Defence Infrastructure Organisation A Holistic Approach to Social Value in the Defence Community

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In partnership with e50K, a female-led military social enterprise, we are making a lasting impact on defence communities through the ‘Move You In Pack’ scheme.

At a glance

  • Move You In packs were initially designed to support the military home transition for armed forces families. The project delivers sustainable welcome boxes to Service families when they first move into their Service Family Accommodation.
  • Products for the Move In boxes are sourced from veteran, spouse-owned and eco-conscious businesses, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable practices.
  • The entire project has created employment and volunteering hours, reducing social isolation and improving wellbeing.
  • Profits made from the initiative are reinvested into Bramblewoods, transforming 3.5 hectares of veteran woodland, into a vibrant, biodiverse environment that offers safe areas for children and a sanctuary for families.
  • Forest schools, allotments, and conservation initiatives established at Bramblewoods, empowering military families through hands-on skills and community-driven projects.

Key metrics

  • £103,624

    of profit reinvested to transform green space

  • 76.7%

    expenditure with organisations championing sustainability

  • 81

    Armed Forces-related partnerships

Launched in 2022, this initiative alleviates the military redeployment process for personnel and their families while promoting community engagement, sustainability, and biodiversity. By supporting and funding community schemes, we enhance the physical environment. This project underscores Amey’s commitment to meaningful client-community outcomes and reinforces our focus on social value, shared growth, and impactful relationships.

We support Service families in preparing for their Move In.

Enhancing service family experience

As part of our Regional Accommodation Maintenance Services (RAMS) contract with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), we support Service families in preparing for their Move In. Aligned with DIO’s goals, this initiative goes beyond meeting immediate relocation needs; it also contributes to the wider wellbeing and community values within the defence community.

Relocating and adjusting to a new environment is a frequent challenge for military families, making a smooth transition vital. To support this, the Move You In Pack project, developed in partnership with e50K, provides 6,000 families each year with organic and sustainable essential items that include cordial, coffee, soap, ‘green’ cleaning products and garden seeds. All these items are sourced from veteran or spouse-led organisations and help Service families settle into their new homes, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported from day one.

e50K, founded by military spouse Elizabeth Newman-Earl, is a social enterprise focused on creating more opportunities for defence communities. The Move You In Pack project aims not only to improve the Move In process for families but also to support local employment, promote sustainability, and generate profits to reinvest in community projects that benefit the military community.

Image of community with boxes
The Move You In Pack project, developed in partnership with e50K, provides 6,000 families each year with organic and sustainable essential items.

An initiative that creates sustainable economic and social benefits for the defence community.

Creating a culture of sustainability and long-term social value

While the Move You In Pack initially aimed to ease relocations, it has become a multi-faceted initiative that creates sustainable economic and social benefits for the defence community.

By sourcing 76.7% of project funds from eco-conscious veteran and spouse-owned businesses, the initiative reinforces our commitment to sustainability. Additionally, it has provided 121 military spouses with meaningful employment and supported 2,253 above living wage paid hours, and over 4,000 volunteer hours. This helps create social connections, reduces isolation, and promotes wellbeing within defence families.

By focusing on long-term benefits and integrating social value into every aspect of the process, the Move You In Pack project offers a unique, industry-leading model that promotes community resilience and supports wellbeing in a meaningful, lasting way.

Helping to transform outdoor spaces for the wellbeing of Service families.

Reinvesting in the environment

The Move You In Pack project extends its positive impact by reinvesting profits into Bramblewoods, a 3.5-acre woodland and is a first of its kind project within the defence estate which is helping to transform outdoor spaces for the wellbeing of Service families at Catterick Garrison. After covering all project costs, remaining profits go to the e50K communities division to fund community-led initiatives enhancing Bramblewoods' physical and social environment. This support extends to military personnel and their families, offering resources like education, employment opportunities, and project development assistance.

Bramblewoods exemplifies our commitment to sustainable, positive impacts on Armed Forces and civilian communities. In partnership with e50K and the MoD, Amey is transforming Bramblewoods into a vibrant intergenerational community space, featuring an onsite poly tunnel, a communal fire pit, a multi-bed allotment space, and a serene wildflower meadow with ponds.

Image of family walking in the woodlands
In partnership with e50K and the MoD, Amey is transforming Bramblewoods into a vibrant intergenerational community space.

Our vision for Bramblewoods is to create a welcoming green space for local schools and organisations to serve Defence families, offering a free-to-access community hub and volunteering opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, gender, disability, or race. The site emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability, aligning with strong environmental protection ethics.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with Amey’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, which focuses on creating sustainable environments, fostering inclusive communities, and upholding strong governance. By enhancing Bramblewoods, we are not only providing a refuge for Armed Forces families but also fostering social engagement and equality among local civilians.

Looking ahead, we are continuing to develop the allotment site with over 100 community planters, an outdoor classroom, and community swapping stations. This development will further support Amey’s ESG objectives by promoting social cohesion, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices. Bramblewoods will continue to serve as a sanctuary for Armed Forces families, offering respite from the structured, regulated military environment and facilitating meaningful interactions with the local community.

We believe that social value is essential to fostering resilient communities.

A partnership for positive change

The outcome of the Move You In Pack initiative has had a positive impact not only for Service families settling into their new homes but also for the local and broader defence communities, and the environment. Through our partnership with e50K, we’ve generated over £103,000 in profits, reinvested into the Bramblewoods project, while creating employment and sustainable supply chain opportunities.

At Amey, we believe that social value is essential to fostering resilient communities. By investing in initiatives that enhance wellbeing, drive sustainable growth, and support the defence community, we are building a stronger foundation for the future of Service families and the planet as a whole.

Through the Move You In Pack initiative, we’re not only enhancing the relocation experience for Service families but creating a culture of sustainability and community resilience that reflects our commitment to a the defence community.
The Move You In Pack significant milestones:

  • Over 6000 families receiving a box, totalling more than 18,000 since inception
  • 121 spouses employed, with over £97,866 paid in wages
  • 9,636 hours contributed by volunteers from diverse backgrounds
  • Over 372 Armed Forces community members have participated in e50K events
  • Over 90% of pack materials are recyclable or sustainable sources
  • 4 covenant signatories

Profits from the Move You In Packs is reinvested into Bramblewoods, transforming an underutilised green space into thriving community hub located near military housing estate. Bramblewoods now supports local biodiversity through wildlife friendly planting walking trails and educational events for families.

  • Over £103,000 reinvested to date, funding initiatives like wildflower meadows, birdhouses and pollinator habitats. All are managed by spouses.
  • £74,820.85 of grants and donations secured, providing beekeeper training, gardening tools, a polytunnel, and community classroom.
  • We aim to expand Bramblewood’s reach, integrating additional accessible features including a community cafe with our own food grown on site and hosting more events that engage diverse community members.

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