Camden’s missions for a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable Borough

This research project is led by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (UCL IIPP).
Explore all IIPP research projects here. 

Dates of the project: 2020-2021

The Challenge 

In spring 2020, as the first impacts of COVID-19 begin to unfold, the London Borough of Camden confronts the urgent need to rethink its approach to local recovery. Already marked by high levels of inequality and poverty, the pandemic intensifies existing challenges—prompting local government to look beyond short-term fixes toward long-term transformation. 

In response, Camden launches the Camden Renewal Commission in autumn 2020. The aim: to build a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable borough, and to address deep-rooted structural inequalities exposed by the crisis. 

Our Approach 

The Camden Renewal Commission is co-chaired by Council Leader Georgia Gould and IIPP Director Professor Mariana Mazzucato. Bringing together sixteen commissioners from across the borough—spanning community organisations, business, health and education—the Commission works over nine months to define a bold, mission-oriented strategy for renewal. 

Together, they set out four clear missions to guide Camden’s transformation: 

• By 2030, those holding positions of power in Camden reflect the diversity of the community—and the next generation is prepared to follow.
• By 2025, every young person has access to economic opportunity that enables them to be safe and secure.
• By 2030, everyone eats well every day with nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food.
• By 2030, Camden’s estates and neighbourhoods are healthy and sustainable. 

These missions embed public purpose at the heart of local governance—aligning policy, procurement, and budgeting to long-term outcomes. 

Why This Matters 

Camden’s mission-led renewal becomes a flagship example of how local governments can lead with purpose. Through ongoing collaboration with IIPP, the borough continues to develop its institutional capacity to deliver against its missions.  

IIPP supports this journey through a series of knowledge exchange workshops and a new Policy Lab, developed in partnership with the Laudes Foundation. These spaces allow policy practitioners and researchers to work side-by-side—testing and refining how missions are operationalised in practice.   

Beyond Camden, this work contributes to IIPP’s broader learning on how mission-oriented approaches can drive inclusive and sustainable innovation at the local level.  

Resources 

Funder

This project is funded by Camden Council. 

This research project is led by the UCL Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose (UCL IIPP).
Explore all IIPP research projects here.