Social value

Image: Social value activities

Reimagining places for people to thrive.

Social value is a golden thread that runs throughout our business. We believe that giving opportunities for people to thrive is just as important as new buildings and infrastructure.

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Our Social Value Strategy

We care about the good we as a business can do for the economy, for our communities, and for society. Launched in 2020, our five-year social value strategy has three key themes:  

Read our social value strategy

Challenging inequality

Helping those furthest from the workforce.

We want to change people’s lives for the better, and support groups who face barriers to work. For example, those who’ve been through the criminal justice system, and ex-service individuals. Our Residential, FM and Developments businesses are accredited with the Living Wage Foundation to champion the real Living Wage.

Image: Inspiring and educating young people about this sector

Inspiring the next generation

Inspiring and educating young people about this sector.

We want to diversify and widen our talent pool, and more young people to discover the brilliant careers in the built environment. Since 2020, we’ve engaged 80,000 young people and hope to reach 100,000 by 2025. We run education outreach programmes to young people from primary school through to college. Our aim is to support them to raise aspirations, develop their potential and learn about the world of work. This includes assemblies and workshops in schools, and work experience through our T-Level placements, and summer programme.

Image: Supporting and scaling up social enterprises

Supporting thriving communities

Supporting and scaling up social enterprises.

Social enterprises are businesses which trade for a social or environmental purpose. We have spent over £31m with social enterprises since 2020 and are targeting £45m by 2025. Through our ASSETS programme Wates employees support social enterprises to scale, mentoring them to develop and grow their businesses. We’re a founding partner of the Buy Social Corporate Challenge, a consortium of businesses who together want to spend £1bn with social enterprises by 2026.

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Interested in a Social Value job at Wates?

SHE Advisor

Location: Redditch

Job Type: SHEQ

Application Deadline: 12-02-2026

WPS are seeking an experienced SHE Advisor!Are you passionate about safety, health, and the environment? We’re looking for a proactive and knowledgeable SHE Advisor to join our team and help drive excellence across our regional operations. in the Midlands (travel is a must for this role) Key ResponsibilitiesCompliance & Governance Ensure full compliance with SHE legislation, CDM regulations, and internal policies. Maintain and enhance SHE Management Systems (ISO 14001, 45001). Conduct audits, inspections, and risk assessments. Lead incident investigations and produce root cause analysis reports. Drive change actively engage with winning hearts and mindsOperational Support Provide expert SHE coaching to project teams, directors, and supply chain partners. Monitor site safety and environmental performance. Review RAMS and project plans for SHE compliance. Champion behavioural safety initiatives and deliver toolbox talks. Be approachable, build relations and strong trust with the operational management and project teamsStrategic Engagement Contribute SHE expertise to bids and pre-construction planning. Promote a positive SHE culture through campaigns and training. Liaise with HSE and other regulatory bodies as required. Identify improvement and potential opportunities around innovation🎓 Qualifications & SkillsEssential Minimum NEBOSH Construction Certificate and be working towards Dipploma or willing to progress to it NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Health & Safety Minimum of 5 yrs experience in Construction, Property Maintenance and or FM Sector, Utilities. Strong understanding of SHE legislation and construction practices Proficiency in Microsoft Office and SHE platforms (e.g. Airsweb) Excellent communication and coaching skills Willingness to develop knowledge around the Building Safety Act 2022 & BSR Willingness to travel from central Midlands to South and South East- Norwich, Peterborough, Cambridge, Gloucestershire, Herefordshire. Over night stay may be required but this will not be every week.Desirable Membership of IOSH with a minimum of Cert IOSH and above professional accreditation ISO 9001/14001/45001 Internal Auditor qualification Experience in social housing, refurbishment, or high-rise retrofit projects Familiarity with PASMA, IPAF. Knowledge of asbestos regulations (Control of Asbestos at Work, HSG 264) Knowledge of Building Safety Act- HRB’s and willingness to be trained and educated around general FRA of low risk buildings and propertiesIf you’re ready to make a real impact in a dynamic and supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.

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