Tunde Olayinka

Biography

Tunde Olayinka is the Executive Director for Communities and Skills at the Greater London Authority (GLA), where he leads the Mayor’s strategic agenda on social development, skills & employment, and health. His portfolio includes flagship programmes such as Universal Free School Meals, Adult Education and Employment, and the New Deal for Young People. He also works to ensure that London’s businesses can access the skilled talent they need while enabling Londoners to access good work and thrive.

During his time in the Civil Service, Tunde led the UK’s largest diversity and inclusion change programme, spanning 400,000 civil servants. He also led the landmark Lammy Review, which catalysed reforms to tackle racial disparities in the criminal justice system, and served as the Government’s Programme Director for managing resilience arrangements during the UK’s exit from the EU.

At the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Tunde was the Senior Responsible Owner for embedding the Charter for Public Participation, establishing quality standards in community co-design and empowering residents to shape the Grenfell Community Recovery programme. He also established the borough’s first Citizens’ Panel, restructured youth and community services, and oversaw improvements in civic engagement, community safety, and emergency planning.

Tunde lives in Leyton and is a proud supporter of Tottenham Hotspur and Leyton Orient.

Responsibilities

As Executive Director for Communities and Skills, Tunde has corporate responsibility for overseeing the Mayor's policies for strengthening communities; improving access to health and sporting activities; enhancing adult education and skills; strengthening civil life; supporting young people and tackling inequalities.