I have worked in the corporate sector managing early careers recruitment and development for over 17 years. The lack of diversity at all levels and across all characteristics is constantly discussed. Thankfully the benefits from having a truly diverse team are getting clearer and more accepted by leaders based on the statistical evidence. Yet still, most organisations don’t have significantly diverse teams. 

Future of London is piloting an innovative program to help address this. FoL is working with forward thinking organisations in housing, regeneration and development who acknowledge the challenge and the missed opportunity from not having ethnic diversity in their teams, who are delivering change for the most ethnically diverse population in the UK.

FoL’s Emerging Talent Programme will offer a small number of ethnic minority candidates a 21-month paid placement. Within this time each recruit will work in three different ‘Host organisations’ providing unique insight into the range of career paths in housing, regeneration and development. 

Recruits will be supported with an exclusive programme of training events to develop workplace behaviours, industry knowledge and help to secure a permanent job at the end. The programme will deliver an ethnically diverse talent pool into the sector – it is definite action aimed at making a lasting impact. Increased ethnic diversity will provide a much-needed injection of talent for the industry and better representation of the communities which are impacted by the sector’s work – delivering better results for the urban environment and its citizens.

The Emerging Talent Programme reflects the NLA Diverse Leaders Pledge in creating potential for recruitment and progression for an under-represented section of the community in London. 

I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to manage the programme working to achieve positive benefit for our participating employers, our sector, and ultimately, our community. 

More Information is available at www.futureoflondon.org.uk/emergingtalentprogramme. 

Applications are open until 1st November 2021 with the first cohort of recruits ready to start work at the end of January 2022.  Employers who want to be Host organisations can contact me directly at michael@futureoflondon.org.uk