Community engagement

Today, working alongside a wide range of partner organisations, we use our technical and strategic capabilities to support the most disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalised people in the world. Our community engagement programme aims to produce a more sustainably developed world, focusing on food security; clean and renewable energy; water and sanitation; improved shelter; and social mobility.

Whether it is empowering organisations tackling homelessness, designing products to improve handwashing in informal settlements or employing digital tools in disaster recovery, we constantly seek to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in the communities in which we live and work and beyond.

Making an impact

Community engagement is inherently collaborative. We achieve the most impact when we define what we are trying to accomplish early on, in partnership with affected communities and local organisations. Measurement plays a key role and ensures we stay focused on the most effective interventions.

Supporting displaced people

Wars, famines, and climate change effects continue to displace millions of people globally. Single events rapidly lead to cascading challenges: hunger, lack of shelter, failed infrastructure, access to clean water and education. We help those affected through our global community engagement programme, working alongside relevant local NGOs and supported by our own international development team. 

Like many, we are currently focusing our efforts on fundraising to help the millions of refugees from the war in Ukraine. We’re also supporting Rohingya communities displaced from Myanmar, as well as refugees living in camps in Greece, Lebanon and Jordan at present, many of whom are displaced by the war in Syria. Our work is also supporting refugees who have fled Afghanistan, helping them resettle elsewhere in the world.

The power of partnership

Partnerships are central to effectiveness. They ensure we give the right support, at the right time, to the people who need it most. These deep and productive relationships are a chance to share knowledge with partners and help our own people grow through experience. We are always open to new, long-term strategic relationships that can improve the impact we produce.

Helping solve the world's water challenges

Arup is working closely with a wide range of partners across the world in the water sector, to solve climate related shocks and stresses and improve quality of life to vulnerable and marginalised communities. Some of our partners include The Flow Partnership, Ongawa, Frank Water, WaterAid and Caminos de Agua.

Talk to us

Last year we worked with 200 partners ranging from international NGOs and local governments to community interest companies and local community organisations. If you would like to find out more or get involved, please get in touch.