Employee Profile: Mia Cherry

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Meet Mia– Social Value Advisor at ODGroup

From graduate to ODGroup’s first Social Value Advisor, Mia’s journey is a great example of how you can grow in the construction industry when you’re passionate, driven, and open to learning.

After joining ODGroup fresh from university, Mia started her career as a Quality and Compliance Assistant, before moving into the role of Document Controller for both ODCreate and ODWorks. Alongside this, she became a Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) champion, supporting key projects across the business.

It was her work on a high-profile project with ODInteriors – which achieved a perfect 45/45 CCS score – that led to a standout opportunity: helping shape and launch a completely new role in the business. Today, Mia is ODGroup’s first Social Value Advisor, working on projects across the business to ensure they leave a meaningful and lasting impact on local communities.

“ODGroup always looks to promote from within, and I think my journey shows how far you can go when you’re willing to work hard and stay curious.”

What does Mia do day-to-day?

Mia’s role is all about tailoring social value plans to the unique requirements of each project.

She gets involved early, often during the tender stage, by researching local needs, identifying potential charity partners, and setting out clear, achievable goals.

Once a plan is approved, Mia oversees its delivery on site. That includes everything from helping project teams set up the right facilities to coordinating fundraising events and building lasting relationships with local organisations.

“I love the variety. I work with site teams, liaise with clients, talk to charities—it’s never boring. Plus, because this role is new, I get the freedom to try new ideas and shape it as I go.”

Project highlight: Brunel Engine Shed

Mia’s standout project so far has been the Brunel Engine Shed refurbishment for Buckinghamshire New University. It was the first ODGroup project to include formal social value targets and ran alongside the CCS scheme.

“I was juggling CCS duties across several sites and still document controlling at the time, it taught me a lot about time management! But I’m really proud of how it turned out. The team created a real impact for the local community and achieved the perfect CCS score 45/45.”

Career milestone

Mia considers being appointed Social Value Advisor her biggest achievement to date. She’s played a key role in defining what the role looks like, setting the standard for future social value efforts across the company.

“There’s been plenty of trial and error, but it’s helped me grow so much both professionally and personally.”

What motivates Mia?

Helping others is at the heart of her work. She’s driven by making a positive difference for local communities, creating welcoming sites for the workforce, and supporting causes that matter.

“Construction shouldn’t just be about the buildings—it should be about people too.”

Skills and superpowers

• Organisation – Key to her success as a document controller and now as an advisor overseeing multiple moving parts.
• Communication – Confidently works across teams, sites, and stakeholders.
• Speedy reader – She can read a 500-page book in a day (with the help of coffee and snacks).
• Double-jointed – She can bend both her thumbs at a 90-degree angle. “I have freaked many people out with this trick.”
• Moonwalk queen – She taught herself how to moonwalk and hasn’t stopped talking about it since

Mia is proof that passion and purpose can create real change – not just within the walls of a project, but out in the communities ODGroup works in.