Social Value is a term that has been used to mean the additional benefits a company can provide to wider society beyond their business as usual. In the built environment, where infrastructure projects can already lead to negative consequences for local communities, considering how a company or project can provide real opportunities and benefits to locals is hugely important.

There is a shifting landscape of work, where individuals, particularly from younger generations, are increasingly seeking roles that align with their values, emphasising the transformative power of integrating purpose into one’s career.

Social Value has evolved from practices like corporate social responsibility or community engagement. It’s a growing sector of industry but most professionals in the area have taken very different routes to get where they are today. Formalised roles and career paths are just starting to emerge in this area, making now the perfect time to explore a career in social value.

To mark National Careers Week from March 4, we spoke to a group of social value practitioners at varying stages of their careers to talk about their own journeys, from young professionals to experienced sector leaders.

Guests

Kieran Ronnie, head of social value, AECOM

Olivia Sutcliffe, social value associate, Savilles

Laura O’Leary, social value consultant, Arup

Harry Walsh, social value apprentice, AtkinsRéalis

Partner

AtkinsRéalis is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. Employing over 18,000 people across the UK, North America, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe, AtkinsRéalis uses the latest technology to deliver major capital projects, and provide expert consultancy for clients across the energy, transportation and infrastructure sectors.