Creating new opportunities with Future of London’s Emerging Talent Programme - CIP

Through our Community Investment Programme, we're proud to work with Future of London on their Emerging Talent Programme to support people from ethnic minority backgrounds - who are currently under-represented in the built environment - to launch a career in the sector.  

We caught up with Srivardhan, who started his journey on the programme at Camden Council and is now working full-time with one of our teams, to find out more about how this has shaped his career so far. 

Can you tell us a bit about the Emerging Talent Programme and how it works?    

The programme gives people from culturally diverse backgrounds an opportunity to launch careers in the built environment sector. Candidates are placed in either public or private sector organisations for a 15-month placement split between two organisations. The programme also offers learning and development sessions, dedicated mentorship and support post-completion to secure long-term roles in the sector. 

What made you want to work in the built environment sector?    

I wanted to be part of the built environment sector because of the lasting impact it has on people’s lives. I was inspired by the beautiful temple architecture of Tamil Nadu, India — structures and other buildings that used climate-responsive techniques long before they became “modern.”  

The environment we grow up in can shape our lifestyle, our opportunities and even our life choices, and being able to contribute to shaping the environment that positively influences communities continues to motivate me. 

What did you know about Camden before you joined through the programme?    

I visited the Bourne Estate to understand the role social infrastructure plays in creating strong and inclusive communities as part of my master’s coursework. I was inspired by how the newer development had been sensitively integrated preserving the estate’s heritage, while balancing both social and financial priorities. Through this, I learnt about Camden’s community-centric approach and interesting regeneration schemes. Having lived in Camden for a short period, I experienced life in a redeveloped area and got to explore its vibrant neighbourhoods, giving me first-hand insight into the borough’s diversity. 

What was your role, and what did it involve? 

As a Development Officer, my role included supporting the Senior Development Manager with early feasibility and site identification for a development project. This involved work such as gathering and analysing data, carrying out site visits, and undertaking research to support decision-making.  

Within the CIP Programme Management Office, I was responsible for managing a governance board where projects brought design updates, lessons learned and strategy discussions. I also developed a monitoring framework for non-financial benefits and supported in the preparation of reports and briefings. This gave me an overview of other projects within the CIP programmes and the decision-making processes. 

I also worked with the regeneration team to produce an in-house feasibility study for an underutilised community space as part of the vacant space programme. 

Srivardhan (right) with Camden Council colleagues at Agar Grove Phase 2a

What have you enjoyed the most during your time at Camden?   

I greatly valued the opportunity to work with and learn from colleagues with extensive experience, who have been so supportive. The variety of workstreams was a major highlight, from delivering a scheme to tackle the increasing pressures of temporary accommodation to collaborating with colleagues to develop the CIP Project Map.   

There were other excellent learning opportunities too, including attending governance meetings, taking part in London Real Estate Forum (LREF) 2024 and shadowing other teams, all of which have broadened my understanding of current challenges and how both the organisation and the wider sector operated.  

What are some things you learned while at Camden that have been useful to you professionally?    

Working at Camden has helped me understand the policies and governance processes within a public sector environment. I was exposed to the impacts of key regulations and legislations, the challenges currently facing construction industry, and the different regeneration models being used in today’s socio-economic climate.   

On a practical level, I also picked up several tips that support my day-to-day work which have helped strengthen my project management, programme management, communication skills.   

Having previously worked as a project architect for private consultants abroad, my time at Camden has been invaluable in supporting my transition into the development side of the built environment. 

Find out more about the Emerging Talent Programme.