On 12th June 2019, the Civil Service Fast Stream provided University of Kent students with a unique insight into policy making in Whitehall. Facilitated as a reward through the Employability Points (EP) Scheme, 10 students gained the chance to meet Civil Servants from across government.
Students from the School of Economics, History, Politics and International Relations, Law, to name a few, first attended a session in the Home Office, where they gained the chance to learn about the UK Government and the Civil Service. Students also attended sessions focusing on the devolution of government and the chance to hear from Private Secretary of the current Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rt Hon Michael Gove MP.
Following this, students gained the opportunity to hear from Emily Antcliffe, a senior civil servant, who is the current Head of the Public Inquiry Response Team. Students not only gained the chance to hear about her varied career in the Civil Service but also the chance to ask her a range of questions.
In the afternoon, students visited the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to speak with Richard Goodman, Change Director, hearing about his career across government and also learn more regarding communication and marketing roles.
This was followed by a workshop in the Department of International Trade and a fascinating guided tour of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Samuel Hales (School of Psychology) commented:
“Today’s Civil Service Whitehall Experience surpassed all expectations. From Q&As with senior Civil Servants to behind-the-scenes tours of the Ministry of Justice and FCO buildings, the day provided a unique opportunity to witness the inner-workings of key government departments and learn about their functions. I’m definitely more keen to explore careers in government after graduating as a result. Many thanks to the EP team for such an incredible opportunity!”
The EP team would like to thank the Civil Service Fast Stream and the associated Outreach Team for not only organising this experience, but also for providing work shadowing opportunities and a prize at the recent EP Rewards Evening.
For more information on the Civil Service Fast Stream, please see here.