Social Value
We believe our responsibility goes beyond the projects we deliver.
From our South Yorkshire roots to sites across the UK, we are committed to creating a positive and lasting impact in the communities where we work.
Supporting People and Communities
Our social value approach focuses on creating opportunities through employment, training, education and community engagement.
We align our initiatives with the priorities of our clients and stakeholders, while continuously measuring and improving our impact.
Our Workforce by the Numbers
Our performance reflects our commitment to our people:
- Strong safety performance well below industry averages
- Continued progress on gender pay equality
- Significant investment in training and development
Well below the industry average of 0.3.
80 Director Safety Tours completed in 2025Significantly ahead of the industry average mean of 22.1%. Equal pay for comparable positions across all roles.
Demonstrating our commitment to training and developing employees.
36 work experience days provided to local students in 2025Developing the Next Generation
We are committed to supporting the next generation of engineers and construction professionals.
From apprenticeships and graduate programmes to school engagement and industry partnerships, we provide clear pathways into the sector.
Key initiatives include:
5% Club — Gold Member
Billington retained Gold Membership of the 5% Club in 2025, awarded in 2024. We commit to keeping at least 5% of our workforce in ‘earn and learn’ positions — apprenticeships, graduate schemes and sponsored student placements. Our apprenticeship levy utilisation stands at 196%.
BetterWeld Academy at Shafton
A tripartite training centre at our Shafton manufacturing plant, developed in partnership with Barnsley College and BetterWeld. It delivers EAL Level 1 and 2 qualifications in welding and fabrication. Capacity for upwards of 150 people per year to gain skills for employment locally. The centre opened in 2023.
Schools, Colleges & Universities
We commit to at least 5 engagements per year with local schools, offering work experience, T-level placements, mock interviews and assembly talks. We have supported the University of Sheffield’s Spaghetti Bridge Challenge since 2017. We attend the Outwood Academy Career Day and Barnsley Apprenticeship Live event annually.
Diversity & Inclusion
Disability Confident Level 1 certification achieved in 2025. 11% of employees are from BAME and minority groups. We maintain equal pay for comparable positions across all roles in the Group. Our Billington Academy continues to support best practice and compliance training across all levels.
Investing Where it Matters
We prioritise local employment and partnerships wherever we operate.
Our investment in Specialist Protective Coatings is a strong example — supporting regional growth while creating new jobs and expanding capability.
Giving Back
Through the Billington Charity Foundation and wider initiatives, we support a range of local and national causes — contributing both financially and through active involvement.
We also support: Cancer Research UK, BIADS Barnsley · Barnardo’s · Carrianne’s 33 · Wakefield Trinity Wheelchair Rugby · Redfearns U7’s Kit Sponsorship · Wombwell Cricket Club · Scawthorpe Scorpions U14’s FC · Worsborough Bridge AFC U10 · Swinton Athletic Spartans U13s · Yorkshire Roses FC · UKREiiF Charity Cycle Ride · Whiston Juventus U7
Explore Our ESG Commitments
Want to know more?
Get in touch with us today
Call our team with any queries or feedback on +44 (0) 1226 340 666
