Community Engagement

Volunteering and learning events

At ESD, we are all about working for the betterment of our communities. Primarily, of course, this is in our work with Scottish Water, building new fresh and wastewater treatment works as well as maintaining and updating existing assets. This involves us in close liaison with local residents, businesses and customers, informing them, for example, about progress of the works or traffic movements to and from our sites. Public meetings, leaflets drops and direct mail all play a role in keeping local communities up-to-speed.

Bikeability Volunteering

ESD volunteers giving kids the independence and confidence with how to ride a bike safely

Scottish Water Open Day

ESD volunteers helping out at a Scottish Water open day

STEM in construction

The aim of these events is to encourage female students to consider a career in construction

However, we are also committed to working more personally in the community. Every person in ESD is allowed two fully paid days a year to carry out volunteering or community activity. With the number of staff currently working in ESD, that means we have the potential to give back over two years’ worth of benefit to our communities.

The main areas we focus on are working with young people, the environment and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) but any events that bring benefit to the communities we are working in are considered.

Recent activities carried out include tree planting, local litter picks, working with guide dogs for the blind, beach cleaning, Bikeability training and career evenings where we tell young people about the exciting opportunities offered by a career in construction and the water sector, in particular.

We have an active programme of educational support and regularly visit Primary and Secondary schools to speak about our projects, careers in our industry, STEM, the water cycle, health and safety and the environment. We have a broad skill base in ESD, so there is much of value we can bring to the classroom. Enthusing young people about our industry is key to keeping that skill base secure.

And, finally, it’s amazing how many fundraising activities our colleagues get involved with on an individual basis, be they sponsored runs, 'Movember', charity cake bakes or Christmas jumper wearing! ESD staff are always happy to join in and support these fantastic events raising much needed funds for deserving causes.