In this edition of Macro People Spotlight, we're featuring Cara Kennelly, Social Value Manager at Macro. Passionate about creating positive impact, Cara leads our global social value strategy and works across key accounts to deliver meaningful change. From developing employability programmes in Surrey that have supported hundreds of people back into work to driving sustainability efforts across the business, her work is focused on improving outcomes for people and places. We spoke to Cara about her career journey, the projects that inspire her, and why she believes Macro's passion for social impact sets it apart.

Introducing Cara

What's your role at Macro?

I manage our global social value strategy and delivery and get involved across key accounts where social value is a core delivery theme, as well as leading on the data for our annual carbon accounts and wider sustainability support.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My work is hugely variable (as with most of FM!), but largely I’ll be delivering social value programmes (think employability, community engagement and schools’ outreach), helping with solution bids, or analysing and reporting data that demonstrates our impact. This blend of activities is something I thoroughly enjoy. I’ll be lost in spreadsheets one minute and presenting to students about the opportunities in FM the next. Ultimately, it’s all about making a positive impact on the people in and around our estates.

Tell us about a recent project or piece of work you’ve done that you are proud of

Over the last 2 years I’ve developed and delivered a suite of employability activities in Surrey designed to provide a wide array of touch points for unemployed people in the county, to support them back into work (hopefully into FM!). It includes presentations on careers in FM, hosting work experience and mental health workshops among others and has now supported 442 people. One of the Employer Advisor Leads provided some feedback earlier this year: “Cara has come through in providing a comprehensive offer which we can call upon. It’s been so refreshing to work with someone who really understands our needs and is creative in building an offer which we know will work for our customers.”

What do you enjoy most about working in facilities management?

We are fully embedded in the communities we support – that’s a very privileged position to be in, working every day within the trust of our stakeholders. For making an impact, there is no better place to be. We get to truly know our communities and codesign solutions with them as a matter of course. There’s no industry I’ve worked in more in-tune with meaningful social value.

What's the best thing about working for Macro? 

I never have to convince people at Macro to support social impact – everyone is passionate, innovative and committed to putting good into the world through our work. It’s rare that teams outside sustainability are as consistently engaged in sustainability and social value as they are here. 

Words of advice for someone starting their career in facilities management

Embrace the (organised) chaos! There’s always something new happening, different people to speak to, so if something interests you, jump into it. We are a fast-moving industry that looks very different decade to decade. Your interest today could be what makes you invaluable to FM tomorrow.

A fun fact about you

I co-authored an article published in the Glasgow Climate COP 26 chapters on the carbon emissions of military operations.