleased to see that Stepnell, the winning contractor, has delivered this scheme to such a high standard. Our specialist Social Value team have also ensured that the project delivered real benefit to the local community, with our dedicated Operations department working closely with a range of project management stakeholders to ensure that the entire scheme ran smoothly. We look forward to seeing DRIIVe deliver huge benefit to the local and national rail communities for many years to come.”

Delivering lasting social value

Whether inspiring students considering careers in construction or improving facilities for local communities, initiatives like these demonstrate how social value can be embedded into project delivery from the outset.

Through Procure Partnerships Framework, contractors and clients work collaboratively to identify opportunities that respond to local priorities, ensuring projects leave a positive and lasting legacy alongside high-quality construction outcomes.

Explore our Framework options today to discover how our procurement approach can help your next project deliver lasting social value alongside exceptional construction outcomes.