G4C Above and Beyond Award Winner – Alex Brown

Background:

Sponsored by AtkinsRealis

Alex, an Assistant Social Value Manager, entered the industry in 2023 at the age of 29 with a clear determination to make a meaningful impact. Her work consistently reflects her dedication to positive outcomes, with tangible influence on colleagues, customers, and the wider community.

In her role, Alex works closely with project teams and clients across Wales to deliver meaningful social value. She tracks and monitors opportunities for training and apprenticeships, evidencing and reporting outcomes, and ensures vacancies prioritise individuals currently unemployed or not in training. She supports inclusive recruitment practices and develops plans through the Sir Peter Willmott Foundation to generate measurable community impact.

Alex draws on her qualified teacher status to deliver high-impact engagement in education settings, aligning activities with the new Welsh curriculum. Notable recent initiatives include on-site workshops at Blessed Carlo Acutis School and sensitive engagement at live ALN sites, where she consults with teachers and support staff to ensure meaningful, safe, and accessible learning experiences.

In December 2024, Alex was nominated by her peers for Willmott Dixon’s ‘Above and Beyond’ award, recognising her outstanding contributions to the St. Andrew’s project. Her peers value her trustworthiness, integrity, and proactive approach to driving outcomes.

Background:

Sponsored by AtkinsRealis

Alex, an Assistant Social Value Manager, entered the industry in 2023 at the age of 29 with a clear determination to make a meaningful impact. Her work consistently reflects her dedication to positive outcomes, with tangible influence on colleagues, customers, and the wider community.

In her role, Alex works closely with project teams and clients across Wales to deliver meaningful social value. She tracks and monitors opportunities for training and apprenticeships, evidencing and reporting outcomes, and ensures vacancies prioritise individuals currently unemployed or not in training. She supports inclusive recruitment practices and develops plans through the Sir Peter Willmott Foundation to generate measurable community impact.

Alex draws on her qualified teacher status to deliver high-impact engagement in education settings, aligning activities with the new Welsh curriculum. Notable recent initiatives include on-site workshops at Blessed Carlo Acutis School and sensitive engagement at live ALN sites, where she consults with teachers and support staff to ensure meaningful, safe, and accessible learning experiences.

In December 2024, Alex was nominated by her peers for Willmott Dixon’s ‘Above and Beyond’ award, recognising her outstanding contributions to the St. Andrew’s project. Her peers value her trustworthiness, integrity, and proactive approach to driving outcomes.

Actions:

Alex has demonstrated exceptional initiative and empathy in her work, particularly in education and community-focused projects.

Trinity Fields School – Inclusive Workshops

  • Alex co-designed sessions such as “Muck, Mess and Mixture” and “Big Build” for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

  • She incorporated ALN adaptations and varied communication approaches, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.

  • Her delivery style was consultative, inclusive, and customer-focused, ensuring high-quality engagement for staff and students alike.

Tyler’s Story – Mentoring and Employment Support

  • Alex provided mentorship and practical support to Tyler, a young offender returning to Newport from a secure children’s home.

  • She worked collaboratively with the Youth Justice Service to arrange meetings, secure a supported labourer placement at St. Andrew’s School, and guide Tyler through CSCS card training.

  • She facilitated Tyler’s work placement with Falcon Brickwork, securing CITB funding and ensuring logistical support for travel and tools.

  • Recognising the risk of lost momentum due to project vacancies, Alex proactively liaised with recruitment partners, identified a role at Basement Waterproofing Services, and championed Tyler, leading to his successful employment.

Community Engagement and Professional Development

  • Alex undertook a Welsh language course and AIEMA qualification to enhance her community delivery offer.

  • She led live workshops at Blessed Carlo Acutis School and ensured ALN resources were safe, meaningful, and aligned with the curriculum.

  • Across her projects, Alex consistently prioritises inclusivity, engagement, and measurable social impact.

Actions:

Alex has demonstrated exceptional initiative and empathy in her work, particularly in education and community-focused projects.

Trinity Fields School – Inclusive Workshops

  • Alex co-designed sessions such as “Muck, Mess and Mixture” and “Big Build” for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN).

  • She incorporated ALN adaptations and varied communication approaches, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.

  • Her delivery style was consultative, inclusive, and customer-focused, ensuring high-quality engagement for staff and students alike.

Tyler’s Story – Mentoring and Employment Support

  • Alex provided mentorship and practical support to Tyler, a young offender returning to Newport from a secure children’s home.

  • She worked collaboratively with the Youth Justice Service to arrange meetings, secure a supported labourer placement at St. Andrew’s School, and guide Tyler through CSCS card training.

  • She facilitated Tyler’s work placement with Falcon Brickwork, securing CITB funding and ensuring logistical support for travel and tools.

  • Recognising the risk of lost momentum due to project vacancies, Alex proactively liaised with recruitment partners, identified a role at Basement Waterproofing Services, and championed Tyler, leading to his successful employment.

Community Engagement and Professional Development

  • Alex undertook a Welsh language course and AIEMA qualification to enhance her community delivery offer.

  • She led live workshops at Blessed Carlo Acutis School and ensured ALN resources were safe, meaningful, and aligned with the curriculum.

  • Across her projects, Alex consistently prioritises inclusivity, engagement, and measurable social impact.

Outcomes:

Alex’s proactive approach and dedication have produced tangible results:

  • Students at Trinity Fields School and Blessed Carlo Acutis School engaged in inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities.

  • Tyler, supported throughout his transition, successfully secured sustainable employment in construction and continues to receive mentorship.

  • Social value and apprenticeship opportunities have been maximised across projects in Wales, with measurable community outcomes reported via the Sir Peter Willmott Foundation.

  • Alex’s contributions earned recognition from colleagues and peers, culminating in a nomination for Willmott Dixon’s ‘Above and Beyond’ award in December 2024.

  • Her initiatives fostered trust, collaboration, and empowerment within teams, clients, and community stakeholders.

Outcomes:

Alex’s proactive approach and dedication have produced tangible results:

  • Students at Trinity Fields School and Blessed Carlo Acutis School engaged in inclusive, hands-on learning opportunities.

  • Tyler, supported throughout his transition, successfully secured sustainable employment in construction and continues to receive mentorship.

  • Social value and apprenticeship opportunities have been maximised across projects in Wales, with measurable community outcomes reported via the Sir Peter Willmott Foundation.

  • Alex’s contributions earned recognition from colleagues and peers, culminating in a nomination for Willmott Dixon’s ‘Above and Beyond’ award in December 2024.

  • Her initiatives fostered trust, collaboration, and empowerment within teams, clients, and community stakeholders.

Analysis:

Alex exemplifies several key attributes that underline her effectiveness and impact:

  • Outstanding Commitment to Duties, Integrity, and Selflessness – demonstrated through mentoring Tyler into sustainable employment and consistently going beyond normal responsibilities.

  • Voluntary Acts of Service – creating tailored educational resources to support the Curriculum for Wales AOLEs and supporting ALN learning opportunities.

  • Positive Impact on Others / Exemplary Empathy and Compassion – through co-designed workshops, inclusive education engagement, and mentorship for young people facing significant challenges.

  • Proactive, Human-Centred Approach – consistently identifies gaps, seeks solutions, and drives outcomes without waiting for direction.

  • Professionalism and Trustworthiness – earns respect from colleagues and clients by valuing expertise, involving stakeholders, and delivering consistently positive results.

Alex’s case demonstrates how combining professional expertise with empathy, innovation, and proactive engagement can create measurable outcomes that benefit individuals, communities, and organisations alike.