Agenda item

The Director of Corporate Services (DoCS) presented the report to members.

The report outlined the Social Value outcomes delivered by Schofield and Sons Limited as part of the Blackpool Fire Station (Forest Gate) project. The Blackpool Fire Station project involved a full redevelopment and modernisation of the station to ensure the facilities met current and future operational requirements. The scheme included significant refurbishment of the existing building, upgrades to operational spaces, improvements to welfare and training areas, and general estate enhancements to create a safer, more efficient and fit for purpose working environment for firefighters and support staff. The capital works were designed to extend the life of the asset, improve functionality, and ensure the station could continue to support effective emergency response within the Blackpool area.

Social Value Background

As part of the Authority’s procurement processes, major contracts included Social Value commitments to ensure that service investment delivered wider benefits for the communities LFRS served. This approach reflected the requirements of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, which placed a duty on public bodies to consider how the goods, services or works they buy could also improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the area.

In practice, this meant that when the service awarded contracts, it did not focus solely on cost or technical quality. LFRS also considered how the supplier could contribute to wider outcomes; for example by supporting local jobs and skills, offering work experience or training opportunities, using local supply chains, or delivering community projects that added value beyond the core construction works.

These Social Value requirements were therefore built into the services procurement activity from the outset, forming part of the evaluation, the contract, and the monitoring arrangements. The Social Value Report had been completed to demonstrate how these commitments had been delivered in line with the Authority’s expectations.

Overview of the Project and Delivery

The Blackpool Forest Gate Fire Station project generated a wide range of Social Value activities. These included:

• Extensive engagement with young people, including work experience placements, mock interviews, careers talks and not in education, employment or training (NEET) support programmes delivered in partnership with The King’s Trust and local colleges. Activities helped participants develop skills, confidence and insight into career pathways.

• Support for education and skills, including long?term T?Level and Architecture student placements, contributions to “Women in Construction” events, and collaboration with Preston and Fylde Colleges.

• Community enhancement projects, such as material donations and practical help for local school and community projects, refurbishment works (including courtyard improvements and restoration of a heritage station plaque), and seasonal donations to support local outreach.

• Strong local supply?chain spend, significantly surpassing targets through the award of additional work packages to regional businesses, supporting local employment and the local economy.

• Commitment to Fair Payment, Living Wage, and wider responsible contractor practices implemented throughout the supply chain.

The contractor exceeded the overall Social Value target of £255,950.57 by £158,951.36, delivering a total of £414,901.93 in recorded social and economic benefit. This reflected substantial additional investment in local suppliers, high?impact educational and employability activities, and tangible improvements within the local community.

Resolved: That the Committee noted the contents of the report.