Insight

Social value in fit out: Creating a positive impact for communities and the environment

Home Insights Social value in fit out: Creating a positive impact for communities and the environment

Every fit out project has the power to strengthen meaningful, long term benefits for local communities, businesses and the environment.

At Overbury, social value is embedded in everything we do. From creating employment opportunities and mentoring students, to supporting local businesses and reducing environmental impact, we ensure our projects leave a positive and measurable legacy. Because the true success of a fit out isn’t just in the spaces we build, but in the value we create for people and places.

Fozia Parveen

Head of Social Value & Enterprise

Monday, 31st March 2025

3 minutes read time

About Fozia

What is social value in fit out?

Social value is the tangible and intangible contributions a project makes to the wider community. It encompasses environmental responsibility, economic support and social mobility - factors that collectively drive long term progress. By embedding these principles into the fit out process, projects become more than just amazing spaces; they become catalysts for meaningful societal change.

What social value looks like

Social value initiatives vary depending on the scale of the project. Even small scale fit outs offer opportunities to make a difference:

  • Foodbank collections: Organising food drives to support local foodbanks and those in need
  • Team volunteering events: Encouraging teams to give back to local charities and causes
  • School site visits: Inspiring future generations by offering students insight into the fit out and construction industry

For larger, more complex projects, the opportunities to create social value expand:

  • Hiring locally: Creating job opportunities within the community to boost local employment
  • Work experience and mentoring: Partnering with local colleges and universities to help students gain practical industry experience
  • Sustainability initiatives: Reducing environmental impact through sustainable design, waste reduction and energy efficiency improvements

Social value in practice: Volunteering with the elderly

Social value in practice: Inspiring future generations

Social value in practice: Networking events and talks

The wider influence of social value

Embedding social value in fit out projects helps build stronger, more connected communities in the places where we work. These projects create a ripple effect, supporting local businesses, expanding educational opportunities and creating a sense of purpose and pride among those involved. The impact extends far beyond project completion, leaving a legacy that benefits society long term.

Turning impact into actionable results

As social value expectations evolve, measurement methods also adapt. Overbury’s approach is shifting beyond numerical targets and proxy figures toward assessing real, tangible impacts within the communities we serve. Clients now seek outcome driven approaches that prioritise meaningful, strategic partnerships to deliver long term benefits.

For projects that prioritise social value, impact driven initiatives help demonstrate tangible contributions, whether through job creation, sustainability efforts or community engagement. Aligning with the TOMs Framework (national themes, outcomes and measures) ensures that initiatives are measured, recorded and reported effectively, providing clear insights into their long term benefits for clients and stakeholders.

Fundraising for Evelina London Children's Charity

The future of social value in fit out

Clients and communities are increasingly prioritising projects that deliver meaningful, lasting benefits that go beyond their physical footprint. By integrating social value from the outset, businesses can create spaces that not only serve a functional purpose but also leave a positive legacy.

Other articles