Jon - Camden Careers

I believe deeply in the power of local government to change people’s lives for the better. 

I’ve worked in local government for around 25 years, and my journey has taken me through a wide range of roles. I’ve worked as a caretaker, I’ve built Blue Badges, I’ve swept streets - and today I’m Chief Executive here at Camden. 

Each of those roles has shaped how I see public service. They taught me that no role is too small to make a difference. Local government is there throughout people’s lives - sometimes quietly in the background, and sometimes in the moments when people need support the most. That is why this work matters so much to me.  

Camden is a very special place. 

I’ve worked in Camden for more than 10 years now, and I still remember joining and feeling that I had arrived somewhere unique. Camden is full of people who want to make a difference. It is a borough, and an organisation, with huge pride, huge energy and a real willingness to challenge the status quo. 

People often talk about Camden’s rebellious spirit, its world-renowned institutions and its appetite to innovate. All of that is true. But when I think of Camden, the first thing that comes to mind is its heart. 

What makes Camden special is the way our organisation and our communities are connected by a shared purpose: to stand up for social justice, to challenge inequality, and to approach what we do with compassion and kindness. You see that in the relationships we build, in the way we work alongside communities, and in our commitment to do the right thing, not the easy thing.  

We are building an organisation where people feel safe, welcome and included. 

Camden is an incredibly diverse borough and workforce, and we believe that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We want people to feel seen, heard and able to be themselves. We want lived experience, different perspectives and constructive challenge to shape how we think and how we work. 

That is one of the things I value most about Camden. People are encouraged to question assumptions, to test ideas, to keep learning, and to help us become a more inclusive organisation. Each of us has a story to tell, and Camden is stronger when we make space for those stories and learn from them.  

The scale of the opportunity here is enormous. 

Camden is an ambitious organisation with a vital role to play in improving people’s lives. We face big questions, how we tackle inequality, how we remain financially sustainable, how we bridge the digital divide, and how we make sure our growth and investment benefit everyone who lives here. 

That is what makes this work so meaningful. What we do and what we deliver must always be seen through the eyes of our communities. We are here not just to run services, but to create the conditions for people and places to thrive.  

What excites me most is the kind of organisation Camden chooses to be. 

At a time when local government can often feel under pressure, Camden has remained ambitious, dynamic and open to change. We are willing to move at pace, to challenge ourselves, and to keep asking how we can do better for our residents and for each other. 

As a leader, I see my role as creating the conditions for people to flourish - setting the tone, empowering individuals, and helping people be the best version of themselves. That matters, because when people feel accepted, valued and supported, they do their best work. 

I genuinely love this organisation. The people who work here are talented, committed and deeply motivated by public service. They care about Camden, they care about residents, and they care about making a positive difference every day. That is what makes this such a special place to work.