Social Value Advisor

VolkerRail is one of the UKs oldest railway contractors, with a history dating back over 70 years, we are passionate about the preservation and development of the railways. Our years of experience and continued company growth have earned us a reputation within the industry for high performance and innovation, and as a company focussed on timely and efficient delivery.

An opportunity has arisen for a part time (3 days per week or other arrangement to be discussed at interview) Social Value Advisor to join the Signalling, Power & Communications renewals project team based in Glasgow. The role will report to the Corporate Senior Social Value Advisor, with remote line management.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and deliver project activities related to social value on this high-profile Network Rail Project. They will be responsible for engaging stakeholders (schools, staff, local communities, supply chain) in the development and delivery of social value plans as part of the wider SP&C programme. The role has a wide remit and will include delivery of key requirements relating to social value.

This role would be well suited for an individual who is enthusiastic about socio-economic development and who has creative problem-solving abilities.

What the role involves:

• Engaging with communities to understand local needs and develop Social Value Delivery Plans that deliver added value for stakeholders through investment in signalling, power and communication renewal programmes across Scotland.
• Assessing the potential impact of works on communities social and economic, and developing programmes to mitigate negative impacts and enhance local benefits.
• Working with the VolkerRail SP&C Framework Lead and HR Business Partner to deliver education and employability programmes to meet contract committments (including local employment, apprentices, graduate employment, year in industry placements, and work experience).
• Coordinate a programme of school engagement and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) activities for the SP&C Framework. Work with educators, training providers, and stakeholders to meet the outcomes of the skills agenda and inspire the next generation.
• Coordinate a programme of community investment through volunteering and community donations.
• Support the company's Fairness Inclusion Respect (FIR) Strategy working with internal and external groups.
• Reporting on social value data against targets and providing assurance in line with company procedures.
• Create internal and external comms content to celebrate progress in delivering local social value.
• Actively participate in various internal, client and stakeholder groups to support the social value delivery.
• Actively seek out opportunities for partnerships and work collaboratively with other Network Rail Contractors in Scotland to amplify the impact for rail stakeholders.

About you

• Educated to HND/HNC or equivalent in relevant subjects (Sustainability, CSR, Environment, HR, Community Relations) and/or previous experience that can be demonstrated in a similar role with a clear passion for delivering social and economic value for local communities.
• Experience in co-ordination of events, volunteering, school engagement, skills and employment would be a distinct advantage.
• Flexible, proactive and positive attitude; diplomatic and patient, demonstrating exceptional initiative to co-ordinate multiple parties and act collaboratively.
• Be able to collect, coordinate and report social value data, with training provided on company systems.
• Proficient in MS office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Confidence to engage many stakeholders including the wider team and supply chain to inspire action to deliver against targets including volunteering, apprenticeships, STEM, work experience etc.
• Personal resilience and ability to thrive in a challenging and fast-moving environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team and able to seek out opportunities.

Fairness, inclusion and respect

VolkerRail Group offers a competitive salary and attractive benefits that includes pension, performance related pay, and other benefits commensurate to your skills and experience. A company car or cash car allowance is provided as the role is expected to travel across Scotland to deliver community based programmes in core locations. Given the nature of this role in leading education engagement with vulnerable groups, the successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Committed to equality of opportunity and diversity.