What does social value really mean in infrastructure, and how can projects create lasting benefits for the communities they serve?

In this episode of Beyond Brunel, hosts Claire Gibson and Katy Toms are joined by Danielle Haskins, Head of Sustainability and Social Value at MCS, and Sophie Shuttleworth, Principal Social Impact Consultant at Mott MacDonald, to explore how social value is being embedded into infrastructure projects across the South West.

The discussion covers community engagement, local employment and skills development, the Social Value Act, measuring impact through frameworks such as National TOMs, and the challenge of moving social value beyond a tick-box exercise. The guests also share practical examples of collaboration, volunteering, environmental initiatives, and how organisations can create meaningful, long-term social impact alongside project delivery.

This episode offers valuable insights into how projects can leave a positive legacy long after construction is completed.

From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Services in the South West.

Extreme weather is putting the South West’s transport and energy networks under growing strain. In this episode of Beyond Brunel, Claire Gibson and Katy Toms explore how nature-based solutions can strengthen resilience while improving landscapes and biodiversity.

They’re joined by Dave Slater, South West Regional Director at Natural England, and Tim Youngs, Project Director for Connecting the Culm and Manager of the Blackdown Hills National Landscape Partnership, who offer a practical view of how working with natural processes can protect communities, assets and ecosystems across the South West. The conversation covers funding challenges, farmer engagement, planning barriers, and why nature-first approaches need to become mainstream in infrastructure planning.

From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Plymouth

In this episode of Beyond Brunel, we delve into the resurgence of New Towns in the South West and their potential to address the region's housing needs. Joined by Stuart Wingfield, City Centre Programme Director at Plymouth City Council, and Andy Wood, Director of Place at East Devon District Council, we explore the concept of New Towns and how they differ from traditional housing developments.

The podcast highlights the lessons learned from existing New Towns in the region, and touches on the importance of integrating nature and biodiversity into these developments to enhance residents' well-being. There are insights into the opportunities that New Towns present for the South West as well as the challenges.

From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Services in the South West.

In this episode of Beyond Brunel, Claire Gibson and Katy Toms explore the evolving landscape of defence infrastructure in the South West with Natalie Parnell from Babcock International Group and Alexis Field from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, particularly in light of modern security needs and technological advancements.

Key topics include the importance of adapting our defence estates to ensure readiness and resilience in a rapidly changing world, the challenges of modernising aging infrastructure while maintaining operational capabilities, and the need for integrated planning and innovative construction methods.

From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Services in the South West.

Beyond Brunel returns for Series 4 with new co-presenters, Claire Gibson and Katy Toms. In Episode 1, they welcome Pippa Gibbs Joubert, Associate Director at Copper Consultancy, to share her insights on the crucial role of public attitudes in shaping regional infrastructure, particularly in the context of the South West.

This podcast explores the importance of public consensus in infrastructure projects, especially during challenging times such as the cost of living crisis, climate change, and biodiversity loss. Pippa highlights generational differences in engagement and why this requires a shift in how we communicate and engage with the public.

From the South West Infrastructure Partnership, supported by ICE South West.

Produced by Fresh Air Studios, Podcast Services in the South West.