In 2019, Willmott Dixon’s Social Value team worked closely with Liverpool County Council and Inside Connections to understand specific pressure points that were affecting the local community. As a result, they offered a number of ex-offenders who lacked formal qualifications the opportunity to participate in the Building Lives Academy as part of their £30 million Kings Dock MSCP project. The Academy was specifically designed to support ex-offenders and those released on temporary license from HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington and help them acquire the practical skills needed to begin a career within the construction sector.

Inside Connections played a key role in identifying the individuals who would benefit the most from the Academy and the pastoral care and support offered alongside their training. “

Working with the full Kings Dock MSCP project team as well as WD’s supply chain partners, these twelve individuals received pertinent training, achieved the needed qualifications and gained the work experience that led them to ten individuals securing sustained employment.