At the Danny Sullivan Group (DSG), social value isn’t just a buzzword – it’s woven into the very fabric of what we do. National Inclusion Week offered the perfect opportunity for us to reinforce our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community engagement, spanning various events and activities that celebrated the people and communities we work with across the UK. From career workshops to employee recognition and collaborative events with our partners, the week was a whirlwind of meaningful interactions, appreciation, and impact. Here’s a snapshot of how DSG marked National Inclusion Week.
Kicking Off at the Sikh Careers Fair, Leeds:
The week began with an impactful presence at the Sikh Careers Fair in Leeds, where DSG proudly represented the construction sector. Our involvement wasn’t just about showcasing career opportunities; it was about fostering genuine connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Our Social Value, Skills and Employment Advisor, Suki Dhillon-Basra, had the honour of participating in a panel focused on interview tips and techniques, as well as leading a workshop on transferable skills and CV peparation.
It was a day full of productive discussions, with attendees of all ages looking to take their first step or make a career change. Many participants followed up with us post-event, seeking further guidance and mentorship. It was heartening to see the curiosity and drive of so many individuals eager to explore opportunities in construction.
At DSG, we believe in recognising dedication and hard work. On Monday, our Labour Manager, Sophie Howard, alongside Suki, had the pleasure of presenting one of our standout groundworker apprentices, with a £50 voucher. Her commitment and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed, with glowing feedback pouring in from her colleagues daily. Her recognition was well-deserved and a testament to her growing career within our team.
Apprentices remind us of the importance of investing in young talent and the future of our industry. Their dedication fuels our purpose, and we are proud to foster such a supportive environment.
Giving Back with a Macmillan Coffee Morning.
We believe that inclusion extends beyond our workforce and into the communities we serve. On Tuesday, we joined forces with our client, Skanska, to host a Macmillan Coffee Morning at the M42, J6 Centre of Excellence.
It was a delightful morning filled with freshly baked pakoras, an assortment of cakes, and mouth-watering apple crumbles, all made with the spirit of giving. The event raised £320 to support Macmillan Cancer Support, with donations still open the following day. Events like these highlights how collaboration between businesses and clients can have a real impact, not just financially, but by bringing people together for a common cause.
Wednesday saw the team on the road again, recognising hard work and forging new community relationships. First stop: A1 Birtley to Coal House compound, the team presented Karen, our diligent cleaner, with a £50 voucher. Karen’s work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond were acknowledged by all, and this small token of appreciation was a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for her continued commitment.
Later in the day, the team ventured on to visit the Buffalo Centre in Blythe, run by Eileen, which supports the local community through various programs including youth clubs and care packages. We are thrilled to be planning future collaborations with the centre, offering our support in areas such as volunteering, pre-employability workshops, and donations for their well-being initiatives. The potential for impact is immense, and we look forward to deepening this relationship to create lasting social value for the Blythe community.
Site Engagements in Scotland:
The latter half of the week took us to Scotland, where we turned our attention to site engagements. Thursday saw us visit the BAM site at CTLR, where we presented Jordan with a £50 voucher for his outstanding work ethic. Jordan’s reliability and dedication were praised by his team, highlighting the importance of recognising contributions at every level within the organisation.
Friday continued in the same vein with a site visit to Multiplex, where we had a productive planning session with Callum Scott and Steve Doherty. The discussions centred around upcoming labour supply needs and future social value engagement opportunities. We also had the pleasure of recognising Craig, the site gateman, for his initiative and reliability, awarding him a £50 voucher as well. Craig has become known as the go-to person for additional responsibilities, demonstrating how essential each role is to the success of a site.
National Inclusion Week was an inspiring reminder of how much can be achieved when we come together – whether it’s celebrating the success of our apprentices, collaborating with clients for a good cause, or recognising the unsung heroes on our sites. We are proud of our efforts this week and the dedication of the entire DSG team to make it a success.
As a company, we remain committed to driving social value across the UK. Our involvement in career workshops, community partnerships, and daily recognitions highlights the breadth of our nationwide engagement. We look forward to continuing this journey and creating meaningful, inclusive opportunities for all.
