Social value

We believe in ‘Doing it Right’ and this means looking after, and standing by, our clients, our communities, our people and our supply chain.

Supporting our communities

We recognise our responsibility to support the communities in which we work. It is not an add on to what we do, it’s an expectation.

We take our social value responsibilities very seriously and see them as an integrated part of the delivery of our projects and frameworks. We believe that strong communities make for better and more sustainable businesses, and we work with our clients, local authorities and a wide variety of organisations to deliver long-term, meaningful social value activities.

We are committed to developing and promoting our directly employed workforce, looking after their careers, as well as their health and wellbeing, and everyone at #TeamStory is offered training and development opportunities.

Our teams across the UK support local communities based on their needs, as well as delivering outputs for key clients, with our commitments aligned to eight key focus areas.

Skills for growth

At Story Contracting, we’re proud to create local jobs and invest in skills across the UK. Our award-winning training centre delivers over 30,000 hours of learning each year, ensuring our teams work safely and effectively.

Through initiatives like our Summer School and STEM engagement, we inspire thousands of young people, offering real opportunities, placements, and guaranteed interviews to help shape the future of construction and rail.

Employability

We’re passionate about developing local talent and work closely with employability partners across the UK. Through collaborations with schools, colleges, universities, and organisations like Inspira and Routes to Work, we provide hands-on training, careers advice, and real site experience. Many participants progress into full-time roles.
As an inclusive employer, we’re proud to be Disability Confident and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring opportunities for all.

Supporting our supply chain

We value the unique contribution SMEs bring to our industry and proudly invest in their growth. Over 60% of our supplier spend goes to SMEs, and we actively seek local partners, support new entrants, and explore opportunities to expand their capacity.
By collaborating closely, we align future opportunities and uphold shared values around safety, inclusion, and social impact, strengthening both our supply chain and the communities we serve.

Workplace diversity & inclusion

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected and supported. Through our ‘Every Story’ working group, we embed equality, diversity, and inclusion across our business.
From inclusive policies and regular training to community engagement and partnerships with schools and employment networks, we’re building a diverse talent pipeline and taking practical steps to ensure our workforce reflects the communities we serve.

Health & wellbeing

At Story Contracting,  health and wellbeing is a key factor in everything we do. Our Wellbeing at Work Framework focuses on healthy people, minds, places, and culture, providing daily check-ins, health screenings, and mental health support.
We offer access to external services and practical tools, while engaging our supply chain and communities to promote wider wellbeing through education and outreach, delivering meaningful social value beyond our sites.

Reduction of crime

At Story Contracting, we work with local organisations, the police, and His Majesty’s Prison Service to help reduce crime and reoffending. From designing out crime through secure sites to offering employment and training for ex-offenders and ROTL placements, we create positive pathways.
We also engage young people and support community initiatives building safer, stronger neighbourhoods and delivering long-term positive outcomes where we operate.

Sustainable procurement

At Story Contracting, sustainable procurement is at the heart of how we source goods, services, and materials. Guided by our Sustainable Supply Chain Charter, we balance value with environmental, social, and economic responsibility promoting carbon reduction, fair labour practices, and local sourcing.
By considering whole-life costs and supporting innovation, we make responsible, future-focused decisions that deliver lasting benefits across our projects and communities.

Fair work

At Story Contracting, we’re committed to fair employment and creating an inclusive workplace. We ensure open recruitment with diverse panels, pay at least the real Living Wage, and provide health and wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme, Cash Health Plan, and award-winning training.

Guided by our ‘Every Story’ group and supportive policies, we make sure everyone feels valued and part of #TeamStory.

Building On Our Foundations

The 2025/2026 Social Value Strategy sets out our key focus areas for the next 12 months, and looks back on our successes for the previous year

Click below to read our 2025/26 Social Value Strategy and learn more about how we support our people and our communities.

Find out more