ESG / Social Value
Building Stronger Communities
At CivCo, we consider every project an opportunity to support local people and businesses, and strengthen communities in order to leave a positive legacy beyond the completed works.
Social value is part of how CivCo works.
As a civil engineering and construction contractor delivering public-sector, utilities and community infrastructure projects, we believe that successful project delivery is about much more than programme, cost and quality.
We seek to create meaningful and lasting benefits for our employees, subcontractors, local businesses and the communities surrounding our projects.
Our approach focuses on employment and skills, equality and inclusion, health and wellbeing, local economic participation, community engagement and responsible environmental practices.
Social value
Our difference
01 · PEOPLE
Employment & skills
Supporting employment pathways, learning, apprenticeships, workforce development and opportunities to gain experience in the construction sector, with commitments matched to each project’s requirements.
02 · INCLUSION
Fairness & opportunity
Promoting a workplace culture where people are respected, supported and given opportunities to develop.
03 · WELLBEING
Looking after our people
Encouraging open conversations about mental health and wellbeing and supporting initiatives, including the Lighthouse Charity, that help construction workers and their families.
04 · COMMUNITY
Community benefit
Engaging with local stakeholders, minimising disruption and supporting communities through charitable initiatives, sponsorships and practical contributions that create positive local impact.
05 · LOCAL ECONOMY
Supply chain participation
Working with suppliers and subcontractors to support responsible procurement, local participation and social value outcomes where appropriate.
06 · LEGACY
Lasting project outcomes
Considering how completed infrastructure, public spaces and facilities can improve accessibility, community use and long-term wellbeing.
Inclusion
Our Diversity Mark commitment
CivCo is a Diversity Mark signatory, reflecting our commitment to supporting a more inclusive construction industry and workplace.
We recognise the value of a workforce with different experiences, perspectives and skills.
Our ambition is to promote fair treatment, encourage opportunity and support a culture in which people feel respected and able to contribute.
We embed inclusion into recruitment, workforce development, everyday management and the way we engage with subcontractors and partners.
Community
The Big Bridge STEM Experience
As part of CivCo’s commitment to delivering meaningful social value and supporting local communities, we are proud to sponsor The Big Bridge STEM Experience, delivered in collaboration with the Think Design Engineer Foundation, bringing hands-on engineering opportunities to primary schools across local communities.
The initiative encourages pupils to work together to construct a 20-metre bridge, developing practical skills in problem-solving, communication and teamwork while introducing them to the exciting possibilities of engineering. The involvement of industry professionals and local engineers provides valuable inspiration and insight into future career pathways.
Through initiatives like The Big Bridge, CivCo continues to invest in local communities, promote STEM education and inspire the next generation of engineers, creating lasting social value beyond our projects.
Legacy
Build UK’s Open Doors Week
As part of CivCo’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful social value, supporting education and leaving a lasting positive legacy in the communities in which we work, we were delighted to participate in Build UK’s Open Doors Week, coordinated locally by Construction Futures NI.
CivCo welcomed students and academic staff from Queen’s University Belfast, North West Regional College and Bangor Grammar to the Maghera Public Realm Environmental Improvement Scheme, providing first-hand insight into the planning, coordination and delivery of a live construction project, alongside practical experience with specialist surveying equipment and modern construction technology.
This initiative demonstrates CivCo’s commitment to creating social value that extends beyond the completion of our projects, strengthening partnerships with educational institutions, promoting employment and skills development, and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals. Through initiatives such as Open Doors Week, we aim to leave a lasting legacy by creating opportunities, sharing industry knowledge and investing in the future workforce of the construction industry.
Wellbeing
Standing alongside the Lighthouse Charity
CivCo are proud to support the Lighthouse Charity, which provides vital support to the construction community and their families.
We recognise that wellbeing is central to a safe, healthy and sustainable workforce. Through our involvement with Lighthouse initiatives, we aim to help raise awareness of the support available and encourage a workplace culture where conversations about mental health and wellbeing are welcomed.
Our involvement includes participation in industry events, helping to promote the charity’s work and its message of looking after ourselves and the people around us.
Our process
Social value on every project
CivCo integrates social value considerations into its projects from the outset. Commitments are shaped by the contract, the communities affected and the opportunities available through our workforce and supply chain.
01
Understand local priorities
Review client requirements, identify relevant community stakeholders and consider the employment, skills and local benefits that a project can realistically support.
02
Plan achievable commitments
Develop project-specific social value activities and consider how subcontractors and suppliers can contribute.
03
Deliver alongside construction
Incorporate social value into project management and community liaison, with attention to employment and skills, responsible working practices, inclusion and local engagement.
04
Record & review
Maintain evidence of relevant activities, review progress against contract commitments and use lessons learned to improve social value delivery on future projects.
Legacy
Lasting community benefits
The infrastructure CivCo delivers can make a tangible difference to the places where people live, work and spend time.
Our portfolio includes public realm improvements, recreational facilities, walking routes, sports infrastructure and essential water and wastewater works.
Community
Charitable giving
CivCo is committed to giving back through charitable donations, fundraising and sponsorships, supporting health and wellbeing, education, grassroots sport and local community initiatives.
Our contributions help strengthen communities, create opportunities and make a positive difference beyond the projects we deliver.
