About Deep Boroughs Network - DBN / Home
Deep Boroughs Network (DBN) is a social enterprise network supporting residents, community-led VCS, businesses and underserved leaders. We partner with institutions, organisations, funders, developers and universities to co-design, co-create community-led, non-extractive programmes that build skills, leadership and inclusive social and economic impact.
DBN supports communities - residents, organisers, community-led SMEs, businesses and groups - to grow leadership, skills and local impact. Through peer-led learning, funded training and supportive spaces, we build confidence, strengthen connections and drive community-led change.
• Join our learning network • Build skills with DBN
DBN works with institutions, funders, universities and investors to design and deliver community-led, non-extractive programmes rooted in lived experience expertise. As an independent social enterprise and LLDC community partner across Stratford, QEOP and surrounding boroughs, we provide local insight, diverse expertise and accountable partnerships supporting inclusive enterprise growth and social impact.
• Co-create with DBN • Partner on community-led programmes
DBN™ connects communities through networking and cultural placemaking, creating safe, inclusive spaces for collaboration, knowledge exchange and community-led engagement.
Working close to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Deep Boroughs Network (DBN™), an LLDC community partner, operates across Stratford, Stratford Junction, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest and the Royal Docks - including Cultural and Creative Newham — delivering local, national and South West impact.
Connecting - Bridging - Co-designing - Building
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Our Story
Who we are
Deep Boroughs Network (DBN) is an East London-based collective of lived-experience experts, grassroots researchers, and community-led businesses. Led by a Project Director with extensive community expertise and academic experience at UCL, Loughborough, LSBU and UEL, we bridge research, practice, and place.
We partner with businesses, funders, universities, and communities to deliver insight-led, community-driven solutions that create social value, inclusive growth, and real impact.
In the Royal Docks and Newham, we connect Creative Producers and events as part of the Creative Newham network — supporting artists and growing a vibrant local creative ecosystem.
As a member of the Community Anchor Network (CAN), we back communities, women, and underrepresented leaders through neighbourhood research, co-designed projects, and inclusive economic development ensuring local investment delivers lasting benefit.
What We Do Differently
Deep Boroughs Network (DBN): Community-Powered Co-Design
We don't copy others. We build with communities, not on top of them.
Using our proprietary Deep Listening Framework™ and Unified Network of Networks™, DBN co-creates non-extractive solutions with London's community organisations, creatives, partners and businesses. Lived experience and unheard voices sit at the centre of everything we do.
Community organisations: Grassroots trust, fair credit and real influence over decisions.
Cross-sector partnerships: We help organisations from different sectors agree clear goals, roles and fair decision-making, then stay accountable to each other. The result: trusted partnerships that stay on track and deliver measurable outcomes.
Commercial partners: Hyperlocal East London and Stratford insight and proven impact models, delivered with London Legacy Development Corporation, National Lottery, UKRI and The Young Foundation.
Community Research & Insight | DBN
Capacity Building
Workshop,Upskilling
Outreach & Engagement
Networks of Networks
Community Consultation &
Co-Design | DBN
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Community-led research
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Lived experience insight
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Neighbourhood intelligence & Tailored Research
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Community-centred regeneration analysis
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Bespoke Training
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Mentoring
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Community business support
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Leadership development
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Practical governance strategy for cross-sector partnerships
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Policy Influence
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Collective Voice
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Strategic Advocacy
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Systems Change
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Community Representation
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Stakeholder Engagement
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DBN Social Capital Strategies
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Workshops and Roundtables
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Partnership facilitation
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Community voice & consultation
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Urban Research & Social Value Services | DBN
Citizens at the heart of design & change.
Join our network
We would love to hear from you - send us a message to book a virtual meeting and join our mailing list