As organisations across the UK place greater emphasis on delivering positive social impact, we believe recruitment has a vital role to play. From creating employment opportunities and supporting local economies to promoting diversity, wellbeing, and sustainable practices, every placement has the potential to make a difference.
As “Talk to Us” Month begins, we sat down with our Head of Social Values (Construction), Brooke Sharp, to discuss why social value is about so much more than meeting tender requirements.
🗣️ “Talk to Us” Month places a spotlight on mental health in the workplace. From a Social Values perspective, why is this campaign particularly critical for the construction and civils sectors right now?
“It’s critical because the statistics we see on-site aren’t just numbers – they represent real people, families, and colleagues. In construction, physical safety is heavily policed, but psychological safety has historically been left in the shadows. For Net Temps, Social Value isn’t a corporate buzzword or a box-ticking exercise to win tenders. It’s about taking tangible responsibility for the human beings we deploy. This month is a vital reminder that an emotionally supported workforce is a safer, more resilient, and more productive workforce.”
🔐 Many recruitment agencies simply focus on filling vacancies. How does your role as Head of Social Values change the way Net Temps operates alongside clients?
“Standard recruitment is transactional—matching a CV to a timesheet. We completely reject that model. Our focus is on consultative collaboration. We sit down with our tier-1 clients and supply chain partners at the procurement stage to truly understand their S106 commitments, social targets, and site cultures. We then build custom recruitment frameworks that actively protect worker wellbeing, embed diversity, and support local employment. We don’t just drop workers onto a site and walk away; we actively partner with clients to engineer a supportive ecosystem.”
🎯 Can you share an example of a recent project where this collaborative approach delivered powerful results?
A great example is our long-standing relationship with Bowmer + Kirkland, working collaboratively to ensure the business supports local labour and people from disadvantaged groups, including ex-offenders.
Recently, they have been committed to delivering a large build-to-rent scheme in Leeds. As part of this project, 37 new vacancies have been created:
3 ex-offenders hired
1 candidate from Forging Futures (NEETs)
4 candidates upskilled in hoist operation and traffic marshalling
89% of the new vacancies were previously unemployed
54% of the new vacancies are from an LS postcode
Mohammed Adnan, who is currently working for Bowmer + Kirkland through Net Temps, shared his experience:
“I originally met with Mia and Brooke as I was preparing to be released from HMP Wealstun. They came up to interview a group of inmates to support us in getting back into work and settling into the community. The interview process was straightforward, and I was excited to get back into a routine. Mia called me about three weeks after I was released to start a General Labouring position at the Kirkstall Road site. She spoke with my probation officer and assisted me in getting on-site. I have settled into my new role and have been supported by both Net Temps and B+K throughout my time here. I appreciate the support from Mia, Brooke, and the team for giving me this opportunity.”
🌳 Net Temps recently took on the Kinder Scout Charity Hike for the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity. Why is it so important for the internal team to get out for these causes?
“You cannot understand or support a community from behind a desk. Taking the Net Temps team up Kinder Scout was about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our workforce and physically contributing to the safety nets that protect them. Raising funds for the Lighthouse Charity means we are actively funding 24/7 confidential support lines, emergency financial aid, and mental health training. It shows our clients and our candidates that we practice exactly what we preach.”
🚧 Finally, for tier-1 contractors looking ahead at their upcoming project pipelines, what is your main message to them this July?
“Don’t compromise on your supply chain values. If your recruitment agency isn’t actively protecting your workforce or helping you hit your employment skills plans, they are costing you value. When you partner with Net Temps, you are collaborating with a certified Social Enterprise UK Supporter. We want to work with companies that prioritise social values. Let’s work together to build safer, healthier sites that deliver powerful project outcomes. Get in touch with us, and let’s build a meaningful social strategy for your next development.”
At Net Temps, we believe creating safer workplaces means looking beyond PPE and site compliance. By fostering environments where people feel supported, valued, and confident to speak up, we build stronger teams and deliver better outcomes for our clients, candidates, and communities.
To discuss social values in your recruitment campaigns, contact us on 0115 9400 968.
