Kier Construction has become the first contractor in the UK to be awarded the Social Value Quality Mark Level 2
The Social Value Quality Mark Level 2 recognises distinction in values-led business that benefits customers, communities and the planet.
It is one of the most rigorously tested standards of its kind in the UK.
In 2018 Kier was the first construction services business to achieve Social Value Quality Mark Level 1. To gain the quality mark, Kier needed to demonstrate evidence of a clear process for the strategic and operational management of Social Value. This included reporting against its Social Value Pledges, a positive influence on its stakeholders, and the accurate reporting of its impact and value across thematic areas, including value to the local economy.
The quality mark also required the organisation to prove ethical decision-making and positive supply chain engagement through an independent audit undertaken by the SVQM team.
Social Value Quality Mark Level 2 takes this commitment further by demonstrating how Kier has been delivering on its plans to deliver the pledges it made to achieve Level 1. Through a process of audit across ten of its projects representing each of the regions, Kier was able to create and measure social value through its work to support:
- Skills and employment
- Work experience for young people
- Local charities and valued causes
- Local partners and supply chain
- Social enterprises
- Wellbeing in staff and the communities it works in.
‘Leaving a positive footprint’
Richard Davis, Kier Construction director, commented: “We are proud and delighted to confirm that we have now achieved Social Value Quality Mark Level 2.
“We saw the importance of needing to go further and show that we are meeting the commitments we have made as a business.
“Wanting to leave a positive footprint wherever we work is in the DNA of the business and our people and this award clearly demonstrates this.”
Richard Dickins, MD of Social Value Quality Mark, added: “Today’s consumers increasingly make their decisions based on how companies treat their staff, the environment and the society in which they operate.
“Through the quality mark we build and recognise the highest standards in values-led business.
“This award recognises Kier’s outstanding commitment to create, report and embed social value within the fabric of their organisation. They demonstrated 137 positive outcomes to achieve Level 2 recognition – a great result.
“We are delighted to remain their social value partner as they move through up through the levels.”
