21st Century Schools Team win UK National GO Award

Our 21st Century Schools team has triumphed in the Social Value category at the UK National GO Awards

21 September, 2021

Open to public, private and third sector organisations, the GO awards  recognise excellence in public procurement.

Finalists were shortlisted from winners in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. 

The 21st Century Schools team, along with contractors AECOM, ISG Construction, Morgan Sindall Construction & Bouygues UK Construction first won the Wales GO Award for Best Procurement Delivery in May. 

There was stiff competition in the Social Value category at the UK National awards, with Perth & Kinross Council and Education Authority Northern Ireland & Woodvale Construction Company Ltd being highly commended. 

The team clinched the prize for the collaborative way in which community benefits have been delivered as part of the 21st Century Schools programme.

School buildings are being constructed in such a way that they will provide wider social, economic and environmental benefits across the County.For example, contractors have sought to award sub-contracted jobs to local companies and have provided numerous apprenticeship opportunities to people who live in the Vale of Glamorgan. 

The 21st Century Schools team programme manage the comprehensive upgrade of educational infrastructure across the County, which is delivered in partnership with Welsh Government. 

Paula Ham, Director of Learning and Skills, said: "I’m so pleased that our 21st Century Schools programme, and the team behind it have been recognised at a national level. 

“This ambitious programme of work has delivered fantastic results so far, which means children across the Vale are enjoying modern, first-class educational provision, and the innovative way in which these facilities have been delivered means surrounding communities have also benefited. 

“Congratulations to Kelly, Matt, Chloe and the Community Benefits Steering Group on your well-deserved recognition.” 

More information about the community benefits being delivered by the Council’s 21st Century Schools team can be found on our website.