Partnering for impact: supporting Wellcome’s vision at the Genome Campus
By Leanne Walton, Social Value Manager, Wates Construction South
At Wates Group, we’re proud to work alongside organisations that are redefining what development can achieve.
Our partnership with Wellcome Trust on the Wellcome Genome Campus Development is a powerful example of this in action.
Wellcome Trust is one of the world’s leading charitable foundations, supporting science to solve some of the most urgent health challenges. Their work spans research, innovation, and collaboration on a global scale – and that same forward-thinking mindset is clearly reflected in their approach to development at the Genome Campus.
Recently, Wellcome Trust was recognised with the CITB National Skills Academy for Construction (NSAfC) Award – an achievement that highlights their commitment not only to excellence in delivery, but to creating real opportunities through skills and employment.
A forward-thinking approach to development
From the outset, Wellcome Trust has set a clear vision – one that goes beyond delivering a world-class life sciences campus. Their focus on embedding social value, investing in people, and creating meaningful opportunities for local communities has been both ambitious and inspiring.
As partners, it’s incredibly motivating to work with a client that is so intentional about legacy. The Genome Campus is not just about advancing science and discovery – it’s about ensuring that local people benefit from that progress through jobs, training, and long-term career pathways.
Working alongside partners including CITB, Constructed Pathways, and regional stakeholders, we are helping to translate that vision into tangible outcomes.
Together, we are:
- Creating sustainable employment opportunities
- Delivering high-quality training and apprenticeships
- Opening up clear and accessible pathways into construction careers
These outcomes are a direct reflection of Wellcome’s leadership and commitment to making a lasting difference.
The power of partnership
This project is strengthened by a collaborative network of partners, including SDC Builders Ltd, Winvic Construction Ltd, Constructed Pathways, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, Department for Work and Pensions, and local education providers such as Cambridge Regional College.
This joined-up approach ensures that the opportunities created are inclusive, impactful, and aligned with local needs.
Looking ahead
As Social Value Manager at Wates, I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve together. Working with a forward-thinking organisation like Wellcome Trust creates the conditions for real, lasting change – where social value is embedded from the very beginning.
The NSAfC award is a well-deserved recognition of that approach, and we’re proud to support Wellcome in delivering a development that will benefit communities for generations to come.
