Location: Pendle Police Station, Burnley
Client Partners: Willmott Dixon, HUBER, WMB, YES Hub DWP
Overview
We Are Footprint (WAF), in partnership with Willmott Dixon, HUBER, and WMB, delivered a social value initiative focused on placing local residents and individuals from priority groups into meaningful employment during the construction of the new Pendle Police Station.
Engaged throughout the project, WAF responded quickly to help the client meet key employment commitments, particularly around the inclusion of local people, NEETs (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), and long-term unemployed individuals (LTUE). Within five months, WAF facilitated multiple sustainable job placements across the main contractor and supply chain, with wraparound support designed to remove barriers and support long-term success.
This collaboration demonstrated the power of genuine community engagement, employer flexibility, and proactive recruitment. The initiative connected with services such as the DWP, the YES Hub, and local community spaces including the local mosque. Together, these efforts led to real, long-lasting outcomes for individuals and the local area.
Objectives
- Prioritise the recruitment of local residents on the Pendle Police Station project.
- Identify and support NEETs and LTUEs into employment through the site’s supply chain.
- Provide personal, wraparound support to aid retention and future progression.
- Promote social mobility through upskilling and access to training.
- Deliver measurable outcomes that contribute to Willmott Dixon’s social value commitments.
Key Outcomes
- Six local people employed on site through WAF, living within 5 miles of the project.
- Three NEET/LTUE individuals placed with subcontractors, including one progressing to Willmott Dixon employment
- Targeted outreach delivered via DWP, YES Hub, and community events, covering over 50 people
- Site visits and employability sessions provided to boost confidence and job readiness.
- Wraparound support including wellbeing coaching and upskilling (Traffic Marshal training).
- Training and progression: Two candidates enrolled on Level 2 Electrical Installations courses to build future careers.
Results
- SROI: To be measured as the project progresses
- 9 individuals supported into employment
- 3 NEETs/LTUEs now in long-term, stable roles
- Upskilling achieved: Traffic Marshal roles and college enrolment
- Supply chain engagement: Huber and WMB provided placement opportunities
- WAF-Council-Police Presentation: Showcasing outcomes to local stakeholders
“I was nervous at first as I hadn’t worked in construction before, but I’m so chuffed to have been given this opportunity. I’ve been here over three months, and I’m still learning every day. It’s made me feel stable and secure again. I’ve even started a Level 2 Electrical Installations course and plan to continue to Level 3 to become a qualified electrician. This role has really opened up doors for me.”
TA – NEET candidate placed via WMB
“I’d been unemployed for a while before this job and didn’t know what to expect. But nearly four months in, I’m loving the practical, hands-on work. I’ve started an evening college course and now I’m saving for the future. I’m really grateful for this opportunity. It’s shown me a new career path and given me back my freedom.”
JS – NEET candidate placed via WMB
