Meet the team: David Bussey, Head of Social Value
Meet the team: David Bussey, Head of Social Value
At WPS, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Through our ‘Meet the team’ series, we’re shining a spotlight on the individuals whose expertise, passion and commitment are helping to deliver positive outcomes for our customers, communities and partners.
In this edition, we meet David Bussey, Head of Social Value, who is helping to ensure that WPS creates meaningful and lasting impact through every project by supporting communities, developing future talent and creating opportunities for people to thrive.
From commercial leadership to community impact
My career journey has been anything but traditional, but every step has helped shape who I am today. I left school at 16 and joined my family business as a Trainee Wealth Advisor, before moving into the insurance sector with Churchill Insurance. From there, I built a successful career in senior leadership roles within the property investment market, gaining valuable experience in relationship management, commercial partnerships and leadership.
While those roles gave me a strong foundation, it was the birth of my daughter that prompted me to reflect on the impact I wanted to have and the legacy I wanted to leave behind. I realised that I wanted to use my skills and experience to make a positive difference to people’s lives and support communities to succeed. That decision led me into more purpose-driven roles with organisations including Bexley Council, Peabody and Clarion Housing Group, where I worked closely with residents to create employment, skills and enterprise opportunities.
Looking back, making that change was one of the most important decisions of my career.
Creating opportunities through social value
Today, as Head of Social Value at WPS, I lead the development and delivery of our business-wide social value strategy. Our purpose at WPS is ‘Creating places for people to thrive’ – and social value is about turning that purpose into meaningful action. Whether it’s investing in local communities, supporting employment and skills programmes, creating opportunities through our supply chain or helping to deliver net zero and green skills initiatives, my role is focused on ensuring that every project leaves a positive legacy.
One of the things that attracted me to WPS was the organisation’s genuine commitment to making a difference. Having worked alongside the business previously, I saw first-hand the importance placed on creating positive outcomes for communities, and joining the team felt like a natural next step.
Since joining, I’ve enjoyed working with colleagues who share a common goal of creating opportunities and delivering lasting impact. There is a real sense of collaboration across the business and a shared commitment to doing the right thing for our clients, communities and partners.
Making a lasting difference
The most rewarding part of my role is seeing the direct impact that our work has on people’s lives. Whether it’s helping someone access employment, supporting a young person into training, or creating opportunities for local businesses through our supply chain, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that our work can have a lasting positive effect on individuals and communities.
No two days are the same, and that’s something I really enjoy. Social value touches so many different areas, from education and employment to sustainability and community wellbeing, which means there are always new opportunities to learn, collaborate and make a difference.
I’m particularly passionate about supporting the next generation and helping people realise their potential. Seeing someone gain confidence, develop new skills or take the next step in their career is one of the most satisfying aspects of what I do.
Developing a career with purpose
For anyone interested in a career in social value, I would encourage you to stay curious, embrace new opportunities and never stop learning.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential, but just as important is having a genuine desire to help people and create positive change. The most successful people in this field are often those who are willing to listen, collaborate and think creatively about how challenges can be turned into opportunities.
My career has been shaped by the people who have supported, challenged and encouraged me along the way, and I believe a willingness to learn from others is one of the most valuable qualities you can have.
If you’re motivated by making a difference and want to contribute to creating stronger, more resilient communities, social value is an incredibly rewarding career path.
