Social impact
We are united by a shared interest in social good through the power of design.
Our founder, Professor Sir George Grenfell Baines, envisioned designing sustainable, inclusive, and resilient spaces that enrich communities and the environment.
With 60 years of leaving the world better than we found it, this progressive vision for the world is also how we run as a business. We don’t just design for inclusion; we are naturally inclusive. We work closely with local communities, and create a workplace where employee feedback is valued, all to drive real change.
Our social value strategy
Our projects can make a positive impact on communities and people’s wellbeing. Our global social value strategy outlines specific goals to enhance the value of our work and establish clear metrics for us to track and report on as we move forward. These are our key social value commitments.
Building positive community impact
We aim to have a net positive impact on local communities where we operate. We will build relationships with key stakeholders so we can understand their social and economic priorities and focus our efforts on where we can have the biggest impact.
Using resources for social good
We will donate BDP resources to help tackle social issues, so we can help to design a world that’s built for good.
Leading the way in responsible business
We will demonstrate good corporate citizenship by the way we do business responsibly.
Creating a workplace for positive change
We aim to make BDP a great place to work by listening to our employees and encouraging them to share their views on how we can have more of a positive impact.
Diverse teams make for inclusive places
We are dedicated to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Designing a more inclusive environment.
Our EDI employee network, BDP Belonging, brings together voices from across our studios, professions, identities and backgrounds to guide and support BDP’s local and global diversity and inclusion efforts.
We regularly change and update our policies to be more inclusive, to not just be in line with our contemporaries but leading the way. We also offer diverse mentoring schemes, and work with external consultancies to steer our plans for meaningful progress.
We want to nurture a culture that supports growth, encourages diversity, and fosters a true sense of belonging across BDP.
We invest in our people because they make us who we are.
The health, safety, and wellbeing of our employees are a priority. We incorporate health and safety into our daily operations, with Office Managers overseeing studio safety and Studio Leads and Project Directors responsible for project-specific safety measures.
Holistic wellbeing is also one of our priorities. Our Employee Assistance Programme provides 24 hour counselling, support and guidance for all BDP employees in the UK and Ireland. A trained group of Mental Health First Aiders make up BDP Mind, our employee mental health forum. BDP Mind organise events and talks around mental health, connect colleagues to wellbeing resources, and offer impartial advice. This helps us create an open environment where mental health and wellbeing are actively supported both at work and beyond.
In the built environment, it is essential that our design teams reflect the communities they serve.
Diverse perspectives enhance creativity and make sure that our designs meet the needs of all. Engaging and inspiring the next generation from diverse backgrounds is therefore a collective responsibility at BDP.
Since 2012, we have been providing apprenticeships in our UK studios across a variety of professions including architecture, civil and structural engineering, environmental engineering, HR, project management, and town planning.
While our studios may be separated geographically, they are united by a shared interest in social good, with an emphasis on community impact.
By building strong, purpose-driven partnerships with the people we serve, we can ensure that our studios create social value for their local communities that stand the test of time. Through our relationships with charities, organisations, and local schools, we work to reduce barriers to the design industry.
Blueprints of Change: Access and Inspiration in the Built Environment
To support alternative pathways into the industry, we hosted a dynamic panel discussion.
Fostering inclusive allyship: International Women’s Day at BDP
To mark International Women’s Day this year, BDP held a mixed-gender panel event in its Manchester studio.
Designing inclusive places
With inclusion comes a sense of belonging – a connection to others and our surroundings.
Telling inclusive stories through thoughtful visualisations
Holistic, inclusive design starts with initial sketches or drawings.
Apprenticeships: standing the test of time
Apprenticeships are accessible for all and have a real part to play in terms of social mobility.
