Five principles for an adult skills partnership that works

Newham Council and Lendlease share a long-term commitment to ensuring that regeneration creates real opportunity for local people. Our partnership on green and digital skills – recently recognised through NOCN Group’s Net Zero Hero Award at the Get the Nation Learning Awards – shows what’s possible when the public and private sectors work side by side with a shared purpose.

Achieving Net Zero is a core priority for both Newham Council and Lendlease as we respond to the climate emergency and work to build a more sustainable future for our communities in East London. This commitment aligns closely with the Newham Growth Plan, which identifies the green economy as a key sector for future growth, job creation, and innovation. By supporting green industries and sustainable development, the borough aims to ensure that economic growth goes hand in hand with environmental responsibility. Our joint approach for projects is also guided by the Newham Just Transition Plan, which sets out how the borough will move towards a low-carbon economy in a way that is fair and inclusive. This can ensure residents, businesses, and local institutions are supported throughout the transition.

Together, we believe there are five principles that other employer and local government partnerships can learn from when it comes to achieving their shared local goals and getting the nation learning.

1. Start with local need: good skills provision begins with listening.

By working with Our Newham Learning & Skills, we’ve ensured that training programmes reflect real local needs: from people returning to the workplace, to residents seeking career progression, to learners with additional support needs.

The strengths and needs of our communities are also reflected in Newham’s “Fairer Newham” and Net Zero strategies. These set clear priorities for the borough; including access to digital, data and green skills that are essential for a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable local economy.

2. Build pathways, not one-off interventions. Short-term programmes can help, but long-term pathways change lives.

Our partnership is designed to embed learning and employment opportunities directly into Lendlease’s major regeneration projects such as Stratford Cross and Silvertown. That means residents can move from training to work experience to real jobs, supported by both the Council and Lendlease. Learners gain confidence, discover new career routes and take meaningful steps into employment.

3. Design for inclusion from the start: a skills partnership only works if everyone can benefit from it.

Together, we have ensured that programmes are accessible to people who face barriers to work, including residents from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs or disabilities. Tailored pathways, supported internships and dedicated pastoral support ensure that no one is left behind. This inclusive approach was a key reason the partnership was recognised nationally.

4. Connect learning to the jobs of the future: a good skills programme is aligned to where the economy is heading, not just where it has been.

Our programmes focus on fast-growing sectors – green skills, digital, and data – which are central to Newham’s future economy and vital for the UK’s transition to net zero. By introducing residents to the breadth of opportunities in these fields, we are helping shape a workforce that is ready for the industries of tomorrow.

5. Collaborate with purpose, with a shared commitment to a long-term impact

At the heart of this partnership is a simple belief: public–private collaboration creates greater impact than either partner can deliver alone. Newham Council brings deep knowledge of the community and a commitment to fairness. Lendlease brings industry insight, future-focused skills and access to employment opportunities across major projects. Together, we are creating a model that others can learn from – one where regeneration is about people as much as place, and where we capitalise and maximise on lifelong learning and training opportunities.

Our recognition at the Get the Nation Learning Awards reflects the long-term difference this partnership is committed to. Both Lendlease and Newham Council are supporters of this campaign and will continue to locate lifelong learning at the heart of our ambitions. NOCN Group, as a national leader in green skills and sustainable workforce development, was proud to sponsor this award and celebrate a partnership that is driving real progress towards a low carbon, future focused economy. We encourage others to join the campaign and learn from the lessons we’ve shared in this article.