Outcomes and Lessons Learned
Community Benefit Outcomes
There was a total of 44 community benefits offered in the initial commitment from the supplier at contract award, but a final total of 62 individual community benefits were delivered over the two- and half-year project. These covered outcomes ranging from employment to work experience to support to local groups and projects.
The benefits achieved included:
- Six new on-site jobs, including employment for individuals who live locally in SIMD 1 / 2 areas;
- Three new Graduate Apprenticeships plus a number of Modern Apprenticeships delivered by both the supplier and their sub-contractors;
- Eight new SVQ qualifications for sub-contracting staff on site at Paisley Town Hall;
- Business advice and support to SMEs working on the site;
- Ten work experience placements for local young people from Renfrewshire, supporting young people with real life experience in trades on site and helping them with advice on their career pathway;
- Through the “My Future Pathway into Construction” programme, over 20 local young people from Renfrewshire schools were offered a place on the year-long programme. This provided support with learned skills and experiences, site tours, trade talks, employability support and work experience;
- In May 2022, in collaboration with the Paisley Townscape Heritage Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme, Renfrewshire Council and West College Scotland, the supplier invited over 200 pupils from 12 Renfrewshire schools to a Traditional Build Event. This provided pupils with a tour of the construction site and an opportunity to undertake practical learning experience to provide examples of future career pathways. This included an insight into trades such as: stonemasonry, painting, slating, leadwork, traditional wood turning, roof slating techniques, and painting and decorating;
- The supplier and their sub-contractors also provided financial and non-financial support to local community groups, including donation of a stage to PACE Theatre Company a non-profit theatre company and registered charity based in Paisley specialising in work with young people.
Lessons Learned
The positive experience of research and engagement with the Paisley Town Hall community benefit process, and the clear indication that this is an area to focus an ambitious ask, provided a strong foundation upon which the Council built more ambitious Community Benefit requirements for projects such as the Paisley Grammar School Community Campus and other infrastructure projects.
Contribution to National Outcomes
This project contributes to the following national outcomes:
- We grow up loved, safe and respected so that we realise our full potential - Young people benefited from investment in training, skill, and work experience opportunities.
- We live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe - Support given to the local community will allow it to thrive with inclusive growth.
- We are creative and our vibrant and diverse cultures are expressed and enjoyed widely - Paisley Town Hall will continue to be a cultural hub for years to come, providing a space for creativity and diversity to thrive in our community. The funding of community projects and donation of a stage for a local theatre non-profit further supports this.
- We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society - Upskilling and the opportunity for development and learning was present throughout the project, giving hands on learning to expand on the education of our community
- We have thriving and innovative businesses, with quality jobs and fair work for everyone - Inclusion of Fair Work and Community Benefit requirements ensure fair work and related opportunities are at the heart of the project.
- We respect, protect and fulfil human rights and live free from discrimination - The Fair Work requirements of contract address human rights in the contracted workforce and the supply chain.
- We tackle poverty by sharing opportunities, wealth and power more equally - Community Benefit and Fair Work requirements aim to provide opportunities across Renfrewshire and allow sharing of benefits from the contracted works with the community – further than just the provision of the contracted project.
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