Social Value in Rail Wales & Western
Introduction to Octavius Octavius is a transport infrastructure specialist operating within the Wales & Western (W&W) Framework, delivering renewals and enhancements in collaboration with Network Rail. The company is committed to embedding community benefit and long-term legacy throughout its projects. These themes form the foundation of how the company delivers meaningful impact. They are embedded into The Octavius Way, the organisation’s way of working. Which ensures every project contributes not only to successful infrastructure delivery but also to leaving a lasting legacy for people, places, and communities. Leadership commitment plays a central role in driving this journey. The Sustainability & People Director, Cat Cliffe, sits on the board, ensuring that social value delivery is reviewed at board level and remains aligned with the company’s business plan and sustainable legacy ambitions. Octavius also uses the Thrive platform to capture and track the impact of its activities, enabling transparent measurement of benefits for communities, employees, and the wider economy.
Social Value Requirements The W&W Framework requires all contractors to deliver social value in alignment with Network Rail’s objectives, with a focus on skills development, local employment, sustainability, and community engagement. Octavius plan to address these priorities through: • Workforce development via apprenticeships, Earn & Learn positions, and career pathway support. • Local economic growth through engagement with SMEs and VCSEs. • Educational outreach including STEM activities, school engagement, and rail safety awareness. • Community initiatives such as volunteering, donations, and local partnerships. To strengthen this approach, Octavius contributes to the W&W Social Value Working Group. A collaboration of contractors across the framework which provides insight, shares best practice, and promotes joint initiatives to maximise positive outcomes for communities.
These principles align closely with Network Rail’s Social Value Framework and are monitored through Rail Social Value Tool (RSVT) metrics.
The Wales & Western Framework Within the Network Rail Wales & Western Framework, Octavius delivers a wide range of transport infrastructure projects, with a focus on renewals and enhancements. Alongside engineering excellence, the company is committed to generating measurable benefits for the communities it serves. Social value is embedded across all aspects of delivery, from structured programmes to community initiatives that directly engage local residents.
Octavius’ approach to social value is built around four key themes: • Delivering Sustainable Economic Growth • Building Futures Through Work, Learning & Wellbeing • Environmental Stewardship • Vibrant & Resilient Communities