Our focus

LAIN (London Anchor Institutions’ Network) is focussed on creating a fairer, greener, more prosperous London where everyone can thrive.

Convened by the Mayor of London, we have a growing membership across the public, private, faith-based, education and cultural sectors who collectively represent dozens of “anchors” across the city, employing tens of thousands of people, spending billions of pounds a year and managing millions of square metres of real estate. This represents huge potential to make a significant difference.  

Our members are committed to tackling inequalities by making the city more inclusive and sustainable, supporting local businesses and economic growth while taking action in the face of climate change, by doing the following:

  • Buying a greater share of our goods and services from local micro, small, medium-sized and/or diverse-owned (MSME) businesses.

  • Maximising good work and progression opportunities for Londoners underrepresented in the labour market.

  • Increasing quality mentoring opportunities for young Londoners most in need.

  • Contributing to the capital’s net-zero carbon goals, including through decarbonisation of our estates and developing green skills.

  • Convening and sharing best practice on effective place-based partnerships.

LAIN’s Working Groups

Our members have formed working groups to drive progress and share practice in the following areas:

Hiring & Skills Working Group

Developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of London’s communities

Mentoring Young People Working Group

Helping young Londoners to flourish through high quality mentoring

Procurement Working Group

Maximising our purchasing power to benefit local economic resilience

Green New Deal Working Group

Tackling the climate and ecological emergencies

Place Working Group

Developing anchor partnerships across London’s communities

NEW

Childcare Working Group

Tackling barriers to childcare and helping parents into good work