We chatted to Will Payne about his relationship with Ablaze and how it resonates with his job as Assistant Social Value Manager at Willmott Dixon.
In November 2023, I joined Willmott Dixon, stepping into the role of Assistant Social Value Manager. At the time, I had limited knowledge of Social Value as a concept or what the day-to-day responsibilities of the role entailed. I can safely say, I have learnt a lot since joining and I am enjoying the role each day as I can see the positive impact being made.
I reached out to Ablaze because of the significant impact they are making through their work, particularly in supporting young people. I wanted to contribute by providing opportunities for those they work with.
Collaborating with Ablaze has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s inspiring to see the tangible, positive outcomes of their work.
As part of Ablaze’s Employment and Skills programme, Kenzie, who had an interest in construction, signed up to participate. We were able to offer him a two-week work placement,during which he developed new skills and connected with professionals from various businesses, all of whom were eager to support him. The feedback from the companies involved was overwhelmingly positive.
We are now actively seeking a suitable role for Kenzie. His next step is to obtain his CSCS card and secure an electrical company that can support him through an apprenticeship.
One thing I’ve always been passionate about is providing opportunities and support for people; whether that means mentoring young people, helping those who face barriers to success, or simply offering guidance based on my own experiences. It was great to be able to put that into practice through our partnership with Ablaze.
When I looked into working for Willmott Dixon, I was struck by their commitment to going above and beyond. The Now or Never strategy sums up how ambitious we are as a company. The dedication to Social Value, sustainability and the environment isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a core part of the company. Willmott Dixon raises the bar not just internally but also for the industry as a whole, setting a standard that other companies can aspire to.
In my short time at Willmott Dixon, I have witnessed first-hand the passion that every team member brings to their role, regardless of their position. The projects we deliver aren’t just about physical buildings but ensuring we leave a lasting legacy behind for each community we work in. Ablaze’s mission to tackle inequality of opportunity for young people in the West of England deeply resonates with me. Although I have now moved on from the charity sector, where I started my career, my passion for supporting young people remains just as strong.
