Making an Impact with Inclusive Innovatio­n

What does inclusive innovation mean to Here East? It’s about pushing boundaries in a way that delivers shared prosperity for all.

As we look to expand the reach of Here East’s collaborative ecosystem and deliver game-changing impact on a global scale, our commitment to the local community remains at the heart of this journey and mission.

To hear more, we spoke to our ESG Coordinator, Isaac Vale, who shared more about his career path and how Here East is fueling inclusive innovation.

Could you tell us a bit about your career journey so far and how Here East has helped fuel it?

Isaac: “I was welcomed to Here East back in 2021 when I started working at Change Please – the social enterprise and community coffee van located in the Here East Yard. From there, I was offered a job in Here East’s Front-Of-House team as a receptionist and later progressed into the role of ESG Coordinator for Here East; the first of its kind on campus.

“Working alongside the team and tenants over the last 3 years at Here East has provided me with invaluable experience that I will carry far into the future. Moving from working in the coffee van at Here East to the management office has truly been full circle for me. I’ve also been able to continue my education alongside these roles, starting my MSc in Environment & Sustainability and an apprenticeship in corporate responsibility and sustainability.

“Here East has not only opened doors to employment and experience in a field I’ve always wanted to work in, but it has also inspired me with its ethos. As soon as I joined the campus I was immediately at home; there seemed to be opportunities everywhere and it really felt like a place where big ideas happen – and I was right.”

How does Here East foster a diverse and inclusive community and culture on campus?

Isaac: “Community engagement is embedded into everything we do at Here East. Our relationship with our tenants and visitors from the local boroughs and beyond is really important – we not only look to ‘give back’ but embed ourselves within the community.

“From our team to our tenants to our initiatives and partnerships – diversity and inclusion are part of the fabric of Here East’s ecosystem. The events that we run on campus exemplify this, focusing on inclusive development. A great example is the recent ‘Diversity in Tech’ event we hosted in partnership with Hackney Council, which looked to inspire local young people to consider careers in the tech industry.”

How is Here East delivering a positive social impact for the local community?

Isaac: “Making a positive impact – both locally and globally – is the golden thread of Here East’s vision, mission and culture.

“Some fantastic examples include initiatives like our Scholarships Programme, empowering the next generation of East London talent; or our trusted partnerships with the likes of First Mile, working together to reduce waste and improve sustainability on our campus.

“This is really just the tip of the iceberg of how Here East is making a tangible difference in the lives of people on our campus, in the local community, and beyond. Our recent Impact Report offers a more detailed snapshot of how we go about this and what ‘making an impact’ means to us.”

Why is inclusive innovation important to Here East, both locally and globally?

Isaac: “As East London develops, it’s important that the local community is brought with it, making sure those who have created the existing community aren’t pushed out. Here East has been community-focused from day one.

“The purpose-led tenants we have on campus are a testament to this, such as The Trampery, a creative hub empowering local SMEs; Scope, a charity on a mission to create true equality for disabled people; or our charity partner Badu, a Community Interest Company (CIC) championing East London’s next generation.

“On a local scale, inclusive innovation provides socio-economic stability and positive change for the community; on a global scale, inclusive innovation can help facilitate opportunities for developing areas; each area has its strengths, so shared learnings from other markets are incredibly valuable.”