GPSJ Autumn 2024 ONLINE - Flipbook - Page 17
LOCAL AUTHORITY & COUNCIL
GPSJ
Unlocking the power of planning
to transform communi琀椀es
Sarah Maguire
Head of Social Value
Communities across the UK face
unprecedented challenges, from rising
unemployment and skills shortages to
signi昀椀cant health and wellbeing issues. Yet, many local
authorities are not fully tapping into the planning system to
address these challenges and drive meaningful, lasting change.
Opportunities in a changing policy landscape
“Local authorities have a unique opportunity to create long-term,
sustainable impact,” says Sarah Maguire, Head of Social Value
at procurement specialists Fusion21. “The planning system
is a powerful tool they already control, and it can, and should,
be used to foster positive transformation in communities.”
With the new Labour government prioritising social value,
Fusion21’s expertise is more relevant than ever.
Using planning to deliver social value
By embedding social value into planning policies and processes,
Fusion21 is supporting reinvestment in local communities.
Their end-to-end service includes crafting supplementary
planning documents and implementing social value strategies
that address local needs.
What sets Fusion21 apart is their hands-on approach.
They don’t just develop policies - they work alongside
councils and developers to deliver real outcomes.
“We’re there to support you every step of the way, from identifying
community challenges and needs to coordinating contractors and
developers, to supporting visible outcomes through the process,”
Sarah explains.
Similarly, Fusion21’s work with West Northamptonshire
Council has delivered transformative outcomes, including
community engagement initiatives, employment opportunities,
and apprenticeships. These collaborations exemplify how
embedding social value into planning policies creates
tangible bene昀椀ts for communities.
Recent consultations around a proposed social value council,
key performance indicators, and the Procurement Act 2023
set for 2025 highlight the growing emphasis on embedding
social value in public procurement. For local authorities, this
presents a timely opportunity to align planning policies with
national priorities.
Fusion21’s recent impact in 2023 – 2024 for social value
in planning includes:
• 290 local people employed through construction
projects, with 57% maintaining continuous local
full-time employment for 12 months plus.
• 22 apprenticeships created, spanning trades such as
joinery, plumbing, and construction site supervision.
• £70,213 donated to local voluntary, community,
and social enterprises.
Creating a legacy for communities
The Knowsley and West Northamptonshire success stories
Knowsley’s £80 million Headbolt Lane station project is
a testament to what’s possible when planning and social
value align.
Fusion21 partnered with Network Rail, Buckingham
Contracting, and Knowsley Job Centre Plus to create a
sector-based work academy programme tailored to the
rail industry. This initiative equipped 10 local residents
with essential quali昀椀cations, with eight securing full-time
employment during the project’s construction phase.
“The long-term impact of enabling access to rail-speci昀椀c
quali昀椀cations will change employment pathways for Knowsley
residents for years to come,” Sarah notes.
“The government has set councils ambitious housing and
development targets to meet,” Sarah adds. “There now needs
to be a focus on making sure they deliver real value and a positive
impact for local communities.”
Planning isn’t just about meeting immediate needs - it’s about
leaving a legacy. Fusion21’s approach ensures that developments
contribute to long-term community bene昀椀ts, from employment
and skills training to sustainable local growth.
As councils face mandatory housing targets and increasing
pressure to deliver, Fusion21’s message is clear: use the
powers available to you.
By embedding social value into planning, local authorities
can turn challenges into opportunities, creating communities
that thrive long into the future.
To learn more about how to unlock the potential of social value through planning, visit
fusion21.co.uk/social-value
Proud Providers of Procurement with Purpose
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SECTOR JOURNAL WINTER 2022/2023
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