About Newham
About the Place
Located in the heart of East London, Newham is one of the capital's most dynamic and ambitious boroughs. Defined by its energy, diversity and relentless spirit of renewal, Newham has become a place synonymous with opportunity and transformation. Home to some of London's most significant regeneration programmes, world-class transport connections and internationally recognised destinations, the borough continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of the capital.
Few places have undergone such dramatic change in recent decades. From the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to the ongoing growth of Stratford, the Royal Docks and East Bank, Newham is a borough that embraces progress while remaining firmly rooted in its communities. It is one of the youngest and most diverse places in the country, with residents representing communities from across the world and contributing to a rich cultural identity that defines the borough today.
Newham combines economic potential with a strong sense of purpose. It is a place where global investment meets local ambition, where innovation sits alongside proud residential neighbourhoods, and where growth is increasingly focused on creating opportunities for all. Whether through education, business, culture, housing or infrastructure, Newham continues to demonstrate what inclusive urban growth can achieve.
Neighbourhoods, Communities & Character
Newham is home to a wide range of communities and neighbourhoods, each contributing its own distinctive character to the borough.
Key centres include Stratford, East Ham, West Ham, Canning Town, Plaistow, Beckton, Forest Gate, Manor Park, Custom House and the Royal Docks.
Each area offers something different:
• Stratford has evolved into one of London's most important commercial, cultural and transport destinations, anchored by the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East Bank and Westfield Stratford City.
• The Royal Docks represents one of Europe's most significant regeneration opportunities, combining business investment, housing growth and waterfront living.
• East Ham remains a vibrant town centre with deep community connections and a diverse mix of businesses, cultures and services.
• Forest Gate and Manor Park offer increasingly popular residential communities with excellent access to central London and green spaces.
• Canning Town and Custom House continue to benefit from substantial investment, creating new homes, jobs and opportunities for residents.
Together, these neighbourhoods create a borough that offers enormous variety, strong communities and a unique mix of local identity and global connectivity.
Regeneration, Culture & Opportunity
Newham has become one of Britain's leading examples of urban transformation. The borough continues to attract significant inward investment, supporting housing growth, business development and public realm improvements on an unprecedented scale.
The borough is home to major assets including the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, East Bank, ExCeL London, London City Airport and the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone. Together these developments are creating thousands of jobs, new homes and opportunities for residents and businesses alike.
Alongside this growth, Newham is building on its strengths in culture, education and innovation. With three universities located within the borough and major investment in creative industries, digital technology and skills development, Newham is positioning itself at the forefront of London's future economy.
Location & Transport
Newham is exceptionally well connected. Situated just a few miles east of the City of London, the borough benefits from some of the best transport infrastructure anywhere in the country.
Residents and businesses have access to the Elizabeth Line, London Underground, DLR, London Overground, National Rail services and London City Airport. Stratford Station has become one of the UK's busiest and most connected transport hubs, providing rapid connections across London, the South East and beyond.
This connectivity has helped establish Newham as a major destination for business, investment and innovation, while also making it a highly attractive place to live and work.
About the Council.
Working for Newham Council means joining one of the most ambitious and influential local authorities in the country. Serving a borough of more than 350,000 residents at the heart of East London, the Council combines scale, complexity and opportunity with a strong commitment to fairness, inclusion and social justice. This is an organisation determined to ensure that Newham's remarkable growth and success create lasting benefits for local people and communities.
As one of London's fastest-changing boroughs, Newham Council plays a central role in delivering regeneration, supporting residents, strengthening communities and shaping the future of a place that continues to attract investment, innovation and talent from across the globe.
Political, Governance & Regional Context
Newham Council is a London Borough Council and a key strategic partner within the wider London government landscape. The borough is represented by 66 councillors across 24 wards and operates under the Mayor and Cabinet model of governance.
Led by a directly elected Mayor, the Council works closely with the Greater London Authority, London Councils, neighbouring boroughs, businesses, universities and voluntary sector organisations to address some of the most significant opportunities and challenges facing the capital.
As one of London's largest boroughs by population and one of its most important growth locations, Newham sits at the centre of major economic, transport and housing developments. From the Royal Docks and Stratford to East Bank and the Thames Estuary growth corridor, the Council's influence extends beyond borough boundaries and into the wider future of London.
For senior professionals, this provides a unique opportunity to work at scale, shape regional conversations and deliver outcomes that have a tangible impact on people, place and prosperity.
Our Newham
The Council's culture is shaped by its commitment to building a Fairer Newham. This ambition goes beyond service delivery and informs the way colleagues work together, engage with residents and make decisions.
Newham encourages a collaborative, inclusive and community-focused approach, recognising that the borough's greatest strength is its people. Employees are empowered to challenge convention, embrace innovation and work across organisational boundaries to achieve meaningful change.
This is an organisation that values curiosity, accountability and partnership. Staff are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, contribute new ideas and support one another in creating positive outcomes for residents.
The result is a culture that combines ambition with compassion and innovation with purpose, creating an environment where people can thrive personally and professionally.
Vision, Values & Behaviours
Newham Council's vision is to create a fairer borough where every resident can benefit from the opportunities that surround them and where no community is left behind.
The Council's Fairer Newham agenda is underpinned by a number of core principles:
• Fairness: Ensuring opportunities, services and investment are accessible to all residents.
• Inclusion: Celebrating diversity and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
• Community: Working alongside residents and partners to strengthen neighbourhoods and improve outcomes.
• Ambition: Embracing innovation and striving for excellence in everything the Council delivers.
• Responsibility: Using resources wisely and making decisions that create long-term benefits for people and place.
In practical terms, this is a culture that expects high performance, values collaboration and places residents at the heart of decision-making.