About Us

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed and exacerbated long-standing inequalities within London. It also highlighted the growing urgency of the climate emergency and the need to secure a green recovery.​​

In response, the Mayor of London and London Councils convened some of London's biggest organisations across different sectors to lead London's recovery and mitigate the worst effects for those hardest hit - these organisations came together to form the London Anchor Institutions’ Network (LAIN).

Since then, our members have formed working groups to drive progress and share practice.

LAIN’s Working Groups

Governance

A steering committee, chaired by Lizzie Smith, Director of Workforce, Training and Education, NHS - London region, informs the network’s strategic priorities and oversees their execution.​

The network is supported by a team at City Hall.

Steering Committee Members

  • Ben Rogers, Professor of Practice, University of London

  • Chandru Dissanayeke, Executive Director, Strategy and Communications, Greater London Authority

  • Dale Kidson, Director of Commercial Services, Metropolitan Police Service

  • Daniela Kirchner, Chief Operating Officer, Film London

  • Darren de Souza, Senior Policy and Projects Officer, London Higher

  • David Rowell, Assistant Director of Commercial and Procurement, London Fire Brigade

  • Karen Wallbridge, Head of Talent, Transport for London

  • Liz Giles, Policy and Communications Director, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

  • Lizzie Smith, Director of Workforce, Training and Education, NHS England - London Region and Senior Responsible Officer, NHS London Anchor Programme

  • Mary Vine Morris, Area Director, Association of Colleges

  • Michael Ziff/Amanda Bowman, Co-Chairs, London Jewish Forum

  • Michelle May, Executive Director of Inclusive Growth, London Legacy Development Corporation

  • Mostaque Ahmed, Chief Finance Officer, London Fire Brigade

  • Richard Watts, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mayor of London’s Office

  • Sanjay Odedra, Director of Comms and Campaigns, BusinessLDN

  • Tessa Fayers, Wastewater Operations Director, Thames Water

Get in touch

If you're interested in the London Anchor Institutions’ Network please send us a message and a member of the programme team will get back to you.