The Construction Employers Federation (CEF) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) have brought together construction professionals, industry representatives and social value specialists to explore how Northern Ireland’s construction sector can translate social value policy into meaningful action for local communities.
The Navigating Social Value: Understanding the Policy and Delivering Meaningful Impact event took place at The Ebrington Hotel in Derry/Londonderry on Friday 16 October, as part of the Construction Close-Up series, delivered by CEF in partnership with CIOB and sponsored by NHBC.
With social value playing an increasingly important role in public procurement, the event examined how construction businesses can move beyond meeting tender requirements to deliver lasting benefits through employment, skills development, apprenticeships, community engagement, responsible construction and support for local supply chains.
Introducing the event, Mark Spence, Chief Executive of CEF, said:
“Construction has long played a significant role in Northern Ireland’s economy and society. Our members do much more than deliver buildings and infrastructure; they create jobs, develop skills, support local businesses and contribute to the communities in which they work. We want to ensure that the social value that the industry can deliver is meaningful, recognised and supported by clients as our wider contribution, rather than simply another requirement to meet when tendering for work.”
Esther Barnes, Social Value Advisor for Construction Contracts at the Strategic Investment Board, outlined the policy and procurement landscape, helping delegates understand the requirements and opportunities for businesses delivering public sector contracts. Esther commented:
“Social value provides an opportunity for public procurement to deliver benefits that extend beyond the completion of a contract. Construction projects can support employment and skills, strengthen local supply chains and make a positive contribution to the communities in which they operate. The challenge is to ensure these commitments are relevant, deliverable and measurable, so that social value becomes a meaningful part of how projects are planned and delivered.”
Desiree Blamey, Managing Director of the Considerate Constructors Scheme, explored the importance of responsible construction and how the industry can demonstrate its wider contribution through the way it works, engages with communities and manages its impact. Desiree added:
“Construction has a significant influence on the places where people live and work and its responsibilities extend beyond delivering a building or infrastructure project. The industry has an opportunity to create lasting value through considerate working practices, positive engagement with communities, investment in people and support for local economies. Social value is most effective when it is embedded in everyday business decisions and focused on the outcomes and impact that construction can achieve, rather than treated as a standalone exercise.”
The presentations were followed by a panel discussion chaired by Jim Fitzpatrick examining how social value can be translated from policy into practice, and what it means for clients, contractors and the wider construction supply chain.
The panel brought together a range of perspectives from across the industry, including Barry Kerr of Apex Housing Association, Nuala Griffiths of Heron Bros, and Paula Quigley, Managing Director of Noviqa Ltd and Chair of the TDS Charitable Foundation, alongside speakers Esther Barnes and Desiree Blamey.
The discussion explored how businesses can move beyond treating social value as a tender requirement and instead embed it into project planning, procurement and delivery. Key themes included creating employment and skills opportunities, supporting local communities and supply chains, building meaningful partnerships, and ensuring commitments lead to tangible, lasting outcomes.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of collaboration between clients, contractors, community organisations and other stakeholders to ensure social value reflects local needs and delivers benefits that extend beyond the life of a construction project.
Reflecting on the event, Yvonne Conway, Chair of CIOB Northern Ireland, said:
“Collaboration is essential if we are to make social value a meaningful part of construction. By bringing together clients, contractors, professionals and community organisations, we can share good practice, understand local needs and identify opportunities to deliver benefits that last well beyond the life of a project. The industry has an opportunity to make a real difference, and that starts with building social value into the way we plan, deliver and evaluate our work.”
For Northern Ireland’s construction sector, social value presents both a responsibility and an opportunity. Businesses can use their projects, expertise and supply chains to create employment pathways, develop the next generation of skills, support local enterprises and contribute to stronger communities. Delivering these outcomes effectively requires early planning, meaningful partnerships and a clear understanding of what success looks like.
The event also provided an opportunity for delegates to connect with organisations supporting social value, skills and community engagement across Northern Ireland.
Through its Construction Close-Up series, CEF, in partnership with CIOB, continues to provide opportunities for construction professionals to engage with emerging policy, share practical experience and explore how the industry can respond to changing expectations while delivering lasting value for Northern Ireland.