What Social Value Means

At O’Halloran & O’Brien, social value is embedded in the way projects are delivered, from initial planning through to completion.

The focus is on creating long-term, meaningful impact. This includes providing routes for individuals to enter the construction industry, supporting local communities, and ensuring that every project contributes positively beyond the physical structure being built.

The approach remains grounded and practical, focused on delivering consistent outcomes that benefit people, projects, and the wider community.

Supporting Communities

Working in partnership with local communities is a key part of project delivery.

Through collaboration with local authorities, schools, and employment initiatives, routes are created for individuals to access careers within construction. This includes supporting Section 106 requirements, engaging with local talent, and providing clear routes into employment.

Engagement is focused on creating meaningful engagement rather than one-off interactions. Whether through site visits, career events, or structured programmes, the aim is to give individuals a realistic and accessible pathway into the industry.

Particular focus is given to supporting individuals who may face barriers to employment, including young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), care leavers, and ex-offenders.

O’Halloran & O’Brien works closely with local authorities, as well as Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Jobcentre Plus (JCP) teams, supporting individuals into employment through coordinated engagement, referral, and access to structured programmes.

Community Engagement Highlights (Last 18 Months)

• 28 school engagement events attended
• 18 local authority-led events attended

Pathways into Construction

O’Halloran & O’Brien has developed structured pre-employment programmes designed to provide individuals with a clear and accessible route into the construction industry.

These programmes are delivered in collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders, supporting wider social value outcomes while also aligning with project requirements, including Section 106 where applicable.

Training is delivered on site, within a controlled live environment. This allows individuals to gain hands-on experience, develop core skills, and understand the standards and expectations of a real construction setting from the outset.

The focus is on preparing individuals to be work-ready. This includes practical training, health and safety awareness, and a clear understanding of the behaviours required on site.

Programmes are delivered in limited cohort sizes to allow for a more hands-on approach, allowing closer support and helping individuals build confidence and gain recognised qualifications.

Key Outcomes

• CSCS card attainment
• NPORS plant and safety-related training
• NOCN-accredited courses
• CV writing and interview preparation
• Mock interviews with real feedback
• Employer interviews and direct engagement opportunities
• Introduction to subcontractors and wider supply chain partners

Programme Impact (Last 18 Months)

• 656 individuals engaged through pre-employment initiatives
• 217 individuals completed a structured pre-employment programme
• 1,896 training days delivered
• 113 individuals progressed into full-time employment

Programmes are largely delivered without external funding, representing a direct investment in people and long-term workforce development.

This ensures that individuals are not only introduced to the industry but are prepared to contribute from day one. Bootcamps delivered across O’Halloran & O’Brien sites have led to individuals securing work both within the business and across the wider supply chain.

Training & Development

Training is central to maintaining high standards across all projects.

The O’Halloran & O’Brien Training Academy delivers site-led training designed to support both new entrants and experienced operatives. From initial development through to advanced skills and supervision, training is structured to reflect the real demands of the industry.

Training is delivered by in-house instructors with real trade experience, many of whom have progressed through the business. This ensures that learning is grounded in practical knowledge, aligned with company standards, and directly relevant to live site environments.

The emphasis is on capability, safety awareness, and consistency on site. Training is aligned with live construction environments, ensuring that individuals are not only competent, but confident in carrying out their roles.

Ongoing development is a key focus, with opportunities for individuals to build on existing skills, gain further qualifications, and progress within their roles. This approach supports long-term career development while maintaining a capable and reliable workforce across all projects.

Employment & Progression

Creating access is only the starting point. Long-term employment and progression are where lasting value is achieved.

O’Halloran & O’Brien is committed to providing individuals with clear and sustainable progression routes within the construction industry. Through continued support and on-site experience, individuals can develop their skills and progress into more advanced roles over time.

This includes progression from entry-level positions into skilled trades, supervisory roles, and beyond. Development is supported by experienced teams on site, providing guidance, oversight, and practical knowledge throughout each stage of an individual’s career.

A consistent pipeline from training into employment ensures that individuals are not only given an opportunity to enter the industry, but are supported in building a long-term future within it.

The focus is on creating stability, developing capability, and retaining a workforce that understands the standards and expectations required to deliver high-quality projects.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing

A strong safety culture underpins every project.

Robust safe systems of work, supported by dedicated on-site health and safety teams and continuous monitoring, ensure that high standards are maintained at all times. This is reinforced by experienced personnel who provide practical guidance and oversight across all activities.

Wellbeing is also a priority. Access to mental health support, including partnerships with organisations such as the Lighthouse Charity, ensures that individuals have support both on and off site.

The approach is centred on protecting people, promoting accountability, and creating a working environment where everyone can operate safely and confidently.

Equality & Opportunity

O’Halloran & O’Brien is committed to creating an environment where opportunities are open to everyone.

The focus is on ability, attitude, and willingness to work, ensuring that individuals are given equal access to roles and development opportunities regardless of background or circumstance.

A consistent and fair approach is applied across all levels of the business, supporting individuals to develop their skills, contribute to projects, and progress within the industry.

By maintaining high standards and clear expectations, a culture is created where individuals are supported to succeed based on their contribution and performance.

Environmental Responsibility

Environmental responsibility is considered throughout all stages of project delivery.

Efforts are focused on reducing impact through measurable day-to-day actions. This includes monitoring the carbon impact of construction activities, particularly in relation to concrete usage, and identifying opportunities to reduce emissions where possible.

The use of low-emission plant and equipment supports a reduction in fuel consumption and on-site emissions, contributing to more efficient and environmentally conscious operations.

The use of remanufactured tools, alongside a focus on sourcing materials through local supply chains, supports a reduction in waste and transportation-related impact.

A consistent approach to managing resources, reducing waste, and improving efficiency ensures that environmental considerations remain part of day-to-day operations.

The aim is to continually improve practices and minimise environmental impact wherever possible, while maintaining the standards required to deliver high-quality construction projects.

Economic Impact

Projects support the wider economy by strengthening local supply chains and creating employment opportunities.

By sourcing materials locally where possible and maintaining efficient delivery processes, projects help sustain businesses and generate economic activity within the local area.

The ability to manage key operations in-house, including training, logistics, and delivery, provides greater control, consistency, and reliability across projects. This approach reduces delays, supports programme certainty, and delivers added value to clients and partners.

Our Commitment

At O’Halloran & O’Brien, the focus is on delivering work that stands up over time, both in what is built and the difference it leaves behind.

By investing in people, maintaining high standards, and supporting the communities connected to each project, a consistent and lasting contribution is achieved alongside project delivery.

The aim is clear: to create lasting opportunities, develop skilled people, and deliver work that stands the test of time.