Defining social value at JBA: inherent, embedded, and additional activities
As part of our appointment to several frameworks, we are committed to delivering meaningful social value in line with client objectives. At JBA, we categorise social value into three distinct types, each representing how we create positive impacts for communities through a local needs approach. By understanding these categories, we can more effectively integrate social value into our strategic objectives and day-to-day operations.
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Inherent Social Value
This type of social value is directly tied to the successful completion of a project. It includes the automatic social, environmental and economic wellbeing benefits that arise from fulfilling the scope or compliance requirements. For example, if we undertake a flood alleviation scheme, the inherent social value might include improved mental health of residents due to perceived safety and peace of mind for the local community, as well as environmental benefits such as statutory biodiversity net gain which is required on schemes that go through the planning process. Given the nature of our projects, inherent social value is a core element in the majority of them.
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Embedded Social Value
Embedded social value represents the ongoing contributions above and beyond the project’s inherent nature, which are a natural part of our business operations and the way we design at JBA. This includes our business operations such as our commitment to sustainable practices, employee development, and responsible supply chain management. For instance, we deliver embedded social value through our apprenticeship programs, staff training, and environmental standards, which are integral to our projects and daily practices. It also includes design-based mechanisms such as improved public realm and enhanced environmental benefits that are “designed into” the project.
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Additional Social Value Activities (Short-Term)
Social value activities refer to the short-term activities that we can provide at any stage of a project, through each of our offices or individual efforts at JBA. This might include volunteering efforts, community education initiatives, or supporting local job seekers with skills training. An example would be our staff dedicating time to environmental restoration projects or mentoring local businesses to boost regional growth. Although the activities may be shorter-term in nature, we still seek to deliver long-term benefits through a local-needs-centered approach.

Social value and our projects
Pevensey to Eastbourne
Recognising that traditional engagement methods often fail to convey complex messages, we worked with the Environment Agency to adopt innovative, inclusive engagement techniques. A key focus was engaging diverse groups, including young people, through tailored activities that foster understanding and empowerment.
Social Value and Engagement Initiatives:
- Coastal Schools Partnership: Workshops and site visits engaged over 60 students from eight schools in hands-on learning about coastal challenges. Activities like “Top Trumps” on flood risk led to 100% of respondents feeling more informed about climate impacts.
- Little Green Pig Initiative: Primary school engagement using creative tools like poetry, play, and physical models made learning accessible and memorable.
- Storytelling: Techniques include videos, 3D modelling, gabion installations, Coastsnap photography, and social media to illustrate adaptive solutions effectively.
- Community Events: By attending local gatherings, we engage stakeholders in familiar settings, such as festivals and dog shows, informed by an equality analysis plan tailored to local demographics.
- Physical Models: Demonstrations using tools like sandboxes and wave tanks show how climate change impacts the coastline and potential solutions.
These efforts not only improve understanding but also build trust and empower the community to actively participate in shaping a resilient future, delivering measurable social value through education, inclusivity, and empowerment.
Northumbrian Water AMP8 WINEP
Local businesses played a pivotal role in delivering services, strengthening economic ties and fostering a better understanding of the project’s requirements. Local subcontractors were engaged to carry out topographic survey services, reducing the carbon footprint of operations while supporting the local economy. Extensive site work, which required overnight stays, was planned to benefit independent hotels and B&Bs in the area, further boosting local businesses.
Apprentices were integrated into the project delivery, contributing to data collection, reporting, electric fishing surveys, and macroinvertebrate surveys, gaining valuable practical experience in the process. The project provided tailored training opportunities for apprentices, with one focusing on fieldwork and another on data analysis and reporting. These training efforts resulted in skill development in areas such as Excel-based data analysis, consultancy report writing, fieldwork planning, and risk assessment. This integration of apprenticeships enhanced both the quality of project outputs and the apprentices’ professional development.
The outcomes of the project included the successful development of apprentices’ skills, particularly in practical and analytical tasks, and the establishment of strong relationships with local subcontractors. Early challenges in meeting deliverables were resolved through collaboration and adaptive approaches, ensuring the delivery of high-quality results. The project demonstrated the value of prioritising local engagement, fostering skills development, and building strong partnerships to achieve sustainable and impactful outcomes for both the environment and local communities.
Tees Tidelands
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council is leading the Port Clarence project. One of the projects aims is to increase sign-up to the national flood warning service by building confidence and flood resilience in the community. Alongside an array of teams including engineering, modelling, ecology, heritage and landscape, this ongoing project requires extensive work from the Social Value and Engagement team to build community resilience.
Protecting the local community is a high priority for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and the Environment Agency, as the area has been significantly impacted by historical tidal and fluvial flooding events. It is recognised that various social challenges contribute to low resilience and the ability to recover from flooding, as is evidenced by the local flood warning service uptake of 42% compared with a regional average of 79%.
We undertook a ‘local community analysis’ approach to gain a clear understanding of the demographics of the area, combined with stakeholder mapping, and a strategic communication review. This informed the design of our social value and engagement activities, enabling us to tailor them to the community.

Studley Royal Ecological Surveys
The Studley Royal Deer Park and Gardens Ecological Surveys Project aimed to support the development of a conservation management plan for this historic site. By conducting detailed ecological surveys, the project sought to preserve the unique biodiversity of the park while fostering connections with the local community.
As part of this initiative, a primary school was engaged in an educational programme designed to inspire young learners and enhance their understanding of ecology. Ecological survey equipment used for the project, including hedgehog tunnels, was loaned to the school to support hands-on learning. The project ecologist then conducted a botanical survey in the school’s woodland learning area, and tailored plant and tree identification guides were created to help teachers integrate the space into their lessons. To encourage further exploration, surplus hedgehog food and ink were provided, enabling students to conduct mammal surveys and determine whether hedgehogs were present on the school grounds.
The school responded with enthusiasm, embracing the opportunity to learn about local wildlife. This engagement led to an invitation to their career day, where workshops were delivered for nursery and reception classes. Children explored careers in ecology through interactive activities, including bug hunts, tree identification, and examining animal tracks and signs.

Contact Lucy Formoy, our Social Value and Engagement Lead