Summer's here, the sun's (finally) out, and our Social Value team has been busier than ever. At Caval, social impact isn't a box we tick, it's built into our DNA.

Here's everything we've been up to, and where we're headed next.

Opening doors for people who need them most

We kicked off the quarter working with Forward Leeds, running interview sessions for candidates rebuilding their careers after struggles with drug and alcohol dependency. It's exactly the kind of work that matters most to us: creating real opportunities for the people who are too often overlooked, from the long-term unemployed to ex-offenders, ex-military personnel, disabled candidates and women returning to work.

A few days later, we were at Doncaster College on behalf of Willmott Dixon, interviewing candidates who'd smashed the SYMCA Construction Bootcamp and earned their CSCS cards. Well-prepared, motivated and ready to build a future in construction, whether they were returning to the industry or joining it for the very first time. Brilliant to see.

Backing the next generation

Education partnerships remain at the heart of what we do, and this quarter proved it.

We joined the job fair at Leeds College of Building, meeting a room full of enthusiastic first-year students exploring everything from apprenticeships to direct routes into work. It was a packed house, with client partners including Robertsons, Galliford Try and Bowmer & Kirkland all in attendance too.

We also sat down with the LCB team to plan our programme for the 2026/27 academic year. On top of our usual mock interview support, we'll be delivering fresh sessions on personal branding, interview technique and CV writing for Year 2 students. New skills, same mission.

Meanwhile, at Netherhall Learning Campus, we supported Willmott Dixon's construction workshops, watching students dive into hands-on, construction-based learning outcomes with brilliant energy.

And it wouldn't be a Caval update without a T Level mention. We're in talks with Leeds City College about hosting another T Level student from September 2026, this time across administration and finance. Our last placement was such a success that bringing another student on board was an easy decision.

Strengthening our client partnerships

Social value works best when it's built in from day one, not bolted on at the end. That's the message we took into our meeting with City Build, discussing how we can help embed social value KPIs into contracts from the earliest possible stage. Too many organisations leave it too late. We're here to make sure that doesn't happen.

We had similarly productive conversations with Associated Asphalt, helping shape a new "toolbox style" presentation that their on-site managers can use to deliver social value across every site. The response so far? Excellent.

And towards the end of June, we caught up with Caddick Construction to map out their upcoming programme of work across Skelmersdale, Wythenshawe, Cheadle and Moss Side, plus plans for a construction promotion day at Stockport Academy.

We also connected with the Community Foundation for Calderdale, exploring how we can support their environmental and anti-poverty work across the Calder Valley. Watch this space.

What's next

Q3 is already filling up fast, with mock interviews, CSCS candidate sessions and construction days on the calendar throughout July and August.

If you'd like to get involved in any of our upcoming events, or have an idea for one we should be part of, get in touch. Our diary fills quickly, so the earlier you flag it, the better.

Get in touch: sv@caval.co.uk