Insights Increase your social value with our simple approach.
At the heart of our social value approach is our desire to bring enduring change to communities—which starts with understanding them and the kind of support they need.
Meet Keith Dunham, based in our Warrington office at AtkinsRéalis. Like many of our employees, he has a few different roles. He's Regional Lead in our Local Transport Market team, Framework Director for Lancashire County Council and Project Director on several projects. He also leads major bids and supports initiatives that improve how we win and deliver work.
"I focus on problem-solving, improving our profit margins and driving growth across our practices, deciding what to bid for and how to win. I love that every day is different, and I never know what will crop up."
Keith is also an enthusiastic supporter of Let's Grow Preston, an environmental charity helping to improve green spaces while supporting local people's mental and physical health.
Keith, you've been supporting Let's Grow Preston. Please tell us more about it?
Let's Grow Preston promotes physical and mental well-being by creating and improving green spaces. We've been supporting Grange Community Gardens, which provides horticulture opportunities for local people with mental health issues, enabling them to be active and contribute to the community.
The Grange site is huge, and there is always lots to do. They grow fruit and vegetables and distribute them to those in need. During the pandemic, with Fareshare and Preston City Council, Let's Grow Preston supported around 1,440 families per week and delivered 47,520 food parcels providing over 550,000 meals. It really makes a huge difference to so many in the community.
How did you get involved with Let's Grow Preston?
We were looking for opportunities to do some social value activities in the Lancashire area. So we contacted Grange Community Gardens and arranged to spend a day there — it was that easy.
As well as getting to know them and their needs on our first visit, we also got stuck in fixing some planter beds and cleared some of the site. Follow-up days were postponed due to Covid. But, last August, over 20 people from our Manchester and Warrington offices, together with supply chain partners, supported us with various tasks, including landscaping, clearing, weeding, fertilizing and planting. We've recently spent time pressing apples for apple juice and stripping willow for a weaving course they run at the site.
So, how can I increase ‘my’ social value?
Go for it! It's a great way to give back to local communities, and there are many opportunities. Getting out of the office for a day is a great way to reconnect with nature, spend time with colleagues informally and contribute to the community outside our project work. Spending time somewhere like Grange reminds us that many people are less fortunate than ourselves, and we can all give a little time to help. AtkinsRéalis gives us two days a year we can use for volunteering, so it's a perfect way to give back.
"If you want to develop your career, take opportunities to put your hand up and get involved with new things."
What do you like best about your job?
The day-to-day variety and range of opportunities: I've worked on many different projects, from small local road improvements to mega projects like Etihad Rail in the UAE. I've lived in five countries and worked with some fantastic people. There's something for everyone in our industry.
Who has inspired you and why?
I've been really fortunate to work with some amazing people at AtkinsRéalis who have inspired me differently over the past 20 years.
Mark Forrest's breadth of technical knowledge was incredible, and he taught me how to fast-track major projects in the Middle East. Terry Bradbury was our Network Chair for Project Management and taught me how to manage project finances. Ross McKenzie, Lizi Stewart and Paul Shepherd-Smith brought huge amounts of positive energy, becoming senior leaders at a relatively young age.
I've been privileged to spend some time with some industry leaders, like Keith Clarke, former Group CEO, and Sir John Armitt, chair of UK's National Infrastructure Commission. Both are visionary leaders who can influence at the highest level. I'm also regularly inspired by our Early Careers staff, who are super-bright and keen to learn.
Read more about how our employees are shaping a better future for the planet and its people.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
Transitioning from a military career to civilian life can be a daunting prospect, but at AtkinsRéalis, veterans and reservists are met with tailored support and opportunities to thrive. Stuart
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
What is the role of mechanical engineers? Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in the development of machinery and components across a wide range of industries, such as manufacturing and industri
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/20/2024
Summary
The journey to achieving net zero emissions requires innovative thinkers, technical expertise, and a commitment to sustainable solutions. At AtkinsRéalis, talented engineers like Shayakgomo are
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be constructed in the UK since the 1990s, marking a pivotal moment for energy and sustainability. As the largest infrastructure pro
Preview
EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
12/19/2024
Summary
AtkinsRéalis is proud to play a pivotal role in the Havant Thicket Reservoir, an innovative and environmentally focused project in Hampshire. Commissioned to design the reservoir and secure pl
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/18/2024
Summary
Discover how to grow your career by building on your skills and interests at AtkinsRéalis. "Over the past decade, I've worked across various innovation and transformation roles, often being boxe
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/16/2024
Summary
The Design and Advanced Technology (D&AT) team is a rich mix of professionals working across aviation, energy, water, defence, and transport—tackling everything from wastewater treatment works
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/12/2024
Summary
An engineering consultancy with career development support in India My journey at AtkinsRéalis Hi, I'm Sarang, a graduate engineer at AtkinsRealis. I've been there for two years, and I've been
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/11/2024
Summary
I'm David, the Operations Director for AtkinsRéalis' Strategic Highways projects in the UK. In Part One of my blog series , I shared my experiences building an inclusive culture at AtkinsRéalis o
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/09/2024
Summary
Explore Kevin’s day-to-day as a bridge and engineering structure inspector at AtkinsRéalis. Learn about his journey, his milestone projects and the importance of collaboration and diversity in ci
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/09/2024
Summary
Canada’s nuclear industry is growing at pace. Its nuclear workforce has grown by 17% in the last five years, opening the doors for a wide variety of roles and opportunities. As the nation looks
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
12/09/2024
Summary
The Indian government is dedicated to expanding its nuclear power capacity as a key component of its extensive infrastructure development program. This expansion and ambition are paving the way for nu
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Transport planning
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to
Reference
R-124909
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Industrial operations
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Facilities Supervisors requested in KAFD Project for MEP Services
Reference
R-124492
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Jeddah
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering, and project management organization. We connect people, data, and technology t
Reference
R-121998
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Architecture
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a bet
Reference
R-124782
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a bet
Reference
R-124781
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Procurement
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to
Reference
R-124779
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Human resources
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
Job titleEmployer Branding & Talent Attraction SpecialistOverviewWe’re AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading Design, Engineering and Project Management organization. Created by the integration of long-standin
Reference
R-124515
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Market
Consulting & advisory
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About the RoleWe are seeking an Manager - Asset Management to lead a critical workstream in establishing the Asset Management Office (AMO) for a major client in Riyadh. This role is vital in driving
Reference
R-124498
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Amman
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Linxon - NewCo
Category
Permanent
Location
Jeddah
Description
Job Title: Head of Legal - AMEALocation: Amman, Jordan/ Saudi ArabiaJoin Linxon!We combine AtkinsRéalis project management expertise and Hitachi Energy’s deep technological knowledge to create a compa
Reference
R-124412
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Health & safety
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for Site HSE ManagerAbout AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nu
Reference
R-124269
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more