Join Our Community Ambassador Programme.
Be the voice of East London’s future.
Our Community Ambassador Programme celebrates the incredible people who lift up East London — the storytellers, the connectors, the champions who want to share the energy, creativity and opportunity growing across our boroughs.
Community Ambassadors help amplify the voices of the projects we fund, raise awareness of the impact happening in their neighbourhoods and support our fundraising so this work can continue to grow. They’re the face of Foundation for Future London — advocates, bridge-builders and proud representatives of our mission to bring fairer, more creative futures to East London.
Launched in 2024, the programme is growing quickly and powerfully, shaped by the people at its heart.
Meet Our Ambassadors
The programme is led by singer and award-winning social entrepreneur Tiwa King, who is shaping and growing our Ambassador network with passion and care.
Our newest Ambassadors include:
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Jazal Babar — a young leader working across ESG, sustainability and philanthropy.
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Katie Balcombe — a communications professional shaping culture and placemaking.
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Zak Addae–Kodua — founder of Xconversation CIC, a lived-experience storytelling platform running programmes in schools, prisons and East London communities.
If you’d like to be part of a team like this, keep reading — or skip to the bottom to apply.
About the Programme
We’re recruiting our next Community Ambassador — someone who believes in East London and wants to help us champion the places, people and ideas that make it special.
We welcome applicants of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences. Ambassadors represent, fundraise, promote and elevate the boroughs of Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, helping us bring opportunities closer to the communities we serve.
Our small team and Board of Trustees will support you to make a big local impact. As part of the programme, you’ll receive benefits, training and access to networks that help you grow personally and professionally.
As an Ambassador, you may speak to audiences across schools, universities, businesses, youth organisations, charities and community groups — sharing the mission of Foundation for Future London and inspiring others to get involved.
Our Commitment to You
This programme is still young — and we’re building it with you, not just for you.
As an Ambassador, you’ll receive:
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Access to new contacts, networks and unique opportunities
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Personal and professional support from our team
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A commitment to your development, confidence and career growth
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A space where your voice, lived experience and leadership genuinely matter
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A programme grounded in access, equity and inclusion, reflective of the communities we serve
We see our Ambassadors as partners, not volunteers — and we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
What You Will Get Out of It
Being an Ambassador means we will:
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Champion you — your voice, your skills, your lived experience
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Showcase your work to our partners, networks and high-profile events
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Provide training and development opportunities
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Connect you with new people, spaces and possibilities
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Recognise your contributions across our website and social channels
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Share funding and professional opportunities
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Cover your expenses and provide financial compensation for your time
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Ensure every engagement opportunity is accessible and supportive
Ambassadors come from the communities we stand for — and are chosen based on their passion, insight and commitment to East London.
Time Commitment
We know life is full, so flexibility is key.
We ask for around 3–5 hours per month, depending on your availability and the opportunities you want to take on.
Fees and Expenses
You will be paid for your time, with fees adjusted based on the nature of the work, level of engagement and your expertise. All agreed expenses are covered, and from time to time, you may be invited to deliver additional professional paid work.
How to Apply
To arrange an initial conversation or ask questions, contact:
📩 Sarah Nelson, CEO — sarahnelson@future.london
To apply, email your CV and a short cover letter explaining:
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Why you want to become a Community Ambassador
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What you’d bring to the programme
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What East London means to you
Photo credit: Chris Baker
Video Interviews
Watch now: Tiwa King in conversation with East London artist Official Remz
Film: Chris Baker
Watch now: Jazal Babar in conversation with Tiwa King
Film: Chris Baker
Watch now: Zak Addae–Kodua in conversation with Tiwa King
Our Ambassadors
Tiwa King (Lead)
Tiwa King is an internationally known singer, wellbeing consultant, two-time TEDx speaker, host, BBC radio contributor, author, award-winning social entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Beyond a Song CIC. This year, Tiwa was selected to be a UN Women delegate 2024 and 2025 and won the prestigious 2025 WISE100 (Women Leading in Social Enterprise) Rising Star Award by NatWest and Pioneers Post.
Beyond a Song is a unique social enterprise on a mission to empower and build confidence and self-love; ensuring individuals’ wellbeing is at the core of everything they do – through the power of song. Dedicated to empowering women, mothers of neurodiverse children, and children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Tiwa is proud to have collaborated with renowned organisations such as CNN, Apple, Sky, Ministry of Justice, Social Ark, the BBC, KPMG, NHS, Westfield and numerous incredible grassroots organisations and schools.
Jazal Babar
Jazal Babar is a young leader in the ESG space, working between sustainability and philanthropy. He joined The Conduit, where he is currently a Global Impact and Sustainability Lead, directly from Cambridge University, where he was active in student organising and community engagement.
Jazal has been central to advancing sustainable initiatives in his organisation and advising the Belron Ronnie Lubner Charitable Foundation as they awarded over €4m of grants to organisations supporting refugees globally.
Photo credit: Edward Howell Photography
Katie Balcombe (Communications Lead)
Katie Balcombe is an accomplished communications leader with 14 years of experience delivering impactful campaigns across culture, the built environment and placemaking. Her career spans both the public and private sectors, driving engagement on transformational projects like Stockport MDC’s £1bn town centre regeneration and Quintain’s redevelopment of Wembley Park.
Katie has also played a pivotal role in promoting cultural destinations, including the Culture Mile and BOXPARK’s newest venture, BOXHALL City.
Previously, Katie worked at the Museum of London, leading award-winning initiatives, such as the widely acclaimed Fatberg! exhibition.
Her passion for storytelling and strategic vision continue to help shape vibrant communities and dynamic urban spaces across the UK.
Zak Addae–Kodua
Zak Addae–Kodua is the founder of Xconversation CIC, a podcast platform that conducts lived experience interviews and runs programmes and workshops in schools, prisons and the community. The organisation supports young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system, as well as those transitioning out of custody.
Zak co-hosts the award-winning ‘Life After Prison’ podcast, where he shares his personal journey and interviews inspirational guests about their stories and experiences.
Awards & Recognition
- Gold Award for Best New Presenter in the UK at The Radio Academy Awards 2023
- Best Ensemble Cast winner at The Audio Production Award 2024
- The Black Talent Award winner for contributions to the Charitable and Social Change Sector 2024
Media Appearances
Zak has been featured on Times Radio, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 1Xtra, The Guardian, The Observer and The Times Newspaper publications.