Digital connectivity is fundamental to unlocking growth across our sub-region and beyond.

We were delighted to share insights into digital investment needs across our boroughs in the Thames Estuary Growth Board’s recently launched ‘Fair Economic Growth through Digital Connectivity’ paper.

The paper sets out the Growth Board’s plan to establish the Thames Estuary region as the UK’s next AI and digital powerhouse. We back the Board’s call to action for targeted support and bold public-private sector collaboration across east London, north Kent and south Essex to drive forward the UK’s digital future.

Digital connectivity in our London sub-region

While we have secured around £20m investment into our boroughs to improve digital connectivity, our research highlights barriers preventing us from achieving ubiquitous world-class connectivity befitting of expectation of being part of London.

As a result, we need additional funding to:

• Expand dark fibre spines – notably to growth areas but also key areas of regeneration.
• Enhance service provision to public sector sites and assets.
• Anchor inward investment.
• Deliver local business and residential support to drive adoption (awareness, stimulation and possible connection subsidy.)
• Facilitate enhanced mobile coverage and capacity (eg neutral hosts, use of assets.)

⇒Read our Delivering Economic Growth in Local London: Digital Connectivity Requirements paper.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Chair of Local London and Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said “As the fastest growing part of the capital with a population greater than the cities of Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool combined, we welcome the Thames Estuary Growth Board’s position paper. We are committed to creating inclusive growth for people and businesses in our sub-region; investment in digital infrastructure to tackle over 100,000 premises without gigabit capable broadband connectivity is fundamental to achieving this and supporting local, regional and national economic growth.”

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Local London representative of the Thames Estuary Growth Board and Mayor of Newham London, said “We know that digital inclusion is vital for our people as the impact of technology and the digital age is changing how we live and accessibility will inform life chances. The government has placed a priority on addressing digital access because the digital exclusion numbers are stark, with 1.6 million people in the UK currently not online. Across the Local London area it is even more pronounced, with 100,000 premises not connected or amongst the lowest level of digital capability meaning that the opportunities of life are curtailed.

That’s why we have an ambition through our involvement in the Thames Estuary digital corridor, which will bring high-speed connectivity to east London as this report sets out. It will enable digital inclusion for our people so that they can seize the opportunities of economic growth, over sustaining digital ‘not spots’ which is holding our people back. That’s why fair economic growth through digital connectivity in our boroughs and across the Thames Estuary region is a must.”

Below: map showing slow and no connectivity areas in Local London boroughs and beyond.

The Thames Estuary region, one of two nationally important growth corridors intersecting the Local London sub-region, has the potential to add £190bn to the UK economy by 2050[1].

The Local London economy represents around £55bn[2], with potential to increase with the right investment. Our boroughs are working together through Local London to unlock sustainable inclusive growth across north east and south east London.

• Read the Thames Estuary Growth Board’s ‘Fair Economic Growth through Digital Connectivity’ paper.
• Read our Delivering Economic Growth in Local London: Digital Connectivity Requirements paper.
• Discover more about our strategy for tacking digital infrastructure deficits in Local London.

[1] thamesestuary.org.uk

[2] ONS snapshot data from 2022 (not adjusting for inflation)

We are delighted to share that Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE has joined the Thames Estuary Growth Board as its newest Board member.

Representing Local London, Mayor Fiaz will ensure the interests of boroughs in the north east and south east of the capital are integral to the Thames Estuary Growth Board’s fair, sustainable ambitions for economic growth.

Mayor Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham was appointed by her peers to represent the nine boroughs comprising Local London, a dynamic sub-region representing around 2.6 million residents and 100,000 businesses, to consolidate relationships with the Thames Estuary, the UK’s biggest growth opportunity.

The Mayor will be joining a highly accomplished board which includes Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE, Leader of Bexley Council and Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich and Chair of Local London.

The board also boasts a diverse range of private sector leaders, including Devrim Celal, CEO of KrakenFlex, Gavin Chapman, Managing Director at Barclays, and Vera Kukic, Partner in IBM’s Strategy Consulting Business. Their collective expertise ensures a robust and dynamic approach to driving growth and innovation across the Thames Estuary region.

In addition to sharing geography, the Thames Estuary Growth Board and the Local London partnership are both committed to driving inclusive economic growth and regeneration, ensuring communities benefit from investment and opportunity.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Chair of Local London and Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “Our Local London boroughs are distinct from other parts of the capital. We have challenges, but also huge opportunities that are shared across the Thames Estuary region. We are all committed to driving sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits all of our communities, and I am delighted that Mayor Fiaz will represent our boroughs and continue our close connection with the Thames Estuary Growth Board.”

Kate Willard OBE, Thames Estuary Envoy and Chair of the Growth Board, said: “Mayor Fiaz’s commitment to fair growth and social impact aligns perfectly with our vision for the Thames Estuary. She is a proven leader who understands how to turn bold ideas into tangible benefits for local communities. We are thrilled to have her on board as we continue driving investment, infrastructure, and opportunity across the region.”

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham and representative of Local London, said: “The Thames Estuary, including the dynamic boroughs to the east of London, is central to the future prosperity of the whole country as we support the government’s national growth mission to drive better living standards through investment to build more homes and create jobs. I’m excited to be joining the Growth Board at such a crucial time and look forward to getting stuck in as we unlock the wealth of opportunities for communities across the Thames Estuary and accelerate sustainable development and fair growth.”

Mayor Fiaz’s appointment further strengthens the Growth Board’s partnership with London’s local authorities, ensuring that the voice of communities remains at the heart of its work to attract investment, drive innovation, and support fair growth.

Discover our Three Year Plan: Towards 2026

Notes to Editors:

About the Thames Estuary Growth Board

The Thames Estuary Growth Board is dedicated to unlocking the economic potential of the Thames Estuary. By fostering collaboration, driving investment, and spearheading innovative development projects, the Board is committed to transforming the Estuary into a thriving, sustainable, and economically vibrant region.

The Growth Board works to engage national and international investors, showcasing the Estuary’s potential as a prime location for investment. Through targeted initiatives, the board will highlight key development sites, foster investor relations, and drive forward the region’s economic prospects.
The Growth Board remains steadfast in its commitment to driving growth that is not only economically beneficial but also equitable and environmentally sustainable. Through these strategic initiatives and the dedicated support of our stakeholders, we are setting the stage for a brighter, more prosperous future for the Thames Estuary.

Find out more: www.thamesestuary.org.uk

Media Contact: Hannah Staunton, Director of Communications at the Thames Estuary Growth Board. Email: press@thamesestuary.org.uk

About Local London

Local London is a sub-regional partnership of nine boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Enfield, Greenwich, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest.

Representing around 2.6 million residents and 100,000 businesses, we are a champion for this sub-region to ensure it responds to a set of mutual issues and challenges, and benefits from existing and emerging opportunities.

Find out more: www.local.london

Local London Media contact: helen.mckay@redbridge.gov.uk / 07796 837 411

About Mayor Fiaz

Rokhsana Fiaz OBE has served as Executive Mayor of Newham since May 2018, delivering her Building a Fairer Newham plan.

She is portfolio lead for Inclusive Economy, Strategic Housing Delivery and Culture, including community wealth building, place and economic regeneration, planning and development; and leads on the ambitious affordable social housing programme.

She is London Council’s Data and Innovation lead, co-chair of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone and chair of the Local London Growth and Recovery Board. Previously she was CEO of an international UNESCO supported charity and has led large-scale capital projects for councils, European Commission and Council of Europe.  In 2009 she was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to Black and Minority Communities.

Local London is delighted to announce the appointment of Forogh Rahmani as the new Director of Local London.

Previously Strategy and Policy Lead for employment and skills at the GLA, and most recently Director of Growth at the Hertfordshire Growth Board, Forogh has a wealth of relevant experience that will benefit Local London.

Welcoming Forogh, Cllr Okereke, Chair of Local London and Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said “I am delighted to welcome Forogh as the new Director of Local London. Forogh not only brings with her great experience, but also enormous passion for driving growth that makes her the ideal person to head up our dynamic sub-region’s partnership. As Chair of Local London, I would like to welcome her to London’s leading edge!”

Building the profile of Local London

As Director of Local London, Forogh is motivated to continue to build the profile of Local London, working closely with our Board and partners to identify key areas for collaboration and advocacy.

Forogh Rahmani, Director of Local London said “I am excited to be joining Local London. As a London resident, I know that north east and south east London boroughs face challenges that cannot be lost in assumptions about being part of the capital. This is a sub-region full of potential and opportunities, and I am looking forward to advocating on behalf of our boroughs to catalyse growth that benefits all people living, studying and working here.”

Local London thank Stephen O’Leary for managing the team in the interim period, establishing new programmes and additional funding to support local residents, and ensuring a smooth handover to Forogh.

⇒Follow Forogh on Linkedin

⇒Discover our ambitions in our Three Year Plan: Towards 2026

⇒Watch our video about who we are and what we do

We recently hosted the second in a series of webinars designed to support micro, small and medium-sized businesses in London to find and develop existing talent.

Over 70 people joined the online session which focused on Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), an initiative helping employers bridge skills gaps while providing jobseekers with essential training and employment opportunities.

SWAPs can create a skilled workforce for businesses of any type. Employers and training providers create short sector-specific upskills training programmes for unemployed people, giving them the right skills to find jobs in that sector.

The event was highly interactive. Attendees from businesses across London, public sector and education partners posed live questions to a panel of experts representing all perspectives of this collaborative approach to addressing employers’ skills needs, including:

• Roy Pearce and Lauren Rogers from L&Q, a leading housing provider, shared their perspective on using SWAPs to address skills shortages and enhance social impact in their business.
• Divine Bonsu, who joined L&Q through SWAPs, provided a first-hand account of her journey, offering valuable insights into how the programme has shaped her career.
• Adrian Gabriel-Lovell, Operations Manager, and Abigail Fernandes, Employer and Partnership Manager from Jobcentre Plus who explained how SWAPs connect jobseekers with training providers and helps employers to create direct pathways into work.
• Paul Mason Hughes, Community and Partnerships Manager at New City College, discussed how educational institutions can collaborate with employers to ensure training aligns with industry needs.
• Cathy Back, LSIP Employer Engagement at Local London, outlined how employers and training providers are addressing local skills gaps through SWAPs and other initiatives.

“It was an excellent webinar. My knowledge of SWAPs has increased, and it was great to hear the success stories of the SWAP” commented one attendee after the event.

Watch the webinar

The webinar was delivered as part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), a pan-London strategy funded by the Department for Education and delivered by Business LDN in collaboration with London’s four sub-regional partnerships (SRPs): Local London, South London Partnership (SLP), Central London Forward (CLF), and West London Alliance (WLA).

The London LSIP aims to create employer-led training initiatives that address workforce development needs across the capital.

Sign up to the next event in the series

• 1-2pm
• 26 February 2025

Join South London Partnerships and South London Careers Hub to explore: How do we give young people meaningful experiences of the world of work and inspire the next generation? Book your place at the next FREE webinar in the series.

Stay up-to-date with the LSIP

For more information on upcoming webinars and workforce development initiatives, explore our website or get in touch with lsip.locallondon@redbridge.gov.uk if you would like access to the webinar recording.

Discover our latest newsletter and Skills Special www.local.london/news/newsletter

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where collaboration and innovation drive success? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

What we are looking for

As an Integration Officer, you will be instrumental in fostering collaboration between employment and skills providers, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards and community organisations. Your work will focus on strengthening networks, identifying areas for improvement, and creating strategies that support residents in securing sustainable employment.

About the Role

As an Integration Officer, you will:

• Support the delivery of a pioneering Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Programme alongside broader employment and skills provision across Local London boroughs.
• Engage with stakeholders and foster collaboration between employment and skills providers, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), NHS services, and community organisations.
• Strengthen networks, identify areas for improvement, and create strategies that help residents secure sustainable employment.
• Work closely with stakeholders to establish effective referral pathways, assess training needs, and enhance frontline staff development opportunities.
• Identify gaps in employment provision across the sub-region and develop strategies to address them. 

Qualifications and Skills

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Strong project management skills, with a track record of delivering complex projects successfully.
• Experience or knowledge of delivering the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model or supported employment approaches.
• Experience of working in partnership with the NHS, local health services, or ICBs.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and partnership building abilities.
• A good understanding of employment and skills networks.
• Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

About us

Local London is a sub-regional partnership representing nine London boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Enfield, Havering, Greenwich, Newham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest.

⇒Discover more about our programmes.

Redbridge Council serves as the accountable body for Local London, and staff are employed under Redbridge Council terms and conditions.

Why join us?

• Work on impactful programmes that transform lives.
• Engage with a diverse network of stakeholders and communities.
• Be part of a forward-thinking team committed to innovation and success.

About the role

Redbridge Council serves as the accountable body for Local London, and staff are employed on Redbridge Council terms and conditions.

• Job reference: RQ002057
• Location: Lynton House, Ilford / hybrid
• Salary: £47,532 to £50,574 per annum
• Contractual hours: 36
• Basis: Full time.
• Closing date (extended): 21.04.2025

⇒ To apply for this role, please visit new opportunities at Redbridge Council www.redbridge.gov.uk/jobs/job-search

Ambitious for Redbridge

All short-listed applicants will need to demonstrate proof of right to work in the UK. At the London Borough of Redbridge, we receive a high volume of great-quality applicants, we therefore may close a vacancy earlier than advertised. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

We are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment and welcome applications from qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, colour, race, religion, or belief.

Cllr Anthony Okereke, Chair of Local London shares his ambitions for 2025.

I hope that you have had a fun-filled festive season with your loved ones and are optimistic about what the new year will bring.

2025 promises huge opportunities for our sub-region, despite the immense pressures local governments face.

Across our nine boroughs, we are looking forward to continuing to drive inclusive and sustainable growth. Working in partnership, we will advocate for our exciting sub-region to ensure growth benefits all people and businesses here.

At the dawn of this new year, these are eight of the things I am most excited about:

1. Working with our new government as well as the Leaders, Mayor and CEOs of our member boroughs to ensure that the needs of our sub-region are not lost in assumptions about being part of the capital.
2. Continuing to seek opportunities to collaborate across borough-boundaries and ensuring the funding we attract delivers benefits that meet the unique needs of our dynamic sub-region.
3. Working towards achieving the ambitions in our Three-Year Plan: Towards 2026, whilst also being attentive to areas where we may need to flex to meet changing needs and priorities.
4. Ensuring young people get the best careers education and interactions with businesses to raise and broaden their aspirations and make great choices on their chosen pathways.
5. Connecting people at all stages of their careers to training and jobs, so they can learn and progress and helping businesses find workers with the skills they need to grow through employment support initiatives managed and delivered with and for our boroughs.
6. Addressing barriers to growth in our sub-region, including digital and transport infrastructure.
7. Welcoming new initiatives that will support inclusive growth across our boroughs and wider such as Connect to Work, the Growth Plan for London, the Industrial Strategy.
8. Onboarding the new permanent Director of Local London in the coming months; our Joint Committee and Chief Executive Board, and team are looking forward to working with them.

Pulling together, we will achieve more for all the people living and working in this part of London. This is London’s Leading Edge!

Wishing you all the very best for 2025, let’s make this the best year yet.

Councillor Anthony Okereke, Chair of Local London and Leader of London Borough of Greenwich.

Local London school, King’s Oak in Greenwich received excellent feedback from Ofsted following a visit in November 2024.

The national education and skills inspector was impressed with the school’s excellence across the board, providing specialist support for young people in years 7 to 11 with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

As a school highly engaged with our Careers Hub, we were delighted that the careers education programme received praise for showcasing the range of pathways and preparing students for life after they leave school.

(Pictured above: student from King’s Oak School engaging with Barking and Dagenham College at one of our events focussed on creative and digital careers)

Working with mainstream and specialist schools across nine boroughs north and south of the river, we recognise the commitment it takes from within and outside the school to create top-tier careers education programmes.

From headteachers, to careers leaders, external advisors and local businesses, it takes a community of people working together to deliver meaningful careers programmes that empower young people to make the best choices for themselves.

The school has implemented a well-designed careers programme….so that pupils have the best possible chance of success.

The unusually extensive and appreciative Ofsted comment relating specifically to careers education at King’s Oak School noted:

‘The school has implemented a well-designed careers programme. This ensures that pupils are well prepared for the challenges that they may face when they become adults. The school supports pupils to explore the different options available. Pupils develop positive attitudes that will help them cope with the demands of employment, further education or training. Leaders work closely with local colleges so that the pupils have the best possible chance of success.’ Ofsted visit November 2024

Stephen O’Leary, Interim Director of Local London said “Our team have thoroughly enjoy working with staff at the school, especially Howard Shearing the careers lead. King’s Oak’s continuous engagement with the Careers Hub has been greatly appreciated. They’ve welcomed and worked with us to develop ideas.

On behalf of the team at Local London, I would like to say huge congratulations to the school’s team, and also to the Careers Adviser, Simon Connolly, provided by the Royal Borough of Greenwich who has provided exceptional support to the school. This positive feedback from Ofsted is a fabulous reflection what partnership working can achieve.”

Howard Shearing, Head of Careers at King’s Oak School commented ‘We certainly could not have achieved where we are careers-wise without the Careers Hub’s support and help over the last few years in bringing it all together.”

We would also like to acknowledge the following people at King’s Oak School whose commitment have created such an outstanding example of brilliant careers education:

• Mr Meic Griffiths – Executive Headteacher.
• Mrs Jill Smith – Head of School.
• Mr Jim Spark – Head of Achievement, Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4.

Can we help your school deliver great careers advice?

As well as matching people from the business world with schools to enhance class-room learning, our team work with school staff to reach and exceed national standards for careers education.

If you are a school or business wanting to work with the Local London Careers Hub please contact us on careershub.east@redbridge.gov.uk or find out more about what we do here www.local.london/what-we-do/programmes/careers-hub

Our team’s work is made possible with funding from the Careers and Enterprise Company, The Mayor of London, and UKSPF.

Hundreds of people are receiving support through Local London Work and Health Programme Pioneer, part of the Government-funded specialist employment support for people in Wales, London and Southern Region who are looking for work. 

Local London has been working with Maximus and JCP to improve collaboration, and month-on-month ensuring the programme reached the residents who needed its support.

Among the many people who have been supported through the programme, are Marcus and Pete. You can read their stories below.

Marcus is thriving with coffee and art

 Marcus referred onto Local London Work and Health Programme Pioneer in December 2023 and started the programme in January 2024. Prior to starting, Marcus had been unemployed for 3 years and had attempted to study at university. 

When Marcus joined Pioneer, he identified his major barriers as being his learning disability and symptoms of depression which made rejections really difficult and often caused him to feel listless. 

Helping Marcus to follow through on his goals

Straight away Marcus’ advisor began working with him to identify his interests and environments that would fit his mental health needs. Together they worked on developing his CV, interviewing skills, and overall confidence, helping to push Marcus to follow through on his goals. His advisor also introduced Marcus to ‘Well Grounded’, a training provider specifically oriented to the coffee industry and barista work.

In the same month as starting on Pioneer, Marcus began his course at Well Grounded. In May, after successfully completing his course, Marcus was placed into a coffee shop to put his skills into practice. During this time, his advisor continued to support him and liaised on his behalf to find a solution with Well Grounded when a difficulty arose regarding the location of his role.

Starting a full-time, permanent role he loves

In July 2024, Marcus started his first full-time, permanent contract at a coffee shop at the Royal Opera House. Marcus is thrilled with his new role as it provides generous benefits, is in a field he loves, and he has a schedule that works best for him. He sees this current opportunity as the start of what he hopes to be a long and successful career.

In addition to his recent full-time contract, Marcus has also been encouraged to continue his own artistic pursuits and has successfully sold several pieces in the time he’s been working with Maximus. Marcus has recently been invited to take part in an art showcase, where he will have even more opportunities to display and sell his artwork.

Marcus’ mother said “The support Marcus has received from Maximus UK has really changed his life. Marcus is so much happier now because he had people who listened and believed in his abilities.

I was initially worried that Pioneer would just be a programme that focused on putting people wherever, but that wasn’t the case at all. I’m so grateful to everyone who worked with Marcus and gave him the encouragement he needed.”

Pete’s confidence has been restored

Pete joined WHP Pioneer looking for help finding work, this is what he said:

“I joined WHP Pioneer, hoping for the guidance needed to secure employment.

When I joined, my assigned employer advisor from Maximus reviewed my CV and helped me prepare for interviews. Repeated rejections impacted my confidence, and travel costs for interviews were challenging. But my advisor’s continuous support and encouragement rebuilt my confidence, and financial support for travel for interviews was a relief.

With Maximus’s help, I secured a new job. My advisor’s consistent check-ins ensured I was happy and doing well, boosting my confidence.

Overall, the support has been transformative, helping me find employment and restoring my confidence in my abilities.”

Find out more about the WHP Pioneer programme

Shape the future of employment support in Local London!

Are you ready to lead an innovative programme that transforms lives across nine London boroughs?

We’re seeking a passionate and results-driven Contract Manager – IPS Specialist to oversee the delivery of a pioneering Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Programme. This role is your chance to make a tangible impact by connecting residents with meaningful employment opportunities, enabling them to overcome health barriers, and fostering collaboration with employers to ensure long-term workplace success.

What we are looking for

We’re searching for an exceptional leader who can blend strategic oversight with hands-on delivery. You’ll bring:

• Proven expertise in contract management, with a track record of achieving programme goals.
• Strong knowledge of IPS principles and their application in employment support.
• Outstanding communication skills to foster collaboration among boroughs, support services, NHS, providers, funders, and stakeholders.
• A commitment to resident wellbeing, supporting individuals to tackle health barriers and access sustainable work opportunities.
• The ability to build partnerships with employers and organisations to create inclusive, supportive workplace environments.
• Analytical ability to monitor data, address risks, and drive continuous improvement.

If you are a strategic thinker with a heart for community impact, we want to hear from you!

Why join us?

• Be at the forefront of a transformative employment initiative.
• Collaborate with local authorities, funders, employers, and community partners.
• Help residents achieve independence and resilience through tailored support.
• Enjoy a flexible, hybrid working environment.

About us

Local London is a sub-regional partnership of nine London boroughs: Barking and Dagenham, Bexley, Bromley, Enfield, Havering, Greenwich, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest.

⇒Discover more about our programmes.

About the role

Redbridge Council serves as the accountable body for Local London, and staff are employed on Redbridge Council terms and conditions.

• Job reference: RQ002008
• Location: Lynton House, Ilford / hybrid
• Salary: £56,646 to £59,739 per annum
• Contractual hours: 36
• Basis: Full time.
• Closing date: 13.01.2025

⇒ To apply for this role, please visit new opportunities at Redbridge Council www.redbridge.gov.uk/jobs/job-search

Ambitious for Redbridge

All short-listed applicants will need to demonstrate proof of right to work in the UK. At the London Borough of Redbridge, we receive a high volume of great-quality applicants, we therefore may close a vacancy earlier than advertised. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

We are committed to employment practices that promote diversity and inclusion in employment and welcome applications from qualified applicants regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sex, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, colour, race, religion, or belief.

Across the Local London sub-region our Work and Health Programme has helped over 20,000 people find work or training to get them closer to the job market.

Delivered by Maximus, the Local London Work and Health (WHP) programme provides tailored support for up to 21 months to people who are out of the job market, many who have long-term health conditions and/or disabilities.

As well as providing wrap-around health, well-being and financial support, the programme helps with CV and interview skills and connects people to employers who are actively recruiting.

Interview successes at Bromley jobs fair

In October 2024, our delivery partner Maximus and the team at the London Borough of Bromley, organised a bespoke jobs fair for local residents on the Local London WHP programme and Restart.

Household brands including Lidl, Centaur and Placing People Direct were among the employers looking to find the right people for their vacancies.

Over 73% of Local London WHP participants were offered interviews!

Having arrived fully prepared with smart CVs, practiced and ready to interview, people on the programmes attended sessions with the employers to discover what it is like working in the business and the roles available.

Throughout the day the people on the programmes were reassured and reminded of their skills, chaperoned to and from meetings with prospective employers, and offered moral support by the Maximus team whilst they attended interviews.

The day reaped benefits. From the recruitment day over 73% of the Local London WHP participants were offered interviews, and some have now started work. Great result! Well done to everyone.

Aisha turns her life around in just two weeks

Everybody’s journey is different, and we are delighted that after being on the Local London Work and Health programme for just two weeks, Aisha* from Waltham Forest, began her career in the education sector.

Aisha, who is in her 20’s, was referred by her local job centre who thought she would benefit from the programme. They were right!

Understanding why Aisha was out of work, Shabana, her key worker, suggested that her health issues may be related to chronic stress and excessive strenuous pressure. Aisha immediately said “Wow! That sounds so accurate because I was going through a lot of stress during my postgraduate degree and my old workplace.”

They agreed that Aisha would benefit from specialist pain, health, stress management sessions, to help her manage symptoms and learn different coping mechanisms.

With Shabana’s support, Aisha made quick progress. Shabana referred Aisha to a CV specialist. After one meeting Aisha had an outstanding recruiter-ready CV. At the same time, Shabana spoke to her colleagues at Maximus who connect clients to suitable employers and agencies with open vacancies.

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for your ongoing help!

The team reached out to potential employers and Aisha’s polished CV quickly secured her an interview with Qualiteach, a specialist teaching recruitment agency. Shabana immediately scheduled a mock interview for Aisha to make her real interview less daunting. Aisha’s CV, knowledge and interview conduct impressed the recruiter, and she has embarked on a new teaching career.

“I knew from the first meeting Shabana would be very helpful” Aisha said “She was so kind, caring and her positivity was absolutely contagious. Her own story inspired me and gave me the confidence to take that leap of faith and not let my health condition hold me back. I am so shocked that within 2 weeks I was successful in a job interview. I’m really excited and cannot wait to start my career in teaching. Thank you so much Shabana, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for your ongoing help!”

Funded by The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), we manage the programme on behalf of our boroughs to help more people get into and stay in good jobs.

• Find out more: maximusuk.co.uk/london

*Name changed.