For more than three years, we have been working with CityFibre to shape, strengthen and deliver a social value approach that reflects the scale of their ambition and the needs of the places they work in. What began as support to define their initial social value offering has grown into a long-term partnership, helping the business embed commitments across people, society and the planet they share.
This has meant more than setting direction. Together, we have worked to turn commitments into action, changing policies and practices, building new partnerships and ensuring teams across ESG, HR, Supply, and Build can deliver with confidence. The CityFibre Impact Report 2025 is the culmination of that work to date, a chance to share the progress made and highlight the brilliant work happening across the organisation.
A key milestone has been the development of a Skills Pathway offering opportunities from early curiosity through to skilled employment. Bean has supported CityFibre to map where the business could meaningfully contribute, align partners, and plan activity in a way that builds confidence and aspiration – not just awareness. Today, teachers are using bespoke resources to bring science to life, students are gaining insight into digital careers through virtual experiences, and apprentices are progressing with clearer structures for development through CityFibre and its Build Partners.
Bean has also worked with CityFibre to grow the capability of its workplace and supply chain. Through the Digital Academy and The Hub, local teams and Build Partners are receiving practical support on inclusion, sustainability and skills development. Engagement with community organisations is helping ensure that digital confidence and access grow alongside the physical network, so no one is left behind as infrastructure expands.
The next chapter is about depth as well as reach, making sure social value is consistently delivered, understood and evidenced across every region. Bean will continue working with CityFibre to evolve the Skills Pathway, review impact, and ensure the Community Fund remains shaped by local priorities. This is a long-term partnership built on learning, and it continues to grow as the network does.
This is supported by the CityFibre Community Fund, which we helped design and launch. With more than £2 million committed, it invests directly in organisations working to bridge the digital divide. So far, 39 grants have been awarded across the Project Gigabit regions, supporting projects that strengthen skills and resilience. The Fund is expected to reach around 14,000 people and will continue into 2026 with both small and large grants across the BDUK regions.
The Impact Report shows what can be achieved when social value is not an add-on but a core part of how decisions are made. It highlights the progress of a team committed to doing right by their people, their communities and the planet.
And this is only the start.
