Olympic Delivery Authority

Graduate work placement schemes

2009–2010

experience
Contents Introduction 03
Entry requirements 05
Recruitment 07
Employment 08
Support mechanisms 09

Opportunities
Communications team 11
Procurement team 13
Town Planning Promoter team 15
Planning Decisions team 17
Design team 19
Legal team 21
Transport team 23

Before I started my placement, I saw I attend at least two weekly meetings

– and still see – the Graduate Trainee
Scheme as the best in the world. Not
many people get the opportunity to be
involved in the London 2012 Games.
Before joining London 2012 I
obtained a BSc (Hons) degree in
estate management from the
University of Greenwich. In addition,
I completed a postgraduate diploma
in development and planning from
Molade Owoade, University College London.
Graduate Property
Development Trainee I’m currently based within the
Property team at the Olympic
Delivery Authority as a Graduate
Property Development Trainee,
assisting the Development Managers
with various key projects mainly
relating to the Olympic Village
delivery and design.
that take over half the day if not all
day. I spend another day working on
various reports for my Development
Manager, and other days working
with managers within the team on
current projects such as the
International Broadcast Centre/Main
Press Centre and planning aspects of
the Olympic Village. This way I get a
taste of everything, and it keeps my
vwork interesting.
My favourite aspect of the role is
liaising with the operations and
project managers working on the
Olympic Village. This aspect of the
role providesv me with further insight
and first-hand experience at the
highest level, which can only be a
positive for my future career.
Introduction The London 2012 Olympic and
Paralympic Games are two of the
world’s largest sporting events.
A graduate work placement with the
Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is
a unique opportunity to help develop
the venues and infrastructure for the
Games, and play a part in the
regeneration of east London.
A work placement is a great way
of preparing yourself for a career.
It will give you fantastic insights into
working life, and help you develop
existing skills and gain new ones.
It will broaden your experience and
almost certainly make you more
attractive to future employers.
The work experience programme is
great for us, too. We get the benefit
of people with a fresh outlook, new
ideas and strong motivation. Every
member of our team is critical to our
success and you too could be part of
a team delivering our challenging
targets.
We are offering 11-month work
placements, across a range of
ODA teams.
To ensure you get the most from the
experience, we set out clear goals
at the start, and have an ongoing
programme of training, coaching and
development to support you. We also
To find out more about the ODA and what
it does visit www.london2012.com/oda
give you a buddy or mentor to help
you out, show you around and
answer questions.
You would get feedback and support
throughout your time with us. And we
also request feedback from you at
the end of the placement, so that we
can make our programme even
better.
About the ODA
The London 2012 Games will be
delivered by two organisations:
– The Olympic Delivery Authority
(ODA) is the public body
responsible for developing and
building the new venues and
infrastructure for the Games and
their use after 2012.
– The London 2012 Organising
Committee for the Olympic
Games and Paralympic Games Ltd
(LOCOG) is responsible for preparing
for and staging the Games.
The work placements listed in this
document are at the ODA. You can
find out more about jobs at both
organisations at
www.london2012.com/jobs.
The ODA and LOCOG share
headquarters in Canary Wharf. The
ODA Planning Decisions Team is
located nearby at 11 Burford Road,
Stratford.
prepare
Entry requirements Placements are available to
postgraduates and graduates who
have graduated within the last 12
months, as well as undergraduates.
To qualify for the placement you must
be able to demonstrate that you have
the relevant skills for the training
position that you are applying for,
and either be:
––undertaking a four-year sandwich
degree course and be in your
second year of the course at the
time of application; or
––undertaking a three-year degree
course and in the final year at the
time of application. You must be
predicted at least a 2:2 grade in
your degree.
References and security clearance
will be required and will be taken
up once applicants have been sent
a conditional offer for a training
position. On receipt of acceptable
references and security clearance
successful applicants will be sent an
unconditional offer with a start date.
05
The ODA has made a commitment to
encourage minority groups to train
and apply for jobs in construction
and other areas where they have
traditionally been under-represented.
Priority will be given to applicants
from the London Boroughs of
Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets,
Waltham Forest and Greenwich.
Equal opportunities, diversity
and inclusion
The ODA is committed to building a
diverse workforce and is an equal
opportunities employer. We actively
encourage applications from all
sections of the community and in
particular under-represented groups.
The ODA values diversity and
recognises the enormous benefits of
capitalising on the skills and talents
inherent in all segments of the
community.
To that end all employment and
training opportunities are dependent
on abilities, regardless of sexual
orientation, culture or race
differences. We recognise the
potential of people with disabilities
by offering the right support to help
them achieve their best.
Recruitment When are applications accepted
for the scheme?
All applications must be received by
31 March 2009.
What is the recruitment process?
If you are interested in applying
you will need to apply online at
www.london2012.com/placements
You will be asked to send us your
CV with a supporting statement
highlighting your skills and experience
relevant to the placement profile,
saying why you want to work at
the ODA, how the experience will
benefit your career development and
what you feel your contribution will
be to the delivery of the Games.
If you are successful at the initial
application stage then you will be
invited to attend an interview. The
invitation will be sent in an email, so
keep an eye on your email account
to ensure that you do not miss it.
We will ask you to confirm your
attendance or otherwise by email.
If you do not have access to
email or would prefer to receive
communication from us in an
alternative format, and/or if you
require any reasonable adjustments
that may need to be made in
the event that you are invited to
06
an interview, please include this
information on your supporting
statement or contact Human
Resources (see back page).
Are expenses covered for attending
selection centres?
Reasonable travel expenses will
be reimbursed for travelling to one
of our offices from your university
location. You will need to complete
an expense form which will be given
to you at your interview, attach the
receipts and original tickets and
return it to Human Resources. You
will need to travel to the venue in the
most cost effective way via public
transport. We do not cover overnight
stays etc. The ODA will consider your
claim and then send you a cheque.
What do I wear for my interview?
Remember that you will probably be
competing for the trainee position and
we would therefore suggest that you
dress in appropriate interview attire.
We request that you bring your
Passport or proof to work in the UK,
and a document with your National
Insurance number (NI card or payslip)
with you to the interview for us to
photocopy beforehand. Also, building
security requires that all visitors bring
a form of ID with them to present at
the ground floor reception.
Employment Where will I be based?
The ODA’s headquarters are
located at:
One Churchill Place
Canary Wharf
London E14 5LN
The ODA’s Planning Decisions team  What will my employment status be?
is located at:
11 Burford Road
Stratford
London E15 2ST
What induction will I receive?
All successful candidates will receive
an initial induction into the ODA at
One Churchill Place, London. This will
provide a foundation and introduction
for your placement with us.
You will then receive a specific
induction from your line manager
into your specific trainee work
placement at your actual place of
work (which for some could be at our
Burford Road office). This will vary
according to the business area and
role. However, during your induction
your line manager will agree your
placement training and development
plan, including suitable education,
work shadowing and self‑paced
07
learning activities. They will also talk
to you about any reasonable
adjustments that you may require in
order to accommodate any special
needs that you indicated on your
application.
You will be deemed a paid
trainee with the ODA and receive
remunerations as advertised, along
with the appropriate training,
coaching and experience that each
placement offers. However, you
will not accrue any employment or
pension rights. Any trainee wishing
to apply for any vacancies that arise
during their time with the ODA must
apply for these through the ODA
recruitment process, which will be
open to competition.
How many days holiday will I
receive?
You will receive 25 days a year
(pro rata) – the same as any ODA
employee.
Support Mentoring
On arrival at the ODA you will
mechanisms be allocated a mentor – a senior
manager from whom you can seek
guidance and advice, and who might
also be involved in your informal
review processes. They will analyse
your progress, listen to your concerns
and challenges, and counsel you
on how you might tackle these –
enabling you to benefit from their
experience and wisdom.
They will have an honest approach to
giving you feedback and challenge
your thinking and decisions. You will
meet with your mentor at least once
a month, but can arrange to have
more meetings if you both feel you
need it.
Buddying
As part of our commitment to
personal development at the ODA,
a ‘buddy’ scheme for graduate
trainees has been put in place. Each
trainee will be assigned a buddy
who will provide ongoing practical
support throughout your time at the
ODA and to make sure the buddy
and graduate trainee gain maximum
value from the experience.
What about attendance?
The ODA prides itself on being a
high-performance organisation that
will meet all of its delivery targets.
08
There is no induction period but you
will be expected to demonstrate
an acceptable performance level
(this includes regular attendance
and timekeeping). It recognises that
to achieve this it requires all of its
people to do their bit, including those
on its work placement schemes. You
will therefore be required to attend
work during the agreed hours; failure
to do so may result in your training
opportunity being withdrawn and
offered (where appropriate) to
another candidate. Sickness absence
will be addressed in accordance
with the ODA’s sickness policy.
Regular reviews
Your contribution and performance
will be an integral part of your
whole team achieving its targets; we
do not have the luxury of allowing
performance standards to fall. Your
line manager will therefore review
your progress on a regular basis to
check that you are on track, and that
you are receiving the appropriate
support, training and coaching that
you need to excel. Should your
performance be of an unacceptable
level you will be given further advice,
coaching or training (as appropriate).
If your performance still does not
improve you will be asked to leave
and your training position will be
offered to another candidate.
opportunities
Communications team What do we do?
There is huge public and media
interest in the London 2012 Games.
The role of the team is to keep the
public up to date with the project,
build relationships with local
communities, Government and other
stakeholders, and to promote the
achievement of our milestones. The
team comprises Marketing, External
Relations and Media Relations.
How do we contribute to the delivery
of the London 2012 Games?
External Relations manages relations
with the vast amount of people who,
through personal and/or professional
reasons, have a desire to be involved
in the ODA’s work. These varied
groups all have a desire to know how
the Games are impacting on their
work and lives, and how they, or the
groups they represent, can benefit
from the Games. The Media team
explains the challenge and scale of
the project to the media to obtain as
positive coverage as possible. The
Marketing team works with other
teams across the organisation to
produce printed and online materials
that communicate the progress of
London 2012 and involve different
audiences in the project. These
include a newsletter for people
living around the Olympic Park, the
website and progress reports to our
staff and site workers.
10
Megan Lass,
Communications
What is your role at the ODA?
I work as part of the External
Relations team. All of the venues
on the Olympic Park need to go
through the planning application
process. As part of this process
all community, political, specialist
and technical stakeholders need
to be consulted on the designs.
Part of my job is to make sure this
wide range of people have been
communicated to and consulted
with and have the chance to
express their opinions.
What is your background?
After finishing my degree in
communications I worked for a
specialist events company for six
months as an events organiser.
Describe a typical day?
Every day is different and that’s
what makes my job so exciting!
What is your favourite aspect of
the role?
I love the variety of the role and
getting to meet so many different
people. I enjoy going out into the
community and informing them
of the project and the amazing
opportunities that there are.
I also get to be involved with
lots of different areas of the
organisation and find out what’s
going on.
Communications Intern
September 2009 to July 2010 (11 months)
£20,000 pa (pro rata)

Job purpose
To contribute to the team in the delivery of its objectives and provide key support during placements with
the Media, Marketing and External Relations teams.

Key deliverables/outputs
–– Assist in the organisation of external and internal events
–– Assist in the briefing and management of any external agencies
–– Provide a range of administration support duties including copying, filing, telephone/post/email
screening and routine office work including general administrative duties
–– Carry out specific projects as directed and other ad-hoc communication projects ensuring delivery to
time, cost, quality and standards

Key competencies
–– Must have a degree or be studying for a degree in media, communications or marketing
–– Ability to work effectively in a high performing and busy team
–– The ability to communicate effectively
–– Good analytical and writing skills
–– Good communication skills
–– Attention to detail
–– Interest in design quality would be beneficial
–– A commitment to the London 2012 values
–– Self-starter and highly motivated

11
Procurement team What do we do?
Procurement is the way ODA ‘buys’
all the goods (pens, paper), services
(consultants, advisers) and works
(construction, mechanical and
engineering contractors) it needs to
deliver its programme.
How do we contribute to the
delivery of the Games?
Delivering a multi-venue Park of this
scale within a fixed timetable is a
task unprecedented in the history
of UK construction. For the ODA
to deliver world-class venues and
infrastructure, and a permanent
positive legacy for east London,
the Procurement team needs to
procure and manage the delivery of
a significant amount of goods and
services within the given budget, and
keep the delivery programme firmly
on track. Fundamental values that
guide our procurement include our
commitments to sustainability, health
and safety, legacy and achieving
quality and value for money.
12
Omar Rizeq
Procurement work placement
What is your role at the ODA?
On a day-to-day basis I handle
key data for weekly reports
and spend analysis. I use online
procurement tools to raise orders,
along with helping management
optimise the profile of the
Procurement department. I also
manage smaller procurement
projects and play a key role in
keeping the team moving.
What is your background?
I’m a business studies university
student; currently on my work
placement year.
Describe a typical day?
There is no ‘typical’ day. It is
always a new task, always a new
challenge – that is what makes
the job interesting and keeps me
motivated.
What is your favourite aspect of
the role?
The interaction with people, not
only with the Procurement team
but the wider ODA business on a
daily basis.
What inspired you to join the
Graduate Trainee Scheme?
The prestige of the Games and to
have something I can always look
back at and say ‘I was a part of
that’.
Procurement Intern
September 2009 to July 2010 (11 months)
£20,000 pa (pro rata)

Job purpose
To provide support in project managing, evaluating and reporting the procurement activities of the ODA.

Key deliverables/outputs
– To undertake detailed spend analysis, including variance analysis against budget allocations.
– To undertake cost-benefit analysis including entering key data, compiling reports on savings made
etc, for management.
– To project manage smaller corporate procurement exercises, ensuring that good practice
methodology is implemented throughout.
– To assist in the project management of a number of projects to raise the profile of Procurement and
the use of professional methodology.
– To undertake control management activity and to flag potential issues, manage risks and report on
outcomes.
– To review the utilisation and effectiveness of a number of online procurement tools and make
recommendations for optimising performance.
– To undertake any other duties that may be required from time to time within the field of
procurement and within the competence of the placement.

Key competencies
– Be studying towards or have obtained a degree in management and/or business studies.
– Must be numerate and comfortable in working with financial and statistical data.
– Good knowledge of Microsoft packages including Word, Excel.
– Must have excellent organisation skills and ability to work to tight deadlines and
produce accurate work.
– Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
– Good analytical skills.
– Concern for detail and accuracy.
– Friendly, open personal style.
– Ability to work within a team.
– Sensitivity/commitment to diversity and equality.
– Ability to remain focused on tasks until they are complete.
– Highly motivated.
– Flexible working attitude.
– A commitment to the London 2012 values.

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Town Planning What do we do?
The ODA is the statutory planning
Promoter team authority for the Olympic Park, its
venues and infrastructure. The team
also manages applications outside of
the Olympic Park (eg Weymouth and
Portland, and Broxbourne). The team
is responsible for all matters relating
to applications for planning permission
and for providing technical support
to the project sponsors with the
development of business cases
related to infrastructure and venues
and with town planning issues.
How do we contribute to the
delivery of the Games?
We have developed strong relations 
with key partners and agencies,
such as the London Development
Authority, Greater London Authority,
the five Host Boroughs, British
Waterways, Lee Valley Regional Park
Authority, LOCOG and Stratford
City, all of whom play a key part in
delivering the overall programme
and legacy development. We work
closely with them to ensure smooth
and effective achievement of the
planning permissions. We lead the
pre-application consultation and
communication with stakeholders
to ensure that the development of
the Olympic Park and other venues
meets the aspirations of the local
communities.
We provide technical support to
project sponsors in the development
of business cases related to
infrastructure and venues and with
regards to town planning issues
post‑application stage. We also
play a key part in ensuring that the
ODA’s corporate objectives and
priorities stated within the masterplan
(eg high standards of sustainability,
inclusion and access, excellence in
design) are incorporated throughout
our planning projects.
What has been achieved?
We have met the deadline for
all planning applications to date,
and have built and are maintaining
strong stakeholder relations. We
have undertaken consultations for
all applications and implemented
what has been feasible prior to
submitting them for permission.
We have received permission on
all applications submitted to date.
14
John Booker,
Assistant Planner
What is your role at the ODA?
Assistant Town Planner,
Graduate Trainee
What is your background?
I am a graduate from Sheffield
University and masters student of
Il Politecnico de Milano, where I
studied town planning and urban
design. There my studies focused
on environmental assessment,
urban theory and politics.
Describe a typical day?
My role has given me the
opportunity to contribute to a
wide variety of projects, from the
parkland setting for the Games to
the extremely important but less
glamorous deep foul sewer. My
duties are to assist the Planning
Managers and include attending
meetings, debriefing senior
members of the team, drafting and
reviewing planning documents,
and supporting planning agents
to deliver high-quality planning
applications within tight deadlines.
What is your favourite aspect of
the role?
The variety of issues that are
presented to the team, and
collaborative approach to problem
solving, which involves designers;
local planning authorities; engineers;
and project stakeholders. Also, the
opportunity to learn from the wealth
of experience from my colleagues
in the team and the numerous
individuals who work to deliver any
of the London 2012 projects.
What inspired you to join the
Graduate Trainee Scheme?
The opportunity to be part of
and contribute to the largest
regeneration project in the UK.
Assistant Planner Intern
September 2009 to July 2010 (11 months)
£20,000 per annum, pro rata

Job purpose
To give the placement student the opportunity to experience some aspects of work that a senior planner
would undertake. The placement will involve assisting the Senior Planner team (and the wider team –
when required) in the development of planning applications for key projects and later in assisting with
providing technical support to the project sponsor. Working under supervision the ‘trainee’ will participate
in the development of planning proposals, consultations and provide consultees with advice on relevant
issues. The trainee will be working in a high-profile environment, in a highly sought after role and will
need to demonstrate their ability to learn quickly and maintain a high standard of work.

Key deliverables/outputs
– To contribute to the provision of a high-quality client side planning service which delivers a
successful Games and legacy.
– To assist in the management of the flow of planning applications through the independent ODA
Planning Decisions team (the planning permissions authority) and provide support to the senior
planners.
– To assist in application submission, reserved matters etc.
– To utilise IT-based planning applications, the processing system and its public interface.
– To assist senior planners in key projects including: the analysis and preparation of major planning
applications, supporting them in negotiations, reserved matters and discharging conditions when
required.
– To accompany senior planners to other ODA meetings and external public meetings representing
the ODA interests when required.
– To ensure that work allocated to them is delivered to high quality and on schedule.
– To undertake other duties as may be required by the team and as directed by the senior planners
and/or the Head of the Town Planning Promoters team.

Key competencies
– Have either completed or are studying for (have successfully completed second year of) a degree
in Town & Country Planning or a degree in Land Management – specialising in Town Planning.
– Demonstrate the ability to handle complex information.
– Excellent writing skills, in particular the ability to write evidence-based reports.
– Good communication skills.
– Ability to work effectively in partnership within a complex political environment.
– Flexibility and ability to think laterally, innovatively and creatively in devising approaches and
solutions to complex and sensitive issues.
– Good negotiation skills.
– Demonstrate a high degree of integrity, honesty and the ability to maintain the confidential nature
of the applications.

15
Planning Decisions What do we do? }
The Olympic Delivery Authority
team Planning Decisions team (ODA PDT)
is a dedicated team of town planners
that is drawn from the ODA’s own
staff and staff on loan from the
local boroughs. The team registers,
validates and processes all planning
applications within the ODA Planning
Boundary. It is also responsible
for ensuring that the venues and
infrastructure are delivered in time for James Jaulim,
the London 2012 Games. Assistant Planner
How do we contribute to the What is your role at the ODA?
delivery of the Games? I’m working as an Assistant
The team registers and validates all Planner with the Planning
applications within the ODA Planning Decisions team, helping Senior
Boundary within a time frame. Planners with large venue
applications and managing
my own caseload of smaller
applications.

What is your background?

I completed a degree in
geography and a masters in
town planning at the University
of Manchester before starting the
graduate training scheme.

Describe a typical day?

The huge scope of the London
2012 project has ensured no day
has been the same. I’ve had the
opportunity to work on issues
such as transport, sustainability,
urban regeneration, archaeology,
flood risk, landscaping and public
accessibility.

What is your favourite aspect of

the role?
Having the chance to work in
great detail on the major venues
on the Olympic Park has been
a particular highlight. Not many
planners can say their first ever
planning application was the
London 2012 Velodrome!

What inspired you to join the

Graduate Trainee Scheme?
Working on the London 2012
Games is a fantastic project to
be a part of. Not only is it the
biggest regeneration project in the
country, it is the biggest sporting
event in the world, which is very
inspiring.

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Assistant Planner Intern
September 2009 to July 2010 (11 months)
£20,000 per annum, pro rata

Job purpose
To give the placement student the opportunity to experience some aspects of work that a senior planner
would undertake. The placement will involve assisting the senior planners in the processing of planning
applications. This will include providing support to the Chief Planner (Development Control), the Head
of Development Control and the wider team as required. Working under supervision the ‘trainee’ will
participate in the evaluation of planning proposals and advise consultees on relevant issues. The trainee
will be working in a high-profile environment, in a highly sought after role and will need to demonstrate
their ability to learn quickly and maintain a high standard of work.

Key deliverables/outputs
– To contribute to the implementation of a high-quality independent planning service which delivers
a successful Games and legacy
– To assist in the management of the flow of planning applications through the ODA PDT and provide
support to the senior planners.
– To assess, evaluate and process planning applications and help in the preparation of reports to the
Planning Committee.
– To utilise IT-based planning applications, the processing system and its public interface.
– To assist the senior planners to analyse the impacts of major planning applications and provide
support in negotiations when required.
– To have the opportunity to accompany senior planners to Planning Committee, other ODA meetings
and external public meetings representing the ODA Local Planning Authority interests when
required.
– To undertake other duties as may be required by the Senior Planner, Head of Development Control
or Chief Planner (Development Control).

Key competencies
– Have either completed or are studying for (having successfully completed second year of) a degree
in Town & Country Planning.
– Demonstrate the ability to handle complex information.
– Excellent writing skills, in particular the ability to write evidence-based reports.
– Good communication skills.
– Ability to work effectively in partnership within a complex political environment.
– Flexibility and ability to think laterally, innovatively and creatively in devising approaches and
solutions to complex and sensitive issues.
– Good negotiation skills.

17
Design team What do we do?
Our goal is to deliver design for the 
London 2012 Games that combines
excellence with innovation. We want
to create exciting, well-designed venues
that are an appropriate stage for the
greatest sporting event on Earth.
The Design team is responsible for
ensuring that the ODA achieves its
objectives to deliver a well-designed
Olympic Park site with a view to making
sure that any permanent investment will
provide a strong framework for creating
a well-integrated, great new urban
quarter for east London.
How do we contribute to the
delivery of the Games?
We are designing for the Games
and legacy together. The venue
and designs must obviously meet the
requirements of the Olympic Games
and Paralympic Games, but we are
looking beyond 2012. We are only
building permanent venues if there
is a long-term use after the Games.
We will not leave ‘white elephants’
and are being creative in the use of
temporary venues and seating.
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Emily Black,
Assistant Design Advisor
What is your role at the ODA?
I’m the graduate trainee with the
Design team, which is responsible
for ensuring design quality
is achieved across the entire
Olympic Park. I work most closely
with the Principal Design Advisors,
the Arts and Culture team and the
Inclusive Design team.
What is your background?
This is my first job since leaving
Durham University where I studied
geography and archaeology.
Describe a typical day?
It varies and it depends on what
needs doing, but I usually spend
part of my day shadowing Design
Advisors to learn how large-scale
projects are managed. I work with
the Arts team on artist projects,
workshops and commissions
and I also have ownership and
responsibility of my own individual
projects.
What is your favourite aspect of
the role?
Everything changes daily. It is
fast-paced, exciting and never dull.
What inspired you to join the
Graduate Trainee Scheme?
The excitement surrounding the
London bid and the Beijing 2008
Games was infectious. I wanted to
be a part of it.
Assistant Design Adviser Intern
September 2009 to July 2010 (11 months)
£20,000 pa (pro rata)

Job purpose
– To contribute to the team in the delivery of its objectives and provide key support to the Design team
in its activities.
– To provide executive support to the Head of Design and Deputy Head of Design.
– To support the internal client review process, which reviews projects at each Royal Institute of
Architects (RIBA) stage to make sure that they are delivering the ODA’s targets on health and safety,
sustainability, access and good design etc.
– To provide administrative and logistical support for the Commission for Architecture and the Built
Environment (CABE)/Diversity for London design review programme (liaising with CABE staff and
ODA design teams to ensure the rooms and presentation material are prepared and the day runs
smoothly).
– To undertake any other duty required by the Design team that may fall within the competence of the
work placement holder.

Key competencies
– Must have a degree or be studying for a degree or relevant built environment course.
– Ability to work effectively in a high performing and busy team.
– The ability to communicate effectively.
– Good analytical and writing skills.
– Good communication skills.
– Attention to detail.
– Interest in design quality would be beneficial.
– Self-starter and highly motivated.
– A commitment to the London 2012 values.

19
Legal team What do we do?
The Legal Team provides advice
and support to the ODA with
regard to legal, commercial and
financial risks in contracts and
the business generally during
the planning and delivery of this
multi‑billion pound project.
How do we contribute to the
delivery of the Games?
We are responsible for the in-house
legal services and the management
of external legal advisers in respect
of all ODA functions and as such we
contribute to the achievement of all
of the ODA’s targets.
20
Jacqueline Maher
Assistant Legal Advisor
What is your role at the ODA?
I am a legal intern working within
the ODA Legal team. I work
on various projects such as the
Dorney Lake Rowing venue, the
Broxbourne White Water Canoe
Centre and the VeloPark.
What is your background?
I graduated in law from the University
of Greenwich in June 2008. I have
been working at the ODA ever since.
Describe a typical day?
I do everything from research to
drafting and attending negotiation
meetings. I mainly work alongside
one of the lawyers and report
directly to the Head of Legal.
I liaise daily with the lawyers,
project sponsors and various
departments as well as external
law firms and clients.
What is your favourite aspect of
the role?
I love the fact that I learn so much
and am exposed to so many
different types of contracts and
areas of law. There is very much a
culture of sharing knowledge. I am
given as much responsibility as I
can handle, and always given the
support and supervision that I need.
What inspired you to join the
Graduate Trainee Scheme?
I have always been interested in
the Games and it is an honour
to play a part in delivering them
to London. The Games are one
of the few projects that look
beyond race, religion, gender and
disability, and unite people from
around the world.
Legal Intern
September 2009 – July 2010 (11-month placement)
£20,000 pa (pro rata)

Job purpose
To give the intern the opportunity to gain experience of working in a busy, dynamic, high-performance
directorate. To support the Legal team in the delivery of its targets, on strategic negotiations around the
competitive tendering of complex public procurement processes and ensuring compliance with the ODA’s
legal obligations.

Key deliverables/outputs
The internship will gain valuable experience and contribute in/to:
– Assisting with the procurement of the delivery of venues and infrastructure.
– Procurement and contract law and how it is applied.
– Drafting of contracts.
– The application of Freedom of Information law.
– Creating and maintaining a precedents database.
– Records management.
– Minute-taking at meetings.

Key competencies
– Be studying towards a legal degree in civil law – familiarity with the requirements of the Freedom
of Information Act, the Data Protection Act and Human Rights legislation would be helpful, as
would any familiarity with the law of contracts and EU procurement legislation.
– Drafting skills.
– Negotiation skills.
– Excellent attention to detail.
– Ability to work to tight deadlines.
– Excellent interpersonal skills.

21
Transport team What do we do?
The Business Resilience & Integrated
Logistics (BRIL) team is based in
the ODA’s Transport directorate. It
provides an oversight on all transport
projects being delivered for the
London 2012 Games. It:
–– ­reports to the Directors of Transport
and Finance on the progress of our
projects and highlight risks;
–– ­updates and tracks commercial
and financial data; Hugo Terry,
–– ­manages information knowledge; Transport
and
–– ­monitors transportation safety and What is your role at the ODA?
the environments within which our There are a wide range of skills
projects are set.
within the team and I have had
many opportunities to get involved
How do we contribute to the delivery
with a wide range of work
of the Games?
covering programmes, risk, finance,
Together with our partners we
and the environment.
are delivering new transport
developments in one of the most
What is your background?
poorly connected areas of London.
I graduated in business
These improvements will provide the
administration before joining
bedrock for a successful Games. It is
a business to business events
important that the enlarged network
will serve both the Games and its company. After three years and
communities afterwards. managing two events, I decided
this was an area I wanted to focus
on and joined Transport for London
(TfL) in 2007 where I have since
taken professional qualifications,
joined the Association for Project
Management and am studying
for a project management MSc. I
secured a six-month secondment
with the ODA’s Transport team.

What is your favourite aspect of

the role?
There are often unexpected
challenges that need to be dealt
with to ensure that projects can
continue with minimum interruption.
Liaising with colleagues and
stakeholders to secure agreement
on the best way forward is very
rewarding.

What inspired you to join the

Graduate Trainee Scheme?
The chance to work in a dynamic
environment with very experienced
professionals, where very visible
major projects have immovable
deadlines and budgets.

22
Transport Intern
September 2009 – July 2010 (11-month placement)
£20,000 pa (pro rata)

Job purpose
Opportunity to gain experience of working in a busy, dynamic, project orientated, high-performing team.
To support the transport team in delivering their projects, and to monitor and report project progress on a
monthly basis in line with existing structures.

Key deliverables/outputs
The successful intern will gain valuable experience and contribute to:
– compiling Project Finance (ProFin) Reports;
– compiling monthly forecasting and explanations;
– creating and own register of assets;
– completing full reconciliation of Programme Baseline Report;
– analysing of Financial Baselines;
– collating Information Management/Information Knowledge Management (IKM) questionnaire and
responses, report on findings and present to Informal Management Meeting;
– revising and publishing the next version of the IKM Guide;
– Preparing and releasing new induction pack – published on the intranet – and manage ongoing
support and update process; and
– Collating final aspects of Beijing Action Plan.

Key competencies

– Must be numerate and comfortable in working with financial and statistical data.
– Good knowledge of Microsoft packages including Word, Excel.
– Must have excellent organisation skills and ability to work to tight deadlines and produce
accurate work.
– Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
– Good analytical skills.
– Concern for detail and accuracy.
– Friendly, open personal style.
– Ability to work within a team and individually.
– Sensitivity/commitment to diversity and equality.
– Ability to remain focused on tasks until they are complete.
– Highly motivated.
– Flexible working attitude.
– A commitment to the London 2012 values.

23
Olympic Delivery Authority
23rd Floor, One Churchill Place
Canary Wharf, London E14 5LN
Human Resources 020 3 2012 691
Email odaworkplacement@london2012.com
www.london2012.com

This publication is available on request in other languages and

formats. For a large print, easy read, braille, Word or audio version
please call 0808 100 2012 or email enquiries@london2012.com
and quote reference: ODA 2009/020

This document can be found at www.london2012.com/placements

Please phone for a free translation
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The construction of the venues and

infrastructure for the London 2012 Games
is funded by the National Lottery through
the Olympic Lottery Distributor, the
Department for Culture, Media and Sport,
the Mayor of London and the London
Development Agency.
© 2009 Olympic Delivery Authority
The official Emblems of the London
2012 Games are © London Organising
Committee of the Olympic Games and
Paralympic Games Limited (LOCOG) 2007.
All rights reserved.
The emblems of the National Lottery,
the London Development Agency, the
Department of Culture, Media and Sport,
and the Mayor of London are reproduced
with the permission of the Crown and
the other copyright holders respectively.
All rights reserved.
Published March 2009.