Helping built environment employers develop diverse talent

Our Emerging Talent Programme addresses the lack of ethnic diversity by creating entry-level opportunities. Discover how your organisation can benefit from work placements that accelerate EDI strategies and spot talent for permanent hire.

Ethnic minority groups represent 18% of the population in England and Wales (2021 Census), yet remain significantly under-represented across the built environment, including architecture (12%), planning (7%), and construction (6%).

Future of London works with employers, including housing associations, planning and urban design consultancies and London boroughs, to address this diversity gap directly. We connect talented Londoners from ethnic minority backgrounds with organisations ready to invest in early-career talent.

Since launching in January 2022, four cohorts have completed the programme with excellent results:

• 42 graduates from four cohorts of the Emerging Talent Programme
• Three-quarters (76%) secured permanent employment in the sector

• 40% were hired directly by their placement host organisations

Support for your organisation’s EDI and talent objectives

Cohort 4 graduated in July 2026, and candidate recruitment is currently paused. We are speaking with corporate, public sector and housing association employers to plan our next intake in 2027. Contact CEO Nicola Mathers to find out more.

Work placements, not work experience

We place two candidates with employers. sequentially. One for nine months and one for six months. As the employer, you provide job descriptions that match your needs. The Candidates are expected to deliver tangible results that add value to your organisation.

Employers report that candidates bring fresh perspectives and challenge to the team, drawing on their lived experience and ambitions for the future.

Future of London provides training for the cohort to develop key skills, such as report-writing and positive workplace behaviours.

Why partner with Future of London?

• Low-risk recruitment: We manage the entire recruitment, assessment, and onboarding process. Future of London holds the employment contract, minimising your HR and administrative overhead.
• Productive, value-adding placements: These are structured, substantive roles rather than basic work experience. Candidates bring fresh perspectives, ambition, and lived experience to deliver for your team.
• Dedicated wraparound support: Each candidate receives one-to-one mentoring, professional skills training (from business presentations to time management), and ongoing pastoral guidance from the programme team.
• Upskill your team: Host managers gain Cultural Intelligence (CQ) training, building a more inclusive, high-performing culture.

How the programme works

1. We recruit through application, interview and a rigorous assessment centre
2. Candidates complete two placements, and employers host two candidates, over 15 months
3. We provide mentoring and learning opportunities for candidates, and EDI advice for employers throughout
4. Future of London holds the employment contract, so no employer risks.

Next steps

To find out how we can support your organisation’s talent pipeline and EDI goals, contact CEO Nicola Mathers

Talent you will want to keep 

Now in its fourth year, 42 candidates have graduated from the programme with 100% of their line managers saying they would consider ETP candidates for future roles.

Meet the Emerging Talent Programme graduates and mentors

What employers say

“The diversity part of supporting new talent means that we should be more representative of the communities that we serve.” - Rosemarie Jenkins, regeneration team leader at Camden Council.

“For an SME like Altair, the offer of managing the whole process from recruitment to upskilling opportunities throughout the placement is very attractive. We can focus on helping them deliver value to their projects and have a positive learning experience.” –  Tom Dewey, formerly a director at Altair, now Redbridge Council

“We aim to reflect residents in our workforce but many still face barriers when seeking a career in the built environment so it’s essential that we ensure the widest possible range of people can enter the sector.” – Elaine Ambrose, Strategic Initiatives and Programme Manager at L&Q.

Host employers

• Altair
• Arup
• Bouygues
• Campbell Tickell
• DP9
• Greater London Authority
• Hill Group
• Historic England
• L&Q
• Barnet Council
• Camden Council
• Enfield Council
• Haringey Council
• London Borough of Hounslow
• Lambeth Council
• Southwark Council
• London Borough of Waltham Forest
• Metropolitan Thames Valley Homes
• Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
• Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation
• Peabody Housing Association
• Quod
• Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
• Sanctuary Housing
• Socius
• Southern Housing
• Westminster City Council
• Yoo Capital