Future of London

How can council-led housing development contribute to improving climate resilience in London neighbourhoods? That was the question tackled over lunch by members of the expert panel from our Council-led Housing Network at our climate resilience conference. The panel emphasised the importance of councils acting as agents of change and doing this across their development, planning, and delivery teams. They identified interdisciplinary collaboration as critical to ensuring effective leadership, giving teams time to build viable strategies. Optimising building design was also highlighted, particularly the importance of using the building’s structure and materials to regulate indoor environments naturally. Thanks to our expert panel for an informative and practical discussion: ▶️ Neill Campbell - Partner at BPTW ▶️ Alexandra Holsgrove Jones - Partner at TLT LLP ▶️ Danny Sutcliffe - Partner at Red Loft ▶️ Mitzi Wells - Head of Sustainability at Potter Raper For more information on the Council-led Housing Network, which is supported by the Mayor of London and open to all London boroughs, contact Visakha Sri Chandrasekera. You can read the write-up of the expert panel session and all the conference sessions in our full conference catch-up pages. Follow the link in the comments below. Thanks to our climate resilience programme steering group Becci Taylor | Patrick Devlin | Rhianna Wilsher | Nicola Tilbury MRICS | Tom Beardmore | Rob Krzyszowski | Dr Tom Dollard | Laura Murray | Jacob Heitland Finally thanks to our sponsors who made the conference possible: Arup | Countryside Partnerships | Mount Anvil | Local Partnerships LLP | Impact on Urban Health | Pollard Thomas Edwards | Potter Raper | Trowers & Hamlins #FutureOfLondon #ClimateResilienceEquity

Climate change impacts are felt by people who are under-resourced and vulnerable to temperature fluctuations. This was the clear view of the panellists at our climate resilience conference session, Including All Voices. “We know we’re looking for diverse perspectives, but are we speaking the same language as residents?" said Fola O. of Jacobs. "Have we done the work to understand their lived experience, so we’re able to approach them in a meaningful way?” We think the built environment sector must ground climate resilience in the lived expertise of residents. Community involvement is essential for creating solutions that resonate with those who need them. “Often the most vulnerable places do have social infrastructure," said Slaney Devlin of Somers Town Neighbourhood Forum in Camden. "So the question for the sector is, how do you support and harness that?” Jacob Heitland, Director of Climate Action at London Borough of Newham, chaired the session. In his opening remarks, he warned of the cascading effect of multiple impacts hitting the most vulnerable community members and the need to act "pretty much yesterday". At the session, we also heard from Kuljeet Sibia of London Legacy Development Corporation on designing places for women and girls, and Martina Juvara of URBAN SILENCE LIMITED who called for mapping of vulnerability to target investment in climate resilience. You can read the write-ups of all the conference sessions including a video interview with Slaney Devlin and links to further information in our full conference catch-up pages. Follow the link in the comments below. Thanks to the programme steering group Becci Taylor | Patrick Devlin | Rhianna Wilsher | Nicola Tilbury MRICS | Tom Beardmore | Rob Krzyszowski | Dr Tom Dollard | Laura Murray | Jacob Heitland Finally thanks to our sponsors who made the conference possible: Arup | Countryside Partnerships | Mount Anvil | Local Partnerships LLP | Impact on Urban Health | Pollard Thomas Edwards | Potter Raper | Trowers & Hamlins #FutureOfLondon #ClimateResilienceEquity

Climate conference write-ups | Inclusive economies webinar | Council housing case study library | "New vibe" for a west London town centre

Emerging themes from our climate resilience conference include: financial innovation; partnerships for climate action, and strengthening community connections. We have just published all the write-ups from our conference in October called Climate Resilience and Equity, with over 50 speakers and panellists contributing their insights and ideas for tackling the major challenge facing London and all cities. In a keynote address, Mete Coban MBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy stressed the importance of understanding climate resilience as an equity issue. “Climate resilience in London is a big challenge that we know impacts our vulnerable communities,” said the Deputy Mayor. “It's an issue of social justice and it's an issue of racial justice.” We also heard from Emma Howard Boyd CBE who chaired the recent review of London's climate resilience, commissioned by the Mayor of London. She emphasised the importance of channelling money into local communities to ensure climate action supported social justice. She also highlighted the importance of cross-London partnerships, particularly with the boroughs. “It’s making sure that we’re looking at carbon reductions alongside resilience, but also understanding that what happens in one part of London will have a direct impact somewhere far away in London.” Indy Johar of Dark Matter Labs provided the starkest challenge to the conference, which he likened to moving to a "war economy". He warned of the risks of societal breakdown and argued that ensuring stability was vital to the major social and economic transition required. “I’m not pointing out these problems because I think they’re insurmountable," he said. "I’m pointing them out because unless we engage with the promised case as it is, our solutions will be largely illusions.” Following the conference, our CEO Nicola Mathers described community engagement as the "heart of our conference”, highlighting how much the built environment sector can learn from people’s lived experience of climate impacts. “Resilience requires strong communities, and the sector can build this through community involvement that makes all Londoners feel part of a shared mission to meet the climate change challenge,” she said. You can read the write-ups of all the conference sessions with speaker video interviews via the link in the comments below. Thanks to the programme steering group and sponsors who made the conference possible. Becci Taylor | Patrick Devlin | Rhianna Wilsher | Nicola Tilbury MRICS | Tom Beardmore | Rob Krzyszowski | Dr Tom Dollard | Laura Murray | Jacob Heitland Arup | Countryside Partnerships | Mount Anvil | Local Partnerships LLP | Impact on Urban Health | Pollard Thomas Edwards | Potter Raper | Trowers & Hamlins #FutureOfLondon #ClimateResilienceEquity

🚨 Ready to kickstart your career in property and the built environment? 🚨 Our Emerging Talent Programme (ETP) is open to people from ethnic minority backgrounds to support a more diverse sector. You will receive: 💼 Full-time employment with private and public sector employers in the sector 💰 A £28,000 starting salary 🤝An industry leader as your personal mentor 📚 A robust learning and development programme with other candidates to network and to enhance your skills Placements lead to rewarding careers in housing, planning, regeneration, urban design, and community building. Placements start in April 2025. The deadline to apply is Monday 6 January 2025, 12pm. Find out more about the Emerging Talent Programme here: https://buff.ly/3G9oaT2 #FutureofLondon #EmergingTalentProgramme #EqualityDiversityInclusion #BuiltEnvironment

Increasing numbers of PFI contracts are ending across London with implications for public services. Are London boroughs prepared? Research carried out by Future of London in partnership with law firm Devonshires and construction consultancy Airey Miller found that several London boroughs are struggling to prepare for PFI contract expiry due to a lack of resources. "This is the first review of the implications of PFI contract expiry on London local authorities," says Nicola Mathers of Future of London. "We talked to most of the boroughs affected and it's clear that many feel under-prepared and under-resourced. The findings are published in a new report called “PFI Expiry: How London boroughs can get ahead”. Overall, London boroughs are concerned that PFI contracts expiring will increase the financial pressures on councils already dealing with the rising costs of temporary accommodation and adult social care. “PFI contract expiry raises a number of issues - not least, how hand back is being managed and what, if anything, will replace those projects," says Caroline Mostowfi of Devonshires. "This report confirms that many authorities are starting to realise that without greater and more immediate focus and resource, they will struggle to properly manage these contracts through to expiry." However, the report also notes that London boroughs are also seeing PFI expiry as an opportunity to improve services. Mark Humphreys, Director at Airey Miller, adds: "This practical report highlights the vital importance of planning ahead to manage the risks associated with taking on ageing buildings. "However, we are pleased the report also encourages local authorities to see PFI expiry as an opportunity to modernise service delivery." Thanks to Caroline Mostowfi, Neil Toner, Paul Buckland, Pauline Lépissier and Jamie Leonard from Devonshires, and Mark Humphreys and Mark Pratten of Airey Miller for sharing their knowledge and expertise. Thanks also to representatives of the 14 London boroughs who attended two roundtables and gave time for interviews and a stakeholder survey. We would particularly like to thank the following people for sharing their experience of PFI expiry. Emma Talbot Harrow Council | Carol Hinvest, Lewisham Council | @Fenella Merry, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames | Kathryn Moreton, Walsall Council | Sarah Channin, EQUANS | Joanne Cooke, Leeds City Council | Laurence Field and Yacoba Godwyll, Ealing Council (London Borough of Ealing) Hannah Gibbs and Sarah Yates led the project for Future of London. The full report can be downloaded via the link in the comments below. #FutureOfLondon #PFI #PrivateFinanceInitiative

"Why don’t you see things my way?" Seeing another person’s viewpoint is essential to making a connection – the key to professional networking. This thought-provoking question challenge came from life coach and author Rasheed Ogunlaru during our workshop called Networking: Creating Meaningful Relationships. Thanks to Devonshires for hosting the workshop. The event brought together a diverse group, including alumni from our flagship programmes such as Leaders Plus and Future London Leaders, who are now shaping the built environment sector. We were also delighted to welcome candidates from our Emerging Talent Programme, representing the next generation of leadership. The workshop focused on: ▶ Strategy: How to leverage existing networks, approach conversations strategically, and uncover serendipity in connections. ▶ Psychology and Skills Practice: Recognising that everyone communicates differently and learning to adapt for mutual understanding. Rasheed also emphasised the three pillars of impactful communication: ▶ Visual – How body language, facial expressions, and appearance influence perception. ▶ Vocal – The role of tone, pace, and volume in delivering a message. ▶ Verbal – The importance of clear, accessible language in aligning with your audience. The session was a fantastic opportunity for participants to reflect on their own networking practices and gain tools to connect authentically, strategically, and without nerves. Thanks to Rasheed Ogunlaru for leading this thought-provoking session and to Devonshires for their continued support for Future London Leaders. Find out more about our leadership programmes via the link in the comments below. #Networking #Leadership #FutureOfLondon #BuiltEnvironment

A huge thank you to Volterra Partners LLP for hosting our recent Emerging Talent Programme training day! It was a dynamic and insightful session led by Adam Sands and Nick H., who shared insights into their organisation, the fascinating role of an economic consultant, and their own career journeys. The day’s highlight? Introducing the concept of 15-minute cities and tasking our cohort with designing their own! This hands-on activity challenged participants to apply data analysis, negotiation, research, and communication skills. The day concluded with the cohort confidently presenting their innovative city designs to the group. It was also fantastic to see the cohort sharing updates on their current placements. A big thank you to our host organisations for providing these opportunities, helping our participants grow their technical knowledge, enhance soft skills, and deepen their understanding of the built environment sector. BOUYGUES UK London Borough of Camden Greater London Authority Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea London Borough of Lambeth L&Q Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC) Southwark Council Abdulrahman Yinusa Daniel F. Paulino-Arroyo Dayantara Santano Dionne Bimpong Salimat Yéwándé Bakare Sonia Halili Srivardhan Rajalingam Yangyang Li #EmergingTalentProgramme #15MinuteCities #BuiltEnvironment #Collaboration #FutureLeaders

We asked Abdulrahman Yinusa from our Emerging Talent Programme for his reflections on Black History Month in the built environment. Here's what he said. The Emerging Talent Programme helps people from ethnic minority backgrounds launch careers in the built environment sector, with paid work placement. Abdulrahman Yinusa is currently working at Greater London Authority. We asked him why he thinks it’s important for the built environment sector to celebrate Black History Month UK. “It’s a time to acknowledge the significant contributions of Black architects, engineers and designers," says Abdulrahman. "Just like every other sector or industry, the people who work in the built environment come from all parts of the world and bring with them their own unique perspectives." What did this year’s theme ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ mean to you? “I saw an opportunity to continue shaping our stories that might not have the visibility. Black History Month events enable us to continue educating ourselves, challenge stereotypes, foster collaboration and promote equity in the sector and beyond.” Thanks Abdulrahman for sharing his thoughts. You can read the full version via the link in the comments below. Find out more about the Emerging Talnt Programme from Elaine Cleland-Awity. Abdulrahman is pictured at the induction day for the third ETP cohort with Yangyang Li, who is currently on placement at @BOUYGUES UK, and with the ETP3 group. Salimat Yéwándé Bakare | Dionne Bimpong | Sonia H. | Daniel F. Paulino-Arroyo | Srivardhan Rajalingam | Warith Said | Dayantara Santano #FutureOfLondon #EmergingTalentProgramme #BlackHistoryMonth

We kicked off the 2024-25 Leaders Plus programme with a buzzy launch. Candidates met each other, their mentors and some of the FoL team – and got a taste of what’s to come! 18 brilliant cross-sector senior practitioners will spend nine months developing the leadership skills, resilience and connections needed for great place leadership. Thanks to Trowers & Hamlins and partner Rebecca Wardle for hosting, and thanks to Related Argent for their ongoing support of the programme. Thanks also to Leaders Plus 11 alumna Robyn Prince, Strategic Planning & Engagement Manager at Countryside Partnerships, who shared how to get the most from the course, and to alumnus-turned-mentor Rob Krzyszowski for kicking off the mentor segment (and reminding us all to stand up when presenting 😉). And finally, thanks to all of our mentors for their invaluable support and insight. Best of luck LP12! Candidates: Souraya Ali | Jorge Barbeito Vazquez | Mel Bristow | Andrew Catcheside | George Clarke | Darren C. | Victor Fernandez Stohanzl | Syma Kadri | Conor Keappock | Tom Lloyd-Smith | Nathalie Malanda ACCA | Yvette McKenzie-Ray | Blair Parkinson | Sharon Pickerill | Sukhi Randhawa | Mathieu Rogers | Osama Shoush | Jo Tatlow Mentors: Alexander Jan | Dr Phil Askew | Caroline Harper | Carl Vann | Rob Krzyszowski | Mark Baigent | Claudette Forbes | Virginia Blackman | John Lumley | Greg Campbell | Matthew Dibben | Sara Bailey | Emma Williamson (nee Joy) | Tracey Downie | Barbara Brownlee | Lyn Garner | Ed Watson | Matthew Essex #FutureOfLondon #LeadersPlus