BAM Nuttall has appointed James Walsh to lead development of social impact and diversity and inclusivity (D&I), supporting its highways sector.

Walsh joins BAM from the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee where he developed the social value strategy and evaluation system. His new role as divisional social impact and D&I manager will challenge Walsh to foster a culture of inclusion and create opportunities for lasting social impact in BAM’s Highways Division. 

In collaboration with BAM’s diversity and inclusion leadership team, he will work with BAM stakeholders, both internal and external, to implement, evaluate and measure the interventions that enhance and create social impact.

Over the last 22 years Walsh has worked in businesses with a social purpose across multiple sectors and at various levels from customer-facing delivery to senior leadership. He has a strong track record for creating meaningful social impact, building a respected profile in the public sector, social housing and employability.

Walsh played a key part in developing the Birmingham 2022 apprenticeship programme and working alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority to develop the Commonwealth Jobs and Skills Academy. 

Prior to joining the Commonwealth Games, he was CEO of the charity Steps to Work which delivered several contracts to support long term unemployed and the disabled into work. The charity owns Starting Point Recruitment Agency which reinvests 95% of its profit back into the charity to create social impact.

Doug Mills, BAM Nuttall divisional director, highways said: “We’re delighted to welcome James to BAM’s team. His experience delivering social value programmes for a range of public and private organisations will help us maximise the opportunities to create long lasting social impact from our contracts in our highways division. 

“James’s will lead a network of D&I colleagues across the highways division to influence, challenge and champion behaviour in line with the company vision, purpose and values. He will support the business to achieve client metrics and expectations whilst identifying opportunities to promote best practice and continually improve our performance.”

Walsh said: “I’m looking forward to working at BAM and with its partners to shine a light on good practice and measure the impact of our collective efforts. It is clear to me that there is enormous scope to create long lasting social impact from our contracts in the highways sector. I hope to further strengthen the commitments of the company and help to create a legacy in the communities where National Highways operate every day.”