Topic Custodial
Date 17 May 2023
Galliford Try’s Building Southern team’s innovative approach to creating a one-of-a- kind mentorship scheme at the HMP High Down project, has been shortlisted for Social Innovation of the Year at this year’s Social Value Awards.
As part of Galliford Try's partnership with the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and the establishment at HMP High Down, Galliford Try implemented a Construction Mentorship Partnering Scheme (CMPS) to engage prisoners by providing them with work experience and insights into areas such as Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) installation, construction management and training on a live construction site.
The goal is to provide rehabilitative opportunities upon release, reducing reoffending and helping prisoners to integrate back into society. The CMPS at High Down presents a potential £385k saving to taxpayers in terms of successful rehabilitation against the cost of accommodating re-offenders on this project alone, and its success is underlined by HMP High Down confirming it will continue the programme on future works.
Social Value Awards recognise organisations and individuals that go above and beyond to add value to communities. They aim to inspire and evolve the way in which social value is delivered in communities. Last Year, Galliford Try’s Scottish business, Morrison Construction were also shortlisted for the Social Value Awards in the Private Sector Leadership Award for creating approximately £200m worth of social value.
Gavin Bridge, Managing Director of Building Southern, commented: “Our team has been working hard on this scheme and we are confident that it will make a significant difference to the lives of the prisoners, and their ability to reintegrate with society upon release.
“Creating genuine social value like this is a key part of Galliford Try's Sustainable Growth Strategy, so we are delighted to be able to give back in this way, and receive a fantastic recognition with this shortlisting.”
Winners will be announced on 13 June 2023.