Residents share ideas on how they can contribute to Inclusive Growth in Barking

The Inclusive Growth event I attended last week in Barking provided residents with much-needed updates on future development plans including 10,000 new homes. It also offered residents the opportunity to say what they think is needed right now – and what they can contribute. At the event I talked first to Matt Scott, who is … Continue reading “Residents share ideas on how they can contribute to Inclusive Growth in Barking”

How maps and network building can contribute to Barking’s vision of inclusive growth

Thames Ward Community Project in Barking is taking a lead in demonstrating how mapping local assets and networks for collaboration can empower residents faced with massive development – and hopefully help create places that work for everyone. Barbara Brayshay and I are today contributing to their Inclusive Growth Summit. A recent report for the Early … Continue reading “How maps and network building can contribute to Barking’s vision of inclusive growth”

How to make London a more Sharing City – find out who’s sharing already and fill the gaps

Yesterday Tom Llewelyn came to London to launch Sharing Cities – Activitating the Urban Commons.  It is a wonderful compendium of people, projects and organisations working together in 80 cities to create community-based solutions to challenges from housing to mobility, energy to water and waste. The launch, appropriately enough, was in one of the centres in … Continue reading “How to make London a more Sharing City – find out who’s sharing already and fill the gaps”

Deputy Mayor opens discussion on social isolation and loneliness in London. The positive or negative role of tech deserves attention.

London’s Deputy Mayor, Matthew Ryder QC, is hosting a public conversation at City Hall next month on ‘Social Isolation and Loneliness in London.’ There’s a great line up of speakers, and I hope there’s space for discussion about our interest in the role of technology and networks. Here’s news of the event, from the registration … Continue reading “Deputy Mayor opens discussion on social isolation and loneliness in London. The positive or negative role of tech deserves attention.”

Smarter London Together starts on the road to people-first design. Can it also lead to strong civil society?

The Mayor of London, and chief digital officer Theo Blackwell, last week launched the Smarter London Together roadmap after a listening exercise, with more emphasis on the “people first, technology second” philosophy urged earlier by organisations including Doteveryone. The announcement says: “A smart city is a collaborative, connected and responsive city which uses technology and … Continue reading “Smarter London Together starts on the road to people-first design. Can it also lead to strong civil society?”

Hub for London appoints CEO

The Hub for London, set up by Greater London Volunteering and London Funders to create new support systems for civil society, has appointed Margaret Cooney as its first chief executive. Margaret is currently Director of Development at vinspired the volunteering charity for 14-25 year olds, and has previously worked for Spacehive and the Big Lottery … Continue reading “Hub for London appoints CEO”

New Hub for London role to develop civil society networks and civic tech

The Hub for London responsible for developing new systems to support charities, social action groups and community organisations has advertised a post to support and develop networks, and apply digital tech for communication and collaboration. I think it is fair to say that the responsibilities outlined in the recruitment pack reflect many of the ideas … Continue reading “New Hub for London role to develop civil society networks and civic tech”

Responses to Smart London proposals argue for people first, technology second

The Chief Digital Officer’s “listening exercise” on City Hall proposals for a Smart London has prompted responses emphasising the need to design for people first – going beyond developing ways to increase the efficiency of services. I think these provide support in depth for our ideas on Why Smart City London should be a #NetworkedCity: … Continue reading “Responses to Smart London proposals argue for people first, technology second”

Free London events on Smart and Networked Cities

Next week we are running a free event in London on “Smart City meets Networked City”, with a focus on how civic mapping plus digital technology can help connect people and support networks. There’s a few tickets left for the afternoon workshop discussions on March 27, and also for the evening session. More details about … Continue reading “Free London events on Smart and Networked Cities”

The Hub for London to support civil society now recruiting first chief executive #TheWayAhead

The Hub for London, supporting civil society organisations, is now advertising for its first chief executive – with some insights into how the organisation may operate. The recruitment notice says: The Hub for London is a new infrastructure support organisation for the region’s civil society. This new organisation will offer a range of support for … Continue reading “The Hub for London to support civil society now recruiting first chief executive #TheWayAhead”