Overview
The construction of the Luton & Dunstable Emergency Department wasn’t just about building infrastructure—it was about building opportunities.
A key focus was ensuring local people benefitted from employment and training opportunities, with 78% of the workforce coming from within 40 miles of the site.
One of the most inspiring stories was that of a young man who faced employment barriers due to a criminal record. Given a role as a welfare operative, his dedication and enthusiasm quickly earned him a full-time position. With support from the project team, he gained his Level 1 Award in Health & Safety in Construction and a CSCS Site Operatives Card, setting him on a pathway to a sustainable career in construction.
Investing In Future Talent
Investing in Future Talent Education and skills development were a major focus, with strong partnerships formed to inspire and equip the next generation of construction professionals:
- University of Bedfordshire: Supported a student’s dissertation on employer perspectives regarding disadvantaged workers, contributing to important research on inclusion in the industry.
- Luton 6th Form College: Hosted a site visit for eight students, providing firsthand insights into careers in construction.
- Building Lives Academies: Delivered an employer engagement programme for 20 learners facing employment barriers, with one work placement leading to a full-time job.
- Apprenticeships & Training: Supported 55 weeks of apprenticeships, including Degree Apprenticeships in Surveying and Estimating and an NVQ Level 3 in Bricklaying.
- Work Experience Placements: Provided opportunities for 10 students, helping them gain hands-on experience in construction.
Social Impact Through Community Engagement
The project team worked with The Prince’s Trust, supporting two ‘Get into Construction’ programmes aimed at young people facing employment barriers. Over three weeks, participants gained essential skills, qualifications, and work experience, leading to impressive outcomes:• 21 participants started
- 18 completed the programme
- 58.2 weeks of training delivered
- 19 gained a City & Guilds Level 1 Health & Safety qualification
- 15 achieved a CSCS Site Operatives Card
- 12 secured employment or apprenticeships
Through Luton Job Centre Plus, the site team also hosted a visit for eight local residents on a Sector Work Academy Programme (SWAPs), providing them with valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities.
Strengthening Local Businesses
The project focused on procuring locally, ensuring that businesses in Luton and surrounding areas benefited. The results:
- £16.3 million spent within 40 miles of the site
- 43.8% of supply chain partners were SMEs or MMEs
- Total social return on investment from local spend: £19.99 million
Enhancing Wellbeing and Supporting Communities Beyond employment and skills, the project team undertook a range of community initiatives: - Stopsley Community Primary School: Supported students in a biodiversity project, providing workshops and building three bug hotels to promote local wildlife.
- Luton & Dunstable Hospital NICU Gardens: Transformed neglected garden spaces into a tranquil retreat for families with children in neonatal intensive care.
- Hospital ‘Relatives Room’ Renovation: Redesigned a bereavement room with fresh paint and a new mural, creating a more comforting environment.
- Luton Foodbank Support: Provided professional advice on new premises, collected £200 worth of food donations, and supported a Christmas Give a Gift Campaign, donating 80 gifts for children in hospital.
- Bedfordshire Hospitals Staff Wellbeing: Donated £900 in gift vouchers to support NHS staff engagement activities.
Environmental Leadership: Diverting Waste from Landfill Sustainability was a key driver in this project, with significant environmental contributions: - 826 tons of ‘hard to recycle’ waste diverted from landfill or incineration.
- Estimated social return on investment: £79,886.32.
A Lasting Legacy Through a combination of employment opportunities, skills development, community engagement, and environmental responsibility, the Luton & Dunstable Emergency Department project exemplifies the power of construction to create lasting social value. By supporting local businesses, training future professionals, and championing sustainability, this project has made a real difference in people’s lives—now and for the future.
