Associated Architects is proud to present our 2024 Social Value Report, highlighting a year of significant achievements and community engagement and showcasing the Practice’s commitment to creating a positive impact.
Key Highlights from the 2024 Social Value Report:
- Community Projects and Volunteering: Staff participated in numerous activities, including sponsored walks, cycles, and litter picks, raising over £8,656 for various causes. Notably, the STEPtember initiative raised £1,879 for local charities, demonstrating the firm’s dedication to giving back to the community.
- Nurturing Future Talent: The firm welcomed its first T Level student and employed a record number of apprentices. The strengthened Mentoring Policy and expanded Work Experience programme reflect the firm’s commitment to supporting the next generation of architects.
- Promoting Excellence in the Built Environment: Associated Architects continued to support industry bodies, including playing a role in the British Council for Offices’ 2024 national conference in Birmingham, contributing to the promotion of excellence within the architecture community.
- Reducing Carbon Impact: The firm achieved a 9.3% absolute carbon reduction and rolled out more recycling facilities, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
- Employee Ownership: 2024 marked the transfer of ownership of Associated Architects to an Employee Ownership Trust, giving employees a greater say in the company’s operations and sharing benefits as owners.
Steve Townsend, Director:
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved this year. Our transformation to becoming an employee-owned business and our continued commitment to social value initiatives have made 2024 a historic year for us. This has driven an even stronger commitment to ensuring Associated Architects is a great place to work – just a few examples are that we’ve strengthen our Training Policy, Post-Maternity Leave Return to Work protocols, ED&I-related procedures, and new methods for two-way communication between Practice leaders and the team.”
Beth Astington, Social Value Lead:
“The dedication and enthusiasm of our whole team have been truly inspiring. Initiatives like STEPtember where the whole office come together highlight our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities. Thank you to everyone that got involved.”
For more details, you can read the full 2024 Social Value Report below:
