Accessibility, equity and social impact
Infrastructure projects can change lives for the better.
Collaborative action and a committed mindset toward that goal can help achieve lasting benefit that’s more widely and equitably shared. And, it can better ensure marginalised communities are not disproportionately impacted as a result of those projects.
Governments have taken notice and, using statutory requirements, are increasingly pursuing greater equity in how the benefits of infrastructure are distributed.
The infrastructure industry has seen the importance — as well as the business and financial benefits - of addressing accessibility, inclusion, and social value in the design and delivery of projects with vital social licence. A strategic approach to influencing social outcomes throughout programmes can deliver long-term shared benefits for organisations and the communities they’re part of.
What can we do for you?
Our expert practitioners work with you to inform the design, planning and delivery of infrastructure that is underpinned by a robust analysis of stakeholder expectations, and social, economic, environmental and cultural conditions and their impact on communities. And, building on this, to support the development and achievement of strategies to target meaningful accessible, inclusive and equitable outcomes to better influence a beneficial long-term legacy.
Looking to the long term
The best approaches are built in, not bolted on and focused on long term outcomes rather than short term box ticking. We can help to prioritise and plan more accessible and inclusive projects and infrastructure, maximising the benefits for communities, addressing existing inequalities, benchmarking and monitoring progress, and meeting the needs of potentially vulnerable groups.
Shaping your social value strategy
The implementation and delivery of social value can vary, and there is no one size fits all. We can help to identify the most relevant actions to achieve long-term benefits for the communities you’re working in, and to effectively deliver, track and measure social value throughout your projects and programmes.
Equality analysis and impact assessment
Without consideration, projects have the potential to benefit or harm people with protected characteristics, for example by inadvertently creating unfair disadvantages in accessing essential services. While understanding impacts on marginalised groups is integral to achieving better project outcomes and securing social licence to operate, it can also be a statutory requirement. We work with clients to undertake a thorough equality analysis and impact assessment that improves projects and meets obligations.
Riverfront Park, Newark, USA. Working for the Trust for Public Land and the City of Newark, we provided environmental and engineering services for this waterfront redevelopment project.
Engineering accessible, inclusive, and equitable infrastructure
We can support you to improve social outcomes, eliminate barriers to inclusion and improve access to services, infrastructure and the built environment. Our work includes:
Meet the team
Our experience
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Varanasi Junction station masterplan, IndiaWe advised on making Varanasi Junction’s design more accessible and inclusive for all rail users. Our support included collaboration with passengers to undertake a full needs assessment, identifying connectivity issues - such as the ability to get from the station to their final destination — and opportunities for the community to work on the project.
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Wataynikaneyap transmission project, CanadaWe’re acting as the lenders’ adviser for this project to bring reliable and environmentally sound energy to remote First Nations communities in northern Ontario, Canada, involving transmission and distribution infrastructure spanning 1700km.
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Heathrow Airport, London, UKWe supported one of the world’s busiest airports to create a new strategy to build accessibility into the design of its expansion and growth plans, including proposed new terminal buildings and satellite facilities. Our work means the needs of all airport users are considered from the outset.
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Sydney Metro, AustraliaSydney Metro is Australia’s biggest public transport project, revolutionising travel for people in its most populous city. We supported the Sydney Metro project to bring its engineering design assurance workforce development and industry participation plan to life. This included implementing diversity and inclusion programmes and initiatives on gender and cultural diversity, First Nations, younger and older people, and community engagement.
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Ovingham level crossing removal project, AustraliaAs part of a major project to remove a rail level crossing in Ovingham, improving travel times, connectivity and safety for road users, we provided support to shape and deliver better social value. Early community feedback emphasised connectivity, community and public space. Through our support, the project delivered new sporting infrastructure, pedestrian and cycle links, and landscaping and public art created with local indigenous communities.
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Great British Nuclear, Cumbria, UKWe’ve extensively supported social outcomes for clients in Cumbria. For example, working with Energy Coast University Technical College students in Whitehaven, we upskilled the group in project management, while supporting a project focused on local heritage and history. This also included collaboration with other educational and non-profit bodies, improving the students’ networks and knowledge and boosting the activity’s local impact.
People and Planet
People and Planet demonstrates and quantifies social and environmental outcomes. It combines publicly available data with project data to assess social and environmental factors alongside project priorities. Risks and opportunities are displayed on maps and dashboards, empowering decisions that create long-term benefits for people and the planet.
