Kier Highways sets industry standard in social value

Kier Highways has announced it has become the first highways business in the UK to achieve a key standard in social value. 

The firm has achieved the Social Value Quality Mark (SVQM) Level 2, reflecting its commitment to leaving a positive legacy in the communities in which it works. 

The SVQM is an independent social enterprise that assesses companies in the public, private and third sectors in the UK and internationally. 

Kier Group first achieved SVQM Level 1 back in 2018. In 2020 Kier Construction became the first construction firm in the UK to be awarded the SVQM Level 2 – and now its highways business has secured this coveted award. 

The SVQM is based upon nine principles and 10 standards. Organisations are required to reach the minimum compliance level of 80% against each of the standards for each level. 

Kier’s Highways business was required to evidence all criteria of the quality mark scoring and participated in interviews which included project leads, supply chain partners, clients and other stakeholders. 

This included its National Highways Area 3 and Area 9 maintenance contracts, National Highways A585 Windy Harbour to Skippool project, Birmingham Highways Limited contract, Northamptonshire Highways contract, as well as its Nordis Signs business, senior leadership, HR and innovations teams. 

Efforts including creating new jobs and skills, supporting sustainable and long-term economic development, reducing environmental impact and helping communities recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, all contributed to the team’s success. 

Natalie Wadley, director at Social Value Quality Mark, said: “It really is an incredible achievement, and the overwhelming feedback is that Kier Highways is delivering authentic social value, measuring and embedding impact across its supply chain and local community partners. It is clear that Kier people care, and they go over and above to leave a legacy.” 

Vicki Glover, HR director at Kier Highways, added: “We’re delighted to receive the Social Value Quality Level 2 and to achieve such a strong score. This accreditation is testament to our people’s commitment in embedding social value into everything we do.”

Kier Highways is now working towards achieving a Level 3 SVQM accreditation.