2025: The future of Social Value – how to leave a truly positive lasting legacy

More than just “cherry and sprinkles”, key takeaways from the RSK roundtable at Interchange 25

We recently had the privilege of hosting a lively roundtable discussion at Interchange 25 in Manchester, focusing on leaving a legacy through social value. It was fantastic to see such a diverse group of industry leaders—from sustainability experts and construction professionals to policymakers and community advocates from key businesses like MAG, Costain, Southeastern Railway and more, all eager to contribute to a meaningful conversation. Our goal was to gather valuable insights to shape future strategies and share them with key decision-makers.

The central question driving our discussion was: are we truly maximising the positive impact of major transport projects on our communities? As it turns out, the answer is more complex than we might think.

Industry leaders confronted the realities of "social value," the idea that projects should do more than just build roads and railways; that they should genuinely uplift the people around them. But are we really achieving that?

The conversation was rich and varied, with participants sharing their experiences and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities surrounding social value. We heard about the importance of recycling materials in highway construction, the need for inclusive approaches in aviation, and the power of transport infrastructure to improve social mobility.

A key theme was the complexity of measuring and reporting on social value. Copper led a discussion on the challenges of limited resources, opening a debate about whether a standardised measurement framework should be implemented. Participants shared concerns about the wide range of tools available and the potential for discrepancies in reported outcomes, as well as the dilution of social value through complex supply chains.

The discussion also highlighted the government's role in driving positive change. Participants discussed the need for clearer guidance around measurement, and the importance of moving beyond "tick-box" exercises to focus on lasting community impact.

However, the roundtable also revealed a disconnect between ambition and reality. While there's a desire to create lasting legacies, many projects seem trapped in a loop of prioritising the more ‘attractive’ initiatives that make a good news story over genuine community needs. Are we focusing on "the cherry and the sprinkles" instead of addressing the more gritty but fundamental issues which don’t have the same appeal?

Concerns were raised about the dilution of social value through complex supply chains. Smaller businesses, often unaware of government expectations, struggle to keep up. And while skills and education are frequently cited as social value priorities, are we doing enough to reach young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds?

The message was clear: the industry needs to move beyond good intentions and embrace a more rigorous approach based around ensuring local needs are met. We need to focus on outcomes, not just inputs. We need to listen to communities and ensure that projects deliver tangible benefits. And we need to hold ourselves accountable.