Category: Frameworks

Three years ago, Stepnell joined the SCAPE Regional Construction Framework with a shared vision: to deliver high-quality, community-focused projects that provide lasting value.

Since then, we’ve been proud to work alongside local authorities, schools, and community partners to deliver a wide range of schemes that enhance public services, support local supply chains, and create social value in the communities we serve.

Importantly, across these three years we’ve partnered with three of the six SCAPE framework shareholders – Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, and Warwickshire County Council – and we’re very proud to be continuing those relationships into the coming year.

In just three years, we’ve successfully delivered 28 projects, with a further 14 on site – from sensitive refurbishments to essential infrastructure upgrades – across healthcare, education, leisure, and infrastructure. Each one reflects our commitment to collaboration, innovation and integrity.

Our Three-Year SCAPE Performance at a Glance

• On time and on budget – average 98%
• Client satisfaction – average 9.14
• Social value generated – £5.8m since joining the framework
• £6.1m spent in local economy including £4.9m with local MSMEs
• 200 hours of volunteering
• 103 weeks of training and apprenticeships
• 156 hours spent helping people into work
• 203 hours school and college visits
• £5,374 in-kind donations
• 10.4 weeks of work placements

Warwickshire: Delivering Impact Through Education Projects

Our ongoing partnership with Warwickshire County Council is a great example of how the SCAPE framework enables meaningful, community-centred projects. We are currently on site with two important education schemes:

Oak Wood School – Post 16 SEND Centre

We are transforming a vacant office into a high-quality learning environment for 60 young people with special educational needs. By reusing the building’s roof structure, stairwell, and mechanical systems wherever possible, we’ve significantly reduced carbon impact, material use, and waste compared to a new-build scheme.

The CCS monitor awarded the project a perfect score of 45/45, praising our:
“extensive management systems,” “outstanding community engagement,” and “commitment to environmental best practice and Net Zero ambitions.”

Warton Nethersole C of E Primary School

We are delivering a new two-classroom timber extension alongside internal reconfigurations to enhance learning spaces, create a new library and family support facilities, and increase dining hall capacity. Designed to integrate sensitively with its rural surroundings, the single-storey build uses minimal external works to reduce environmental disruption.

The CCS monitor awarded the project an excellent 41/45, commending our:
“positive community engagement through the school,” “76% local employment,” and “commitment to minimising environmental impact through timber construction and eco measures.”

Delivered through the SCAPE Framework, these projects benefit from:

• Early contractor involvement – ensuring cost certainty, programme efficiency, and design optimisation.
• Sustainable construction methods – from reusing existing structures and systems at Oakwood to reducing embodied carbon through timber-frame construction at Warton.
• Community focus – works carefully planned to minimise disruption, deliver meaningful social value, and engage directly with local schools, residents, and jobseekers.

Social Value in Action

We believe construction should leave a lasting positive legacy. At Oakwood Post 16 and Warton Nethersole, that’s meant creating opportunities for young people, supporting local communities, and helping individuals take the next step in their careers.

Building Teamwork and Confidence with Oakwood SEND Students

Working closely with Oakwood’s SEND secondary school, we hosted 10 students on a live construction site for a hands-on session focused on safety and teamwork. Activities included:

• A guided site tour to identify risks and hazards.
• A bridge-building challenge to test problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.

To embed their learning, we followed up with four in-school workshops exploring teamwork in construction, using the bridge task as a practical, confidence-building tool.

Inspiring Future Builders Through Business

Through a partnership with Inspire in Arts, we worked with home-educated students on a ‘Build a Business’ challenge. Participants explored different roles in construction, formed mock companies, and planned their own 10-house housing estates – considering layout, costing, and project delivery roles.

This programme introduced construction as a career pathway and built enterprise, planning, and financial skills in a real-world context.

Supporting Local Communities at Valley House

Our team volunteered at Valley House, a community charity providing housing and support services, to improve their outdoor spaces – maintaining planters, painting fences, and creating a more welcoming environment for residents.

Careers Inspiration at Etone College

We delivered interactive “careers in construction” sessions to five Year 7 and Year 8 classes, showcasing the wide range of roles available and encouraging students to see construction as an exciting, accessible career choice.

Creating Impact at Warton Nethersole

At Warton Nethersole Primary School, our team supported the community through:

• Mock interviews for jobseekers claiming benefits, boosting their confidence and employability skills.
• Volunteering at the school sports day, with five Stepnell volunteers helping run activities and refreshments.
• Donating a hamper for the summer fair to raise funds for the Parents and Teachers Society (PTS).

These contributions – big and small – demonstrate our commitment to supporting communities at every level, from skills development to showing up for local events.

A Framework for Long-Term Impact

Three years on, our SCAPE journey shows that construction is about more than delivering projects. By combining sustainable methods, collaborative working, and meaningful community investment, we’re creating lasting value for the people and places we serve.