179 community benefits delivered through contracts in Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire Council has ensured 179 community benefits have been delivered across 64 contracts in the past year – supporting local jobs, businesses, and community organisations in Renfrewshire.

The Council’s Community Benefits programme ensures that contractors deliver wider social, economic and environmental outcomes for Renfrewshire’s communities as part of their contract delivery.

These benefits range from new jobs and apprenticeships to donations of time, funding and expertise, and support for local suppliers.

Among the 179 benefits delivered in 2024/25 were:

• 14 new entrant jobs and 8 graduate roles created
• 51 work experience placements and 39 career events
• 19 local supply chain opportunities for Renfrewshire businesses
• 18 funding donations to local charities and community groups
• 11 community engagements involving time, materials and expertise

Sophie, a Gallowhill resident, was recruited by Morrison Construction Ltd as a Communities and Social Impact Trainee as part of the Paisley Grammar School Community Campus project while undertaking a four-year graduate apprenticeship in business management and is now full time with the organization.

Sophie said: “Being a Graduate Apprentice with Morrison Construction has allowed me the chance to study for my degree while gaining invaluable experience, as well as the opportunity to be part of an amazing team who can offer support and guidance with both my job role and my studies.”

Luke, previously unemployed for four years while caring for relatives, secured a full-time role as a Window Cleaning Technician with Caledonian Maintenance Services Ltd. Within two months, he progressed to Team Leader after completing training in CSCS, IPAF and First Aid.

In addition to the creation of jobs, local community groups and charities are supported, such as Robertson-Acom Ltd donation of £5,000 to local charity Lisa’s Gi’e which supports breakfast clubs, winter clothing, school trips and emergency food parcels for Renfrewshire families.

Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Board, said: “I’m delighted to see our community benefits programme delivering such great results as we want to ensure that our investment in Renfrewshire goes as far as possible – be that a young person being given their first job, a local charity receiving vital support, or a small business winning a contract.

“These benefits are real and are making a difference on top of whatever contract is being delivered for the Council so I’m really proud of the work our teams and partners are doing to create opportunities for local people in our communities.”

Community benefits are mandated on all regulated procurements over £50,000 and are delivered in partnership with suppliers, sub-contractors and local organisations.

The Council’s Community Benefits Forum brings together services including Invest in Renfrewshire, Business Gateway and Engage Renfrewshire to ensure benefits are targeted where they are needed most.

The programme aligns with the Council’s wider Community Wealth Building strategy and supports delivery of the Council Plan priorities including tackling inequality, building strong communities and creating a sustainable Renfrewshire.