The work we do will inevitably lead to interaction with the local community. We aspire to have a positive influence through involving our neighbours in the construction process and providing facilities for all. The case studies below show the steps Balfour Beatty Construction is taking to work effectively within the community.

• Education for All
• Learning Hubs
• Considerate Constructor Scheme
• Decent Homes and Diversity

Education for All (return to top)

One of Balfour Beatty Construction’s furniture suppliers for schools, Thorpe Kilworth, offers a unique service through ‘All for Education’. As the operating arm of the ‘Education for All Trust’ they rescue, reuse and recycle furniture that is no longer required, providing resources to help UK and overseas developing communities build sustainable schools and learning environments for their future.

Balfour Beatty Construction has embraced this service at Bassetlaw Schools where school furniture that was no longer required was sent to schools in South Africa where it is much needed. Balfour Beatty is planning to use this service for future school projects.

Learning Hubs (return to top)

Balfour Beatty Construction, working with local education facilities has developed on-site learning hubs alongside the construction process to provide training for members of the local community who are new to the construction industry.

At the Manchester Schools project, it is anticipated that over the hub’s 10 years life span, 600 construction workers will receive skill training. So far this hub has enabled the bricklaying apprentices from the partner college to be interviewed by the appropriate sub-contractor as they finish their full-time course and are available for work when the sub-contractor is starting on site. Further learning hubs are currently being developed across Balfour Beatty Construction sites.

Considerate Constructor Scheme (return to top)

Balfour Beatty Construction is delighted to be an Associate Member of the Considerate Constructor Scheme. We have supported the scheme since its inception and share its vision to improve the image of the Construction Sector.

Decent Homes and Diversity (return to top)

Balfour Beatty Construction is working collaboratively with Barnet Homes under the Decent Homes Framework to provide a service that meets the needs of all the residents and focuses on service delivery, not just the processes and structures. Whilst work is in progress all necessary precautions have been taken to keep residents informed and safe. A Resident Information Pack is provided which includes a language strap ensuring customers with different language requirements are reached. In collaboration with Barnet Homes, bathrooms and kitchens are adapted to meet the needs of disabled residents. When occupational therapy requirements are requested, a therapist is involved to issue a concept design and specification. The Decent Homes programme also takes account of all religious ideologies in delivering the service.