Social value at VolkerHighways
Building Connected Communities focuses on three aspects of social value that we know promote positive social mobility – helping to give everyone a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background or social circumstance. These are education engagement, employability and community investment - delivered through partnerships and collaboration, transparency and remaining focused on local needs.
Education Engagement
Our educational engagement strategy has a strong focus on connecting the curriculum to real-world careers, facilitating meaningful interactions between students and employees, providing workplace experiences, and offering personalised guidance.
These activities are all essential for motivating and inspiring young people about their future, and something we are very proud to be part of.
Road Safety Roadshow
Through a partnership-led approach with our clients and their road safety teams, we have developed the Road Safety Roadshow, engaging children aged 4-11, with assemblies focusing on key road safety messages, including the Green Cross Code, temporary road works and cycle safety education.
This face-to-face engagement allows children to participate, ask questions, share ideas and have the opportunity to meet our amazing mascots Kerby and Amber, making the experience more impactful and memorable.
Inspiring future talent
We are committed to inspiring future talent by actively engaging with schools, colleges, and community education programmes. Through STEM events, careers fairs, classroom activities, mentoring and hands-on learning experiences, we facilitate meaningful interactions between young people and work place experiences.
“We've had a really positive experience working with VolkerHighways. The assemblies have been fun for the children, but also informative, raising their awareness of road safety.”
Jake Terrill Deputy Headteacher, London Meed Primary School
Employability
We are committed to creating fair and supportive pathways into employment by removing barriers and widening access for individuals from all backgrounds. Through targeted outreach, inclusive recruitment practices, and carefully chosen partnerships, we equip people with the skills, confidence, and support they need to thrive in our business.
This approach not only strengthens our talent pipeline but also drives long-term social impact and inclusive growth.
Step into Highways
The Step into Highways programme is designed to provide individuals with a practical and engaging introduction to the highways industry, helping to raise awareness of the career opportunities available within the sector. The initiative supports VolkerHighways’ commitment to addressing the challenges of an ageing workforce by attracting new talent and inspiring people to consider a long-term career in highways.
The programme is delivered in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), local colleges and other educational institutions which help identify and source suitable candidates who may benefit from gaining first-hand experience of the industry.
Release on Temporary Licence (ROTL) Scheme
Our team has established a successful partnership with HMP Ford, an open prison, supporting prisoners as they prepare to reintegrate into the community.
Through this partnership, we have delivered employment fairs, CV writing workshops and mock interview sessions, while also developing a bespoke training programme designed to help individuals transition into careers within the construction and highways industry. The initiative has already led to two prisoners securing employment with VolkerHighways through the Release on Temporary Licence scheme, providing valuable work experience, skills development and a pathway into long-term employment.
“Our interactions so far have been amazing with VolkerHighways. You organised the engagement events for us straight away that we could send our customers to. The information session in question was really well run, super engaging especially the guy that was speaking at the beginning. Feedback from a couple of the customers that attended said they found it really informative, interesting, and made them think about different career routes and what they can do. They were definitely interested in working for VolkerHighways and will keep an eye out for any roles that come out.”
Department for Work & Pensions, Chichester
Investing in communities
Our strength lies in finding local community projects, Community Interest Companies, social enterprises and organisations that will benefit from our support. This may be through fundraising, a financial donation, gifts in kind, people power, or a more long-term investment, but whatever level of support provided, we always want to leave a positive legacy.
Through corporate partnerships, we also invest in long-term strategic projects that are aligned to our company visions and values.
Supporting inclusive communities
Connections Day provides essential support to adults with learning disabilities, helping them build confidence, develop life skills, and access health and wellbeing opportunities. Our Bath & North East Somerset team spent their volunteering hours to help create a sensory garden, a wheelchair friendly path, and an area which can be easily maintained. The aim, which was successfully achieved, provides an inclusive, accessible outdoor space for everyone to enjoy. The team was thanked with beautiful artwork which is now proudly displayed in our depot.
Fighting food poverty through partnership
Through our ongoing partnership with Luton Foodbank, and working in collaboration with Luton Council, our team supports local people facing hardship through weekly volunteering sessions, helping to pack and distribute essential food supplies to those in need. More than 50% of our employees took part in the volunteering initiative, demonstrating our shared commitment to making a positive and lasting difference for local residents.
We also proudly sponsored the Foodbank's Colour Run, further supporting its vital work within the community.
I just wanted to send enormous thanks for the work that your team has completed in our Sensory Garden – the difference in the space is incredible! Thanks to you and the team for all the hard work and for being so respectful towards everyone here. It was very much appreciated. I can’t begin to tell you what a difference the donation of your time and expertise will make to our community – there was a real buzz this afternoon when we got to use the new path. Thank you on behalf of everyone here.”
Connections Day Services Manager
