Community-Based Healthcare Opens New Social Value Opportunities
Developing more community-based health facilities is a great opportunity for delivering community-focused social value. To make the most of the opportunity, social value should be based on a clear understanding of what communities need. For healthcare construction projects, we also have to consider how initiatives will improve health and wellbeing.
Effective consultation at an early stage with residents, community groups and local health and care providers is essential when a new or expanded healthcare facility is commissioned. At this point, language becomes critical. Construction contractors and procurement teams talk about social value and – by and large – we all know what we mean.
With residents and community groups our language needs to be more straightforward. We should be having a conversation about what facilities they believe they lack and what could help local people take better care of their health and wellbeing.
Environment – Green Spaces and Health
One clear area where a community-based healthcare development can support health and wellbeing is by developing green spaces. Creating paths, seating and landscaping, along with improving biodiversity and constructing outdoor gyms, are things that we know how to do.
Being based in the community means that facilities can be provided where they are accessible and will have the greatest impact. Care homes, hospices and schools (particularly in the SEN sector) could also benefit significantly from community-focused social value.
Employment
Employment has a massive impact on improved wellbeing. Developing local supply chains and supporting SMEs has always been a priority for Osborne. We may be a substantial and well-established construction firm but we’re family-owned and still remember where we came from.
With many communities striving to recover from the impact of Covid-19 this is becoming an even greater priority. Helping to convert unused town centre commercial properties to support start-up businesses and social enterprises could have as much impact on wellbeing as converting them into healthcare facilities.
Social Value Measurement and Reporting
As social value becomes a greater priority it’s essential that there’s objectivity and rigorous measurement. To support our goal of increasing the social value we generate by 10% each year, Osborne has implemented Thrive Impact UK to help us quantify our contribution. This gives us an objective measure of whether we are meeting our commitment across all of our projects and partnerships.
To find out more about Osborne’s approach to delivering social value through healthcare construction contact Richard King ([email protected]) or visit our webpage by clicking the button below.
