Hi, I'm Jay. Last month, I completed a Micro Internship working on social value at Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, for their CP7 Western and Wales contract with Network Rail. Specifically, I was assigned to the Tackley development in North Oxfordshire, where Morgan Sindall are replacing the temporary scaffold bridge with a permanent, accessible steel footbridge featuring lifts.
Stakeholder mapping
The first section of my project involved identifying the complex network of individuals and organisations interested in, or affected by, the Tackley development. By allocating the correct quadrant for each stakeholder on the matrix (see above), engagement resources could be allocated effectively. Key groups included:
- project clients and regulators
- train companies operating through Tackley railway station
- community stakeholders such as local government, nearby residents and special interest groups
Community analysis
I conducted an in-depth community analysis, using the Yemetech Community Data and OCSI Local Insight platforms, which helped me to understand the underlying socio-economic characteristics of Tackley and its surrounding area. The village has an Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) score of 24,000, placing it in the 8th decile within the UK. It performs comparatively well on income, employment, and education, but less so in:
- barriers to housing and services
- interior housing conditions
This confirms that Morgan Sindall’s project, providing safe and accessible access to the station, is essential to reducing geographical isolation for the residents of Tackley.
Draft initiatives
I designed a series of suggested initiatives to be rolled out, based on previous social value projects and context-specific needs. In summary, these were:
- community engagement: information and feedback sessions introducing the bridge’s design and allowing for direct dialogue between Morgan Sindall, Network Rail, and Tackley residents
- station upscaling: working with local rail user groups to identify and action their priorities for station enhancement, such as a maintainable wildflower garden or art featuring local artists
- primary education: an interactive session with the local primary school about rail safety
- Scouts workshop: helping participants earn their Local Knowledge and Personal Safety badges through learning about the Tackley development and site safety
My reflections
Overall, the experience provided me new transferable skills and insights. Conducting the stakeholder mapping and community analysis enhanced my ability to interpret complex datasets and make decisions accordingly. Drafting comprehensive delivery plans within the practical site constraints improved my project management skills. I found that working both inductively and deductively is vital for high impact social value delivery. In doing so, I applied top-down frameworks such as the National Themes Outcomes and Measurements (TOMs) while also considering raw community data. Furthermore, I learnt about challenging aspects of applying social value to construction, such as the difficulty of accurately measuring and recording impact accrued.
Thank you to Scarlett Watts for her support and guidance throughout the Micro Internship, and to Elizabeth Childs for setting up the opportunity.
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