Why construction needs to rethink community engagement

These are difficult questions that I, and our wider business, have pondered for some time and are starting to address.

We believe our project at Minsthorpe Community College (pictured) in South Elmsall, Yorkshire, is a perfect example of how construction can have a lasting impact beyond bricks and mortar, and how it has helped reshape our thinking of how we deliver true social value.

The project at the school is delivering a new 594 sq m sports hall, activity studios, changing rooms, storage, offices and refurbished education space.

Throughout the build, we’ve worked closely with the Department for Education and Minsthorpe to ensure the project not only meets educational needs but also engages and empowers students in the process.

At the heart of this project is the Student Construction Council Partnership – a student-led body involving those aged between 14 and 18 that has been guiding our social value strategy.

After all, who knows the needs of young communities better than the students themselves?

Involving the students directly ensures that the new facilities will be successfully adopted by its users, the project delivers tangible community benefits beyond the college and, hopefully, we help inspire the next generation of construction professionals.

Five ways the Student Construction Council Partnership has helped

1. Creates collective ownership of the project
   Engaging directly with – not for – young people and asking them to influence certain parts of the physical project ensures that what’s inside these buildings truly meets their needs. From creating fun and expressive designs for the hoardings to providing feedback on how the new internal spaces look and feel, students are actively contributing to the project’s overall direction. This involvement also fosters a genuine sense of ownership and attachment to the project, meaning the students naturally have more pride in their school – proven to increase learning productivity.

2. Encourages a greener future
   In addition to teaching students about the technology used in the development to reduce its carbon footprint, we’ve worked with students to improve biodiversity on the grounds and create a more attractive space, including revitalising a small pond area. This collaboration helps break down the technical jargon around sustainability and shows students how green practices can truly improve their quality of life and the community's future.

3. Excites young people about the construction sector
   The partnership has led to multiple workshops, site visits and work experience for students. This has provided insight into careers in construction and practical hands-on experience to see if it feels right for them. This initiative not only helps address the construction skills gap but, according to the school, it also helped boost school attendance, as certain students saw the practical benefits of their own involvement.

4. Breaks down gender stereotypes
   The project also highlights the importance of diversifying the sector, particularly through initiatives like Women in Construction. By encouraging young women to explore careers in construction and shining a light on the vast array of roles in the sector, we’re challenging the traditional view of the industry as male-dominated – helping create a more inclusive sector for future generations.

5. Provides local community impact
   Beyond the school, Henry Boot Construction has also supported multiple local initiatives within the community. Not activities that ‘we’ thought would benefit the community, but activities that ‘the students’ thought would benefit the community. This included sponsoring football teams, helping South Elmsall Juniors establish a girls team and assisting a local food bank.

The path forward

We believe the Minsthorpe project reflects a fundamental shift in how construction companies should engage with communities.

As the industry faces increasing pressure to be more socially responsible, it’s no longer enough to focus solely on completing projects on time and within budget.

Construction companies must integrate community involvement, sustainability and social value into every aspect of their work.

From our side, this approach provides a new model for all our future projects. By prioritising collaboration and inclusivity, we aim to create lasting positive impacts that benefit communities long after the construction is complete.

• Jack Kidder is responsible business manager at Henry Boot Construction.