The issues

In Scotland, there is an obligation on every public sector construction contract to deliver social impact, it’s written in law, through the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014.

But not every contract will deliver the same kind or amount of social value, or even what’s needed most in the communities they’re for.

All too often there’s a huge emphasis on jobs created at the end of a project. It’s almost as if it’s an industry prerogative; here’s a factory we’ve spent three years designing and building and here’s the 1,000 jobs created at the end of it. Box ticked.

But what about the missed opportunities during those three years?

As an industry we’d do well to look at what we can do during the construction and pre-construction phase of every project that will help communities be stronger, wealthier and more sustainable. How many apprenticeships can we create here, during design, pre-construction, and construction?

We need to encourage a shift in mindset from ‘needing to do’ to ‘wanting to do’ when it comes to community wealth building.

Potential solutions

It’s our experience that if you spend time and effort getting it right at the front end, then you’ll achieve value for money at the back end. Early engagement can deliver greater economic value, not just for the stakeholders, but for communities too.

Importantly, sustainable procurement can embed community wealth building principles in construction.

Frameworks facilitate better understanding and provide a long term stability allowing the investment in young people, training, and the workforce.

We are a delivery partner on the national SCAPE Construction and Utilities frameworks. One of the standout features of the SCAPE frameworks is its emphasis on creating a positive impact on the communities where projects are based. 

The SCAPE frameworks present a strategic approach that delivers exceptional value across every aspect of construction. At its core, the framework is committed to fostering local economic growth and generating community benefits.

It’s not just about completing projects efficiently; it is about maximising the positive ripple effects within the local area.

Sourcing materials, services, and expertise from local businesses, the framework bolsters economic growth and empowers businesses, social enterprises, and people. Ensuring that the financial resources allocated to these projects remain within the local economy.

By channelling resources back into the local economy, collaborating closely with the community, and ensuring fairness for all stakeholders, the framework sets a commendable standard for the construction industry.

And of course investment is key. Investment in infrastructure is what drives economic development. It’s a huge sector, especially in Scotland. When construction is doing well, the economy will do well. But continued investment is vital both in the public and private sectors.

Our approach

We use our role within the built environment to contribute to lasting legacies for the communities in which we operate. We impact people’s lives for the better by addressing the challenges they experience by contributing to the social, economic, and environmental success of our communities.

In 2023-2024 financial year, across McLaughlin & Harvey’s SCAPE projects, the organisation achieved:

• 74% average local spend within 20 miles
• 89% SME spend
• 90 years of local employment within 20 miles
• 100% fair payment
• 2,074 training weeks for 73 apprentices and trainees

This approach resulted in the following achievements across our SCAPE projects in the 2023-2024 financial year:

• 1,235 individuals positively impacted through 10 community projects
• 160 volunteering hours
• 742 young people engaged with
• 24 career & curriculum activities

Our dedication to social value extends to communities and the broader economic landscape of our project areas.

We prioritise utilising local subcontractors who hire local talent, thereby reinvesting in regional economies. This dual approach generates both individual economic activity and community growth.

Engaging with locally based suppliers for building materials contributes to bolstering local economies, ensuring the benefit remains within the communities we work in.

On every project we have a Responsible Business Co-ordinator, ensuring our footprint leaves behind a positive community impact while driving economic growth and inclusivity.

We believe the construction industry as a whole has an incredible opportunity to learn from each other and put the creation of wealth and a lasting legacy for communities at its core. But now is the time to act for the sake of the future.