Removing Barriers to Education: Turner & Townsend and Action for Children

Client: Action for Children

For over a decade, Turner & Townsend and Action for Children have partnered to tackle a persistent but overlooked challenge for children in poverty: access to essential items for education. With 4.5 million children living in poverty in the UK, the Action for Children and Turner & Townsend Education Fund offers £60 grants for school shoes, uniforms, coats and other basics that help children attend school with dignity and confidence while easing financial pressures on families.

The partnership is underpinned by national fundraising, strong governance and deep, widespread colleague involvement. In 2025, colleagues raised £235,000 through regional fundraising galas, sleep-outs, national sports challenges, bespoke graduate fundraising initiatives and large-scale fundraisers. Turner & Townsend also provide skills‑based volunteering and pro bono services on projects like the redevelopment of an outdoor space at one of Action for Children’s children’s centre.

With 1,083 grants delivered in 2025 and over 13,000 since its launch, the partnership delivers life‑changing impact across communities. It boosts children’s wellbeing and school attendance, supports Action for Children’s long‑term stability and embeds social value within Turner & Townsend’s culture. Together, the partnership is helping break cycles of poverty and giving children the chance to thrive.