Jon's Career at Camden Council

Camden’s strong purpose, sense of social justice and inclusiveness is really powerful...We’re embracing our different perspectives, and harnessing that difference.

JON'S STORY

Camden’s strong purpose, sense of social justice and inclusiveness is really powerful.

It really appealed to me. I can't think of another organisation that puts tackling inequality so front and centre – and it’s becoming increasingly important over time. We’re encouraging people to test our assumptions and how we think about inclusivity, working out in the open, testing, failing and learning.  We need to be much more accepting towards each other. Each one of us has a story to tell.

We’re embracing our different perspectives, and harnessing that difference.

What an awesome opportunity it is to be able to knit together such an eclectic mix. The chance to create a world city is also an opportunity is tangible.  What can't be underestimated is the scale of Camden as an organisation. Our day-to-day spend on services. Our year-on-year investments on housing and our pension plan.

Our workforce of 3,000. The constant challenge is how do we support of an organisation of this scale. How do we ensure a financially sustainable footing? How do we bridge the digital divide?

How do we do we harness that rebellious spirit?

Because of austerity, local government is often in a managed decline. But we have remained ambitious and dynamic. We're happy to move at pace, happy to change the status quo, happy to change each other. Having a deeper, closer relationship with our communities is the reason why people feel coming here is more than just the job and getting paid.   As a leader, what you hope to create are the conditions that empower individuals.

You focus on setting the tone for the organisation to flourish and support people to be their best versions of themselves. At no time have I ever felt anything other than accepted.

I really love this organisation. What we're doing profoundly impacts on the lives of people in this community.

What we do, what we deliver, must be through the eyes of our community. We have the potential to be a really positive influence.

I think people who work in this organization are fantastic. Committed, hard-working and talented. Experts in their fields.

 

For more details on Camden Council's diversity and inclusion programmes and initiatives please click here.