Our Social Value Policy, developed in line with BS8950 and championed by our partnership with Social Value UK, guides best practice throughout The Window Company (Contracts). We focus on local recruitment, training and supply chain engagement, prioritising ‘Local First’ to strengthen community ties and support the local economy.

Local Employability

We partner with local agencies, schools, colleges and universities to create employment and training opportunities. Initiatives include collaborations with Job Centres, and educational outreach such as careers events, work experience, CV workshops and mock interviews. We also donate surplus materials to Chelmsford College for hands-on learning and support apprenticeship training through links with training bodies and levy sponsors. Our connection with the MOAT Foundation enables us to offer mentoring and work experience via their Community Hubs and advertise vacancies directly to the community.

Community Engagement

We sponsor and support local charities and food hubs and provide regular donations to support our clients’ social value and community outreach programmes. We support causes in our own community including Circus Star 

Think Local

We have achieved ISO 14001 as part of our integrated management system and fully endorse sustainable service delivery. Our ‘Think Local’ approach gives preference to local suppliers and staff, reducing travel time, lowering our carbon footprint and improving working conditions.

Support Trades and Services

Upon securing new contracts, our teams outline precise needs for support trades and services. We actively engage with local groups and employability agencies during prestart meetings, seeking feedback from grassroots customer teams to identify urgent local needs. We focus on collaborating with SMEs, MSMEs, and VCSEs for community engagement, storage and welfare facilities, recognising the value of local connections.

Supporting our Staff

As a Living Wage accredited employer, we ensure our contracts prioritise the wellbeing of our teams. We invest in comprehensive personal development programmes, supporting career growth and wellbeing through annual appraisals, apprenticeships, financial support for NVQs and qualifications and opportunities for promotion. We also give all our staff paid volunteering time to foster our social value ethos.

Physical wellbeing is key – we provide proper training, PPE and annual health checks for our team. We also promote mental wellbeing with resources from the Lighthouse Charity and support from Mindfulness Ambassadors. Annual Company days address mental health openly, and we fund CBT sessions when needed. Financial difficulties are handled sensitively, including help from Citizens Advice.

Our Breakout Pod offers a peaceful space with TV, catering, and comfortable seating for relaxation or support.