Enriching lives within the region: G F Tomlinson launches pro bono Local Communities Partnership Programme

As part of a new initiative to support communities in the Midlands, contractor G F Tomlinson is searching for a not-for-profit organisation to collaborate with, to deliver an impactful community project on a pro bono basis.

G F Tomlinson’s new Local Communities Partnership Programme forms part of the organisation’s ongoing commitment to delivering social, economic and environmental benefits in the local communities through the SCAPE Construction framework.

G F Tomlinson is working with multi-disciplinary construction practice Arc Partnership, a joint venture between Nottinghamshire County Council and SCAPE, to deliver the programme which is being launched this month, and they are inviting applications from not-for-profit/charitable organisations in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Staffordshire that would like construction-based advice and support for a community project.

Following the application process, four selected charitable organisations will be invited to attend an informal, virtual, ‘Dragons Den’-style event, to discuss their projects in more detail with a panel of industry experts to gain advice and guidance.

The panel – which will include representatives from G F Tomlinson, Arc Partnership and other professionals from the construction industry – will select a project they can deliver using skills within the team and will forge a long-term partnership with the chosen organisation, providing an ongoing legacy of support.

The successful not-for-profit organisation will have access to continual support and advice - including time, resources, expertise and materials, as part of the partnership programme.

Applications are now open and can be made by contacting t.swift@gftomlinson.co.uk for an application form.

Interested organisations are being asked to complete a straightforward application form, including as much information as possible explaining how the organisation and project would benefit from the partnership and leave a positive, lasting legacy for the local community.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday 15 March and the four organisations selected to meet the panel at the ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event, will be notified by Monday 22 March. The virtual meet will then take place on Wednesday 31 March.

G F Tomlinson has a strong focus on social value and its policy and processes focus on four key investment areas; employment, training and skills; sustainable procurement; environmental protection and enhancement, and community support.

In the last three years, G F Tomlinson has supported local communities, generating £22.5million worth of social value through the Regional Construction framework across the Midlands region, and earlier this year, the contractor was recognised as a leader in corporate social responsibility (CSR), achieving a Gold standard CSR Accreditation.

Chris Flint, director at G F Tomlinson, said: “Supporting local communities is embedded in everything we do and our work and processes always focus on delivering economic, social and environmental benefits, leaving positive legacies relevant to the communities we’re working in.

“The Local Communities Partnership Programme will provide not-for-profit organisations in the areas we operate in through SCAPE Construction, with an opportunity for expert advice to help continue valuable work - and for our chosen partnership organisation, ongoing support will be received through the investment of time and resources to help deliver their vision, to enrich the lives of local people in the Midlands.

“We are looking forward to building a long-term partnership that will bring great benefits to the community and it will be inspiring to see the commitment and plans of these organisations for the future of communities in the region.”

Daniel Maher, managing director, Arc Partnership said: “We are delighted to be involved in this fantastic initiative. G F Tomlinson’s commitment to support a not-for-profit/charitable organisation in such an innovative way, whilst ensuring there is a genuine legacy, is to be commended.

“These organisations have struggled during the pandemic and I’m proud that G F Tomlinson will not only help them to realise a project aspiration but that they’ll also create a long-term partnership.

Perfect Circle, a property, construction and infrastructure consultancy working to create built environments across the public sector and communities in the UK, is also going to be involved in the programme, providing support with the Dragon’s Den-style event and future project.