SOCIAL VALUE
Giving back more than just buildings
Social value has been at the core of Barnes Construction’s operations since 1978. Since the earliest days of the business, we have continuously honed our ethical and environmental practices, supporting our people and the communities in which we operate to grow and develop. Our aim is to leave a positive legacy where we have worked- not just through delivering exceptional buildings, but by unlocking long-term value for communities.
We understand that delivering tangible and measurable social value is of increasing importance to our clients. As part of our ongoing drive for excellence in this area, we have adopted Thrive software as a social value measurement tool. The software utilises the Impact Evaluation Standard (IES), a framework of 113 metrics and supporting guidance which has been developed by industry experts in accordance with the UK Government’s Green Book Guidance. The IES aligns directly to, and builds upon, the UK Government’s Social Value Model. This means that we can measure the value we deliver at both a project and company level.
We understand that delivering tangible and measurable social value is of increasing importance to our clients. As part of our ongoing drive for excellence in this area, we have adopted Thrive software as a social value measurement tool. The software utilises the Impact Evaluation Standard (IES), a framework of 113 metrics and supporting guidance which has been developed by industry experts in accordance with the UK Government’s Green Book Guidance. The IES aligns directly to, and builds upon, the UK Government’s Social Value Model. This means that we can measure the value we deliver at both a project and company level.
CHARITY
Core to our business ethos are the many charities and good causes we support each year
We have always been passionate supporters of local charities and good causes. Each year, our employees vote for a ‘charity of the year’ which we support through donations, fundraising events, and pro-bono work.
In addition to this, we support other local causes through donations and fundraising activities, as well as practical support. Recent beneficiaries have included FIND (Families in Need),Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Suffolk Mind, Ipswich Housing Action Group, Brave Futures, Cancer Support Suffolk, Debenham First Responders, The Rural Coffee Caravan Info Project, Home Start Suffolk and Hope for Tomorrow. Suffolk County Council – Youth Climate Conference, The New Wolsey Theatre and renewed our Company Supporter of Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity membership, Comic Relief, British Heart Foundation, Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity and St Elizabeth Hospice.
In addition to this, we support other local causes through donations and fundraising activities, as well as practical support. Recent beneficiaries have included FIND (Families in Need),Lighthouse Women’s Aid, Suffolk Mind, Ipswich Housing Action Group, Brave Futures, Cancer Support Suffolk, Debenham First Responders, The Rural Coffee Caravan Info Project, Home Start Suffolk and Hope for Tomorrow. Suffolk County Council – Youth Climate Conference, The New Wolsey Theatre and renewed our Company Supporter of Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity membership, Comic Relief, British Heart Foundation, Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity and St Elizabeth Hospice.
education
and training
It is vitally important that any investment in our communities is reciprocal through ensuring local people can benefit. From formal employment and skills plans at project level, through to long standing relationships with local educational and training institutions in Suffolk to identify opportunities to give back to the communities that we serve. With this in mind, we:
- • Target local spend through engaging with 40% of contract value spent with firms within 40 miles of site
- • Offer and co-ordinate apprenticeship opportunities
- • Provide local employment opportunities through engagement with jobcentres, TRAC and co-ordinating with our supply chain
- • Share CPD, Training and Best practice via project and framework forums in each of the industry sectors that we operate.
Since the earliest days of Barnes Construction, we have proudly invested in our Management Trainee programme. Trainees are supported to gain experience in each of our professional disciplines whilst being supported through a fully-funded degree course. 60% of our current employees have been recruited through the scheme, most typically as school leavers from the local area.
We engage with local schools to promote careers in construction, including attending careers fairs, hosting work experience students, and supporting the wider curriculum as appropriate.
Our supply chain is a vital part of the Barnes Construction team. We take a proactive stance on engaging with SMEs, encouraging them to join our supply chain and supporting them with training and development as required. In addition to this, we play an active role in organisations which support the wider construction industry, such as the SJCC, CIOB and Interact.
For the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham framework we have provided over 100 hours of work experience, creating two full time positions, four apprenticeships with local sub-contractors, and over 4000+ hours of student contact time for all of our LA Frameworks.
“One of our strengths is our family ethos. We see the local communities where we work, live and socialise as central to our culture. The people that work at Barnes care about what they do, how they do it and how they are regarded by those they value”
Mark Bailey, Divisional Director
“I have always experienced a friendly but professional environment created by Barnes Construction, whom continually strive to go the ‘extra mile’ to support the delivery of a project. I believe this is fundamental to a good working relationship and a successful project.”
“It is a real credit to all those involved and to the collaborative ‘will-do’ approach taken by the designers and contractors alike. The students at Sybil Andrews Academy are in awe of their surroundings which act as a real inspiration in and out of the classroom. Sybil Andrews Academy is an incredible achievement in designing and building a new 21st century educational and sports facility from a standing start – and all within two years.”
“We have always found Barnes Construction’s approach to working within the student environment (and sensitive residents) to be understanding and compliant with College needs. This is the third major project that Barnes have worked on since 2016 – two of them won through competitive tender.”
“Barnes’ team took on our project and engaged in our charity work right from the beginning, willing to work with everyone in our team and share their enthusiasm for our new building. Communication was excellent, and we felt confident that they would deliver right from the beginning. A pleasure to work with.”
“In our 15+ years of dealing with Barnes they have delivered every project to an extremely high standard, within budget and on programme. The repeat business gained form this performance is a testament of their ability and attitude. Barnes are a forward-thinking contractor with traditional values.”
“Throughout the works, Barnes Construction performed extremely well. From programme planning through day-to-day liaison and dealing with unforeseen issues to ensure the works went smoothly. They helped resolve issues and ensure that where possible, the disruption to services were kept to a minimum.”
“Barnes has performed with strong communication and efficiency. With this we have a library and auditorium, which has a high quality finish. Barnes approached this project with a pragmatic ‘can do’ attitude and found ways to smooth over nearly all issues, often before the College needed to be involved.”
“Barnes have once again excelled in delivering, on time, a top quality refurbishment of a student hostel. The project was not without its complications, being a mix of eclectic buildings ranging from Edwardian to Tudor and Graded. The quality was excellent, with the project team and Barnes aiming high with respect to sustainability and thermal improvements to the old buildings, with the addition of alternatives to fossil fuels being installed. I have again been most impressed with the can do attitude and approach, and look forward to working with Barnes in the future.”
“What made this project different from most construction projects, and really proved the quality of the individuals concerned, was the extent to which they not only tolerated, but actively helped us to involve the local community in the project. The Barnes team handled this graciously and patiently. I did say at the hand-over ceremony that I was very impressed by the Barnes team, and this view has only been strengthened since, as the after-construction care is as commendable as the service received during construction.”
“Barnes have been highly collaborative and flexible including integrating shift work to accelerate the works at stages resulting from business continuity pressures. The onsite presence in terms of engagement has been professional and responsive and H & S and project management have also been excellent.”
