Mabel Ogundayo, CEO of built environment and construction engagement experts Origin Consulting, is working with Bellway London’s Barking Project Team on a range of initiatives to help local people take advantage of the opportunities being created by the new neighbourhood which is taking shape on their doorstep.
Mabel, 33, who is an elected councillor on the London Borough of Bexley for the Thamesmead East ward, developed a keen interest in the built environment through her council work with a particular emphasis on regeneration projects and how they impact the people who live near them.
“It’s about making sure that communities understand the benefits and feel the benefits when a development takes place,” she said.
“When there is a major development in an area people might think it’s not for them. It’s about changing that perception and helping people to understand that even though you might not live on a development, you should have the possibility of benefitting in some way.”
She explained that community engagement helps connect the developer, the new residents and the wider community.
Bellway London is in the process of delivering more than 2,300 homes at Barking Riverside at its Fielders Quarter and Eastbrooke Village developments. A total of 20,000 homes are proposed for the wider project and if planning permission is secured for the remainder of the scheme Bellway would build at least 4,000 of the total.
Connecting local people with job opportunities at the scheme is a key part of Mabel’s role. Currently, around 15 local people are employed at Bellway London’s developments at Barking Riverside – that is 25.5 per cent of the workforce.
When new jobs come up on site Mabel works with Bellway London’s contractors to publicise the vacancies to a local audience by working with relevant local charities and groups as well as the local authority, the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, which promotes local employment through its B&D Works service, Barking Job Shop.This ensures that local people hear about vacancies at the earliest opportunity.
Mabel explained that contractors often tend to employ people they have worked with before because it is easier but said that seeking out local people for employment and training helps tackle the skills shortage as well as strengthening links with the local community.
“There is a skills shortage in construction because we are not upskilling people.”
Bellway London is also forging links with local schools through engagement events and workshops.
And in April it will host its Work Experience Academy at Barking Riverside for up to 30 young people aged 16 to 21. The week-long event will not only give young people a taste of the construction industry, but it could also lead to an internship or apprenticeship for some.
Engagement work has also included holding community events and residents’ meetings so that people can get together and meet the Bellway London team. A regular newsletter has also been set up to keep people in the area informed about work on site, and to introduce individual team members.
Mabel said: “It’s a really interesting place to work. It’s a very diverse community, which is brilliant, and people are open to engaging.”