Wates support Inspiring Females Workshop
Wates support Inspiring Females Workshop
Procure Partnerships Framework support and encourage contractors who have secured a place on the framework to work together in delivering social value above and beyond the realms of their contract specific SV commitments.
We actively promote this via our Regional Social Value special interest groups. The contractor groups focus on non-project specific social value activities to provide social benefit to wider communities and encourages collaboration between our numerous contractor partners.
The first event from our working group in the NW was led by Graham Construction Ltd and supported by Kier, ISG and Wates. Louise Seddon (Social Impact Business Partner) engaged with Jigsaw Support, part of Jigsaw Homes Group. Jigsaw Support provides homeless services, domestic abuse services, early help, preventative, community and mentoring programs across the North West of England.
Steven MacKinder, GRAHAM Social Sustainability Manager, commented:
GRAHAM are committed to delivering lasting impact through helping to address societal issues in the villages, towns, and cities where we operate. We were delighted to lead on this event while collaborating with the other contractor partners, the collective passion and drive to make a difference has really shone through and we hope that the event has provided genuine inspiration for the participants”
Louise then approached Oldham College in response to Covid-19 restrictions and the unfortunate effects of lockdown. Utilising contacts at Oldham College, and Jigsaw Support, the ‘Inspiring Females’ workshop was born.
Wates, ISG & Kier worked together to ensure the upmost safety and sensitivity would be shown to the ladies who attended from two local refuges. All risk assessments, safeguarding and feedback forms were signed off by Ursula Ralph (Jigsaw Support) whilst Tom Leahy at the college pulled together key tutors who could each teach a skill to aid the women once they had moved into their new home.
Tom Leahy, Tutor at Oldham College, commented:
Both myself and the building services team at Oldham College thoroughly enjoyed delivering the practical sessions allowing us to pass on our knowledge and skills to equip the delegates with some basic DIY skills. We look forward to working with procure partnerships on future projects and insight sessions.
The workshop covered skills such as:
- Unblocking a sink
- Fixing a broken toilet flush
- How to use power tools safely
- How to fit a washer to a tap
- How to fit a plug to an appliance
The women took part in groups, each learning the skills as they visited each workbench. The event gave the women a sense of camaraderie and offered them the chance to register their interest in the night courses available at Oldham college including plumbing and electrics.
Each participant was presented with a certificate of completion and a tool kit gifted by Graham to allow them to put their new skills to use.
Ursula Ralph, Jigsaw Homes, commented:
Thank you so much for a brilliant event- the ladies all enjoyed it immensely and gained new skills and, most importantly, the confidence to tackle small jobs around the home. Several of the ladies expressed that they wanted to learn more, and we look forward to working with Procure Partnerships to take this interest further. The room was buzzing with their enthusiasm – a truly inspirational afternoon!”
Feedback from participants included:
Very interesting and useful session, I would love to have more sessions like this” with two individuals signing up for night courses in electrics and plumbing.
Procure Partnerships Framework look forward to seeing what initiatives the special interest group facilitate next to achieve their 12% Social Value commitment.
