Category: Construction

We are proud to be leading the extensive refurbishment and alterations at Aylesford School, demonstrating excellence in community engagement, environmental responsibility, and workforce welfare. The project, which is registered under the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), recently received an outstanding score of 44/45 on their first report, reflecting our commitment to delivering not only high-quality construction but also positive social value.

Respecting the Community

A key focus of the Aylesford School project has been minimising disruption and fostering strong relationships with the local community. We implemented a variety of initiatives to engage with residents, parents, and students, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.

• A dedicated WhatsApp group and monthly newsletters keep the community informed of project updates.
• A coffee and cake morning was held to establish an open dialogue with local residents.
• Site security measures, including metal hoarding and a dedicated gateman, ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.

These efforts contributed to the project achieving a perfect 15/15 score for community respect, highlighting our commitment to being a considerate and responsible contractor.

Delivering Social Value

We are actively contributing to the local economy and community, with a structured Social Value Plan in place. To date, the project has generated over £480,000 in social value through various initiatives, including:

• Promoting local employment by engaging with local suppliers and contractors.
• Supporting local charities, such as a food donation to Rugby Foodbank.
• Educational engagement, with attendance at school open days and parents’ evenings to inspire future generations about careers in construction.

Caring for the Environment

Sustainability is a core part of our approach, and the Aylesford School project is no exception. Environmental measures include:

• A Carbon Reduction Plan, aiming for net zero carbon emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2029.
• Use of sustainable materials and plant, including HVO and electric-powered equipment.
• On-site biodiversity initiatives, such as tree planting, bird boxes, and river clean-ups.

These proactive steps resulted in a near-perfect 14/15 environmental score, showcasing our dedication to reducing its environmental impact.

Valuing the Workforce

At the heart of the project is our commitment to workforce wellbeing and development:

• Dedicated training programmes encourage career growth within construction.
• A strong focus on health and wellbeing, including mental health toolboxes and a quiet/prayer room on-site.
• Inclusive welfare facilities, such as gender-neutral toilets and sanitary products provided for all staff.

With a 15/15 workforce score, Stepnell continues to prioritise a safe, inclusive, and supportive working environment.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Beyond construction, our work at Aylesford School is about creating a positive and lasting impact. By fostering community relationships, delivering social value, prioritising sustainability, and caring for the workforce.

As the project progresses, we remain dedicated to upholding these high standards, ensuring that Aylesford School and its community benefit for years to come.