One organisation making a significant impact in this space is SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), Scotland’s national mental health charity.

Social Value and ESG – Leadership led commitment

Our commitment to social value and ESG principles starts at the top of the organisation. Senior leadership plays a critical role in setting direction, championing responsible practices, and ensuring that social impact is not treated as an add-on, but as a core business priority.

Ross McAdam’s long-standing involvement with SAMH reflects this approach in action. His role demonstrates how leadership, personal values and professional expertise can come together to deliver meaningful, long-term social value — both within the third sector and across the construction industry.

By supporting initiatives that address mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention, Embrace aligns its ESG priorities with real-world outcomes that matter to our people, partners and communities.

Ross’ support for SAMH and why they chose Ross

Following an open and competitive recruitment process, Ross McAdam joined SAMH as a Trustee in late 2019 and was almost immediately appointed Treasurer; one of only two office bearer positions on the SAMH Board.

SAMH explained that Ross brings extensive financial and governance expertise, with a strong focus on long-term sustainability, effective risk management and responsible decision-making. Since joining the Board, he has been an engaged and thoughtful Trustee, taking time to understand every aspect of the organisation and using those insights to support informed, balanced decisions.

He has played a key role in major organisational milestones, including the development of SAMH’s latest strategic plan, Taking Action, Creating Change, and the launch of the charity’s largest-ever fundraising appeal in support of The Nook.

Billy Watson, Chief Executive of SAMH, said: “Ross’s commitment to SAMH is evident in the time and energy he dedicates to the role. Being a Trustee can be demanding, yet Ross approaches it with passion and purpose, ensuring every decision supports the future of our organisation and the people we serve.

Importantly, Ross shares SAMH’s core values and vision, driven by personal experience and a genuine belief in our cause, making it clear he is here for the right reasons. As CEO, I have found Ross to be open, supportive, and understanding of the unique challenges of leading a third-sector organisation.”

SAMH delivering Social Value in the Construction Industry

Construction remains one of the highest-risk sectors for mental health. Research published in only last year, shows that construction workers are four times more likely to die by suicide than the national average.

In response, SAMH has developed suicide prevention workshops specifically for the construction industry. The training has been created in collaboration with Barratt and David Wilson Homes North Scotland and is supported by substantial funding from the Construction Industry Training Board’s Industry Impact Fund.

The half-day workshops are free to anyone working in construction and have been shaped directly by industry professionals, including site workers, office-based staff, health and safety specialists and senior leaders. This ensures the training reflects the real pressures and environments experienced across the sector.

To date, close to 200 construction workers have completed the training through 18 dedicated courses, with a further 46 courses already scheduled this year. Average participant satisfaction currently stands at 99.03%, with strong feedback around increased confidence in recognising warning signs and starting supportive conversations.

This work delivers measurable social value by tackling stigma, raising awareness and equipping people with practical tools to support colleagues — contributing to safer, healthier and more resilient workplaces.

Looking ahead - The Nook

At the heart of SAMH’s work is a simple principle; anyone should be able to ask once and get help fast.

That belief led to the creation of The Nook, a walk-in mental health hub providing free, accessible support seven days a week. The first Nook is already open in Glasgow, with plans to open further hubs in Aberdeen, Lanarkshire, Inverclyde and Edinburgh by 2028.

To achieve this, SAMH has launched its first ever major public appeal, calling on individuals and organisations to help extend this vital support to tens of thousands more people.

Learn more and get involved

SAMH operates 70 in person services across Scotland, alongside online support through Time for You, offering wellbeing coaching and talking therapies by phone or video call. The charity also provides practical mental health information and campaigns for change at a national level.

Supporting organisations like SAMH reflects Embrace’s belief that meaningful social value and ESG impact are delivered through leadership, long-term commitment and action; and that positive change starts from the top.