Meet the team… Becks Sutherland

We are who we are because of our fantastic roster of passionate professionals who enable us to deliver cutting-edge work for our clients. In our “Meet the Team” series, we’re pulling back the curtain and introducing you to some of the people who make the magic happen.

This month, we’re speaking to Social Value Coordinator, Becks Sutherland.

What do you do at Mansell?

I’m the Social Value Coordinator. My role is to work with charities, look for volunteering opportunities and find ways to support the communities we touch across Greater Manchester.

A big part of our social value mission at Mansell is creating valuable job opportunities for local people. To that end, I engage with young people who aren’t in employment or education (NEET) and help them find opportunities with us for training and work.

I’m also exploring partnerships with prisons, like HMP Hindley and HMP Thorn Cross, to support ex-prisoners taking construction-related courses.

How did you start working in social value?

Having studied drama at university, I had originally planned to become a drama teacher.

After spending some time working in high schools in a deprived area of Wigan, I quickly saw how transformative proper support could be for young people. That’s something that has stayed with me and helps me in my role at Mansell.

After a shift in focus, I spent seven years working for the fire service, delivering fire safety advice and creating community-specific programmes. I also worked with the Prince’s Trust, running 12-week programmes for young people to prepare them for employment or education. It was during this time that I encountered a social value coordinator in construction who inspired me to take on a new challenge.

When I saw the opportunity with Mansell, I knew it was the perfect fit.

What motivates you in your job?

I’m deeply passionate about helping and supporting people. Everyone deserves a chance, regardless of the circumstances they’re born into. I was fortunate to grow up in a stable environment, but many others aren’t as lucky. There’s so much we can do beyond employment—like volunteering and improving communities.

For me, it’s about being there, providing support, and making a tangible difference.

What have you got planned for social value activities at Mansell?

I’d like to focus on more team volunteering activities. Mansell’s workforce is quite spread out, so creating opportunities for us to come together not only helps the community but also strengthens team bonds.

I’m also exploring ways we can better support our staff, understanding their needs and building engagement within the team. On the community side, I plan to expand our work placement and site visit programmes, offering more opportunities for schools and colleges to engage with the world of construction.

Tell us a bit about what your hobbies are outside of work.

I’m really into fitness—I love going to the gym and running as it helps me clear my head. I’m also a huge theatre enthusiast, especially when it comes to Shakespeare. My favourite plays are Much Ado About Nothing and Macbeth. I think if you’re looking to get into some of his classics, the modern adaptations are a great place to start as they bring a fresh perspective.

Red or blue?

I’m not an avid football fan but my family are big Manchester United fans, so I guess you could say I’m a red by association!