Social Value
Social Value and the Junction 10 Improvements Scheme
The Junction 10 Improvements scheme is not only about improving journeys and reducing congestion; it is also about delivering lasting benefits for people, communities, and the local economy. Social value is a key consideration throughout the life of the project, influencing how the scheme is designed, delivered, and managed.
What is Social Value?
Social value is about creating positive outcomes for society beyond the direct delivery of a project. In construction, this means looking beyond physical infrastructure to consider how projects can support local communities, create opportunities, protect the environment, and improve quality of life.
Social value focuses on three broad areas:
- Economic – supporting local jobs, skills, and businesses
- Social – improving wellbeing, inclusion, and community resilience
- Environmental – protecting and enhancing the natural environment
The Social Value Act
The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires public authorities in England and Wales to consider how the services they commission might improve the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of their area. Since its introduction, the Act has had a significant influence on how public sector construction projects are planned and delivered.
For highway and infrastructure schemes, the Act means that:
- Social value must be considered at the procurement stage, not added as an afterthought
- Contractors and suppliers are expected to demonstrate how they will deliver wider benefits alongside construction activities
- Social value commitments are monitored to ensure they are meaningful and proportionate
More recently, social value has become an increasingly important factor in tender evaluation, encouraging suppliers to offer innovative and locally focused proposals that align with community priorities.
How the Social Value Act affects construction projects
In practice, the Social Value Act shapes construction projects by embedding community and environmental considerations into decision‑making. This includes:
- Creating employment and apprenticeship opportunities, particularly for local people
- Supporting skills development through training, mentoring, and educational engagement
- Using local supply chains where possible to strengthen the regional economy
- Reducing disruption to communities and prioritising health and safety
- Minimising environmental impacts and contributing to long‑term sustainability
For large schemes such as Junction 10, social value is delivered through collaboration between the client, contractor, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
Our approach to Social Value at Junction 10
The Junction 10 Improvements scheme is committed to delivering social value outcomes that reflect local needs and priorities. Social value will be integrated throughout the project lifecycle, from early works through to completion.
Key areas of focus include:
Supporting local employment and skills
The scheme will aim to provide opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships, and work placements. This includes engaging with local colleges, training providers, and employability programmes to help people gain skills and experience relevant to the construction and infrastructure sector.
Working with local businesses
Where possible, the project will encourage the use of local suppliers and subcontractors. By supporting small and medium‑sized enterprises within Gloucestershire and the wider region, the scheme can help strengthen the local economy and create long‑term business relationships.
Community engagement and communication
Clear, accessible communication is essential to minimise disruption and build trust. The project will continue to engage with residents, road users, and stakeholders through regular updates, community liaison, and opportunities for feedback. This helps ensure that concerns are understood and addressed in a timely way.
Health, safety, and wellbeing
Protecting the safety and wellbeing of both the workforce and the public is a priority. The scheme will promote safe working practices, considerate construction, and initiatives that support physical and mental wellbeing.
Environmental responsibility
Social value at Junction 10 also includes environmental outcomes. The project will seek to minimise carbon emissions, manage waste responsibly, protect ecology, and leave a positive environmental legacy wherever possible.
Leaving a positive legacy
The Junction 10 Improvements scheme is designed to deliver benefits that extend beyond the construction period. By embedding social value principles into the project, the scheme aims to leave a lasting legacy that supports local people, strengthens communities, and contributes positively to the region’s economic and environmental wellbeing.
Social value is therefore not a separate activity, but a core part of how Junction 10 is delivered—ensuring the scheme adds real, lasting value for Gloucestershire.