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Introduction
For the prestigious new build of Strabane Academy, Woodvale Construction Company (WCC) were appointed main contractor following a tender process whereby delivery of social benefit was evaluated during the quality submission. While not mandatory at that stage, this approach to scoring social value is consistent with the provisions of PPN 01/21 and demonstrates the EAs commitment to delivering social value.
EA were aware that Strabane has one of highest unemployment rates in NI and the area is infamous for “ongoing social deprivation”. Central to the procurement strategy was to deliver meaningful social value.
This contract is a key enabler for the delivery of the EA’s Strategic Priorities and NI’s Programme for Government.
The Buy Social approach mandated by PGN 01/13 established minimum targets to be achieved. However these targets were exceeded, maximising the opportunities presented. The initial Buy Social Clause target was 1040 person weeks, however 2063.4 were delivered (1023 person weeks and 198.40 % above target), providing measurable social value.
Objectives
A lack of economic growth within Strabane necessitated delivering Economic, Social & Environmental requirements, aligning with NI’s Draft Programme for Government, with a focus on delivering the following POG outcomes:
- We live and work sustainably – protecting the environment
- We are an innovative, creative society where people can fulfil their potential
- We have more people working in better jobs
- We give our children and young people the best start in life
EA worked with the Integrated Design Team to ensure DE handbook standards were improved upon by providing a new facility which supported the EA vision:
‘To inspire, support and challenge all our Children and Young People to be the best that they can be’
The amalgamation of two smaller schools aimed to provide more energy efficient and environmentally sustainable accommodation with a BREEAM “Excellent” rating. A one site school would allow a wider curriculum, while promoting equality of opportunity and respect for identity, diversity, sport and community cohesion.
Actions / Outcome
The project has exceeded expectations on three fronts-
Social Benefits
Construction was delivered while minimising impact to residents, achieving a “Performance Beyond Compliance” from the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
In addition to the employment, placement and apprenticeship weeks delivered, a Skills Academy provided training and a dedicated mentor, ensuring a supportive environment aimed at providing careers rather than jobs.
Apprenticeship and employment schemes were successfully implemented with monthly Buy Social Delivery reports issued ensuring targets were being achieved.
In collaboration, WCC and EA established that mandatory Buy Social clauses was minimum standard and set ambitious target to exceed these. The outcome achieved exceeded all expectations. The success of the project is demonstrated by the fact 100% of apprentices and long term unemployed have been retained by WCC and their supply chain partners.
Employment opportunities trickled down the supply chain, e.g. ABAX Electrical delivered over 350 employment weeks exceeding their initial target of 200 weeks.
While statistics go some way towards demonstrating the social impact of the project, one real example illustrates this more starkly. New Entrant Trainee Kenneth Friel, introduced by the ‘kickstart2work’ programme was unemployed for over 12months, he commented on the impact the project had on his family:
“I have gained extensive experience and am happy to be working and enjoy being busy onsite. I have recently become a first-time father, I am proud to be able to support my family independently and to progress from benefits. I hope to progress my career in construction and continue to learn new skills with WCC.”
Economic Benefits
The provision of inclusive sports facilities provides revenue generation for the school while also encouraging a healthy lifestyle. A groundbreaking approach towards multiple sports provision provides the community with a positive outlet, following the “sports not courts” community ethos.
An integrated and dedicated supply chain worked to ensure that economic benefit was delivered directly to BT82 area.
- £3.3 million of local building/supplier fit out were appointed in Derry and Strabane Council area
- 40% of Sub-contractors were located in BT82
- £656,127 building materials purchased locally
- Direct wages to new employees/apprentices totalled £380,528
Environmental Benefits
The achievement of BREEAM Excellent certification was achieved by integration of measures including air source heat pump, photovoltaics and rainwater harvesting system.
An Ecologist was employed to verify the site’s ecological value had not been negatively impacted due to the development.
Conclusion
Strabane Academy will provide a legacy for a generation and beyond.
As well as providing a high-class educational facility, a particular legacy of this project are the extensive sports facilities. These are providing a benefit for the whole community to use for a diverse range of sports including soccer, GAA, Athletics, Rugby, cricket and tennis.
An unexpected benefit accrued during Covid19, with school staff using the new technology suite to manufacture face masks.
EA and WCC were proud that the project was recognised for its contribution to social value at the UK GO Procurement Excellence Awards in September 2021, by being highly commended in the social value category.
This contract is an exemplar for demonstration on how procurement can deliver EA strategic objectives, the PfG and Social Value.