MNP in the Community
A responsibility to be socially supportive of our environmentsOur Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Social Value and local community activities are something we are passionate about and goes much deeper than charitable giving.
The ethos of Mason Navarro Pledge’s CSR strategy, led by MD Stuart Pledge, is to have a positive impact on society. We are committed to working with partners and clients to deliver engineering projects that are creative, well-thought out and innovative in the use of sustainable materials. Through shared values, everyone at MNP is proud to play their part in our vision: to leave a positive legacy in every building we touch.
We strive to provide an environment promoting health and wellbeing within MNP and our supply chain. By supporting and empowering everyone to thrive and grow in their careers, develop their knowledge and skills, and build upon their experiences, these can also be used in the wider community. For example, being actively involved in our sponsorship of three rugby teams, inspiring the next generation by being STEM programme ambassadors, and participating in charity fundraising activities linked to clients such as Grosvenor’s Annual Dragon Boat Regatta, which raises money for their charity partner.
Rugby Community
We are passionate about taking an active company-wide approach to Corporate Social Responsibility that connects us to our local community. Although we design buildings all over the UK and abroad, our roots are local within Hitchin where our HQ is based and many of our team live.
We are proud sponsors of Hitchin Rugby Club, North Herts Crusaders and Herts Barbarians. Each club has values that align with ours and we share the same passion to realise the benefits of great teamwork, commitment to training and being fit and ready to take on the next challenge; on the pitch, on-site, in the office or in the boardroom. The clubs, like ourselves, also encourage diversity by providing opportunities across all age ranges from youth to seniors, and male and female teams.
MNP’s involvement has helped the clubs attract a wider base of sponsors through digital marketing support and promotion, allowing the clubs to grow their financial sustainability and offer more to their players, coaches and families. We are proud that our commitment to the clubs have created increased opportunities to participate in rugby for families that previously were excluded through financial means.
By using the support of 720+ children of the local rugby community as a platform to promote maths and engineering, we actively enrol students from local schools on work experience with us. We have successfully recruited apprentices from this base, developing local talent to become engineers and modellers.
MNP was first involved in a sponsorship capacity with The Hedgehogs in 2016 as platinum and tag festival sponsor, and in 2017 we stepped into the role of lead sponsor signing an initial 5 year deal which has since been renewed, taking the sponsorship deal through to 2027. With our MD Stuart Pledge having played from the age of 7 and now coaching at the club, and a company filled with rugby supporters, coaches and parents, it was a natural decision to support such a great family and community club.
We started our sponsorship with The Crusaders in 2019. The club is much more than just your local rugby league side; they are sporting advocates for looking after not only your physical fitness but mental wellbeing too. The club are heavily involved in the local community and supporting its needs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with making sure their online messaging is supportive and open to its players and fans. Inspiring the next generation of league stars, in 2024 the Rugby Academy (16-18) and Primary (6-11) programmes were set up to develop their talented young players on and off the pitch. The club has grown as a whole since it was established in 2012, and now run a netball team alongside the rugby sides.
The club was founded by Joe Benucci and James Nye in 2014, with the aim of raising money for great causes, having fun whilst doing this and bringing the local community together. The Baa Baa’s comprise of players from clubs across Hertfordshire and we started our sponsorship with them in 2019.
STEM
Ambassadors sharing knowledge and providing experiences to the next generation of engineers
In partnership with STEMPOINT, STEM Ambassador employees regularly attend schools across Hertfordshire as part of their programme of STEM activities. We help young people to develop the knowledge and attitudes needed for success, building on key skills and attributes such as communication, confidence, problem-solving and teamwork. We are passionate about bringing engineering to life and promoting the career as accessible to all.
We also get involved with initiatives involving the community local to our project sites, discussing the structural and civil engineering design of schemes close to their home, and advising students of engineering career pathways.
Volunteering & Fundraising
Social Value is extremely important at MNP, with a longstanding commitment to social and community involvement
Employees are encouraged to get involved in volunteering activities, whether that be organised by MNP or as part of a project’s social value strategy. Such initiatives are time well-spent away from our desks, working alongside colleagues in other teams and companies, and helping local charities.
We also encourage our employees to support charities close to their hearts, and are happy to support them with their fundraising. Previous events including running marathons, climbing mountains and participating in boxing matches to raise money for important causes.
We strongly believe that a child’s potential to learn should have no limits and are committed to supporting disadvantaged communities by providing laptops to schools. This began during the Covid-19 pandemic, when many pupils did not have a home computer. Donating laptops enabled students to access online learning platforms, ensuring that their learning experience was as rewarding as their peers.
