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.
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.
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.
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
Results
so far
A spotlight initiative is the Children’s Book Donation Initiative, started in Swindon. What began as a small collection has grown into a valued community project, now supporting both The Green Meadow School and William Morris School.
106 books were donated in the first month, with an approximate value of £561. The total donation value now stands at £630, with collection boxes remaining to encourage ongoing contributions.
This initiative aligns with Octavius’ and Network Rail’s shared priorities by:
• Improving educational access through enhanced literacy and learning resources.
• Promoting sustainability by reusing books and reducing waste.
• Strengthening community partnerships through direct engagement with local schools.
This initiative and other activities contribute to measurable social value outputs via RSVT metrics:
• Donations: In-kind contributions to educational partners.
• Volunteering: Collection, coordination, and promotion.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Active collaboration with schools.
• Environmental Stewardship: Promoting reuse of resources.
• Building Futures: Enhancing literacy and learning opportunities.
• Vibrant Communities: Creating meaningful links and positive legacy.
From April 2024 – July 2025, the Octavius Wales & Western team have delivered £4.1 million in social value.
Key initiatives and wins include:
• £3.4 million generated through sustainable economic growth, supporting jobs, strengthening local supply chains, and creating opportunities that respond directly to local community needs.
• £157k invested in learning and wellbeing activities, developed in collaboration with local organisations to enhance skills, promote personal development, and improve community wellbeing.
• Continued engagement in apprenticeships, workforce diversity initiatives, and programmes designed to support local communities with a lasting positive impact.
• Promotion of environmental sustainability through responsible project delivery.
People Spotlight
Sarah O’Mahoney, Social Value Lead, Wales & Western Framework
Sarah is the Octavius representative for community & stakeholder engagement and RSVT reporting.
Sarah leads social value delivery, working closely with Network Rail, supply chain partners, local organisations, and the W&W Social Value Working Group to bring The Octavius Way to life. For
