Behind the door at No 10: A masterclass with Helen Lederer CBE
Edyta works at Starlight Children’s Foundation, a UK charity dedicated to ensuring no child suffers trauma from their healthcare experiences. This role is part of a Charity works leadership development placement, through which she gained interest in public policy, children's healthcare and EDI. She graduated from the University of Essex with a BA in International Relations and Modern Languages. During her studies, she completed an internship at the Polish Embassy in Paris and UK Data Archive, and volunteered as a Climate Educator for Young Climate Warriors. The Patchwork Programme now gives her a unique view into British politics, offering an angle she never imagined she would see.
Like many of my fellow Patchworkers, I am interested in a career in public service, a profession we view not merely as a job but as a calling driven by purpose. A recent masterclass with Helen Lederer, kindly hosted at 10 Downing Street, offered us an honest and invaluable insight into the realities of leadership and the principles that underpin a fulfilling professional life within the Civil Service.
From Private to Public
Navigating a career transition can be a daunting and risky endeavour, but a conversation with Helen Lederer revealed that it can also be a profound journey of self-discovery and purpose. Her shift from the private to the public sector after 25 years was not just a change of job, but a reorientation of her professional identity. Lederer explained that while she was successful in her private sector roles, it wasn’t until her transition to a position at No. 10 that she gained a new perspective on professional fulfilment. From this vantage point, she realised that her skills were now serving a purpose far greater than commercial gain, and she could clearly see how her previous work environment’s focus on profit and competition had, at times, overlooked the vital importance of diversity and inclusion. This transition was not merely a change in job title but a profound reorientation of purpose, as she articulated how her role, while a small part of a vast machinery, allowed her to contribute to something greater than herself. This realisation – that her work was for the benefit of people – became the core motivation she found lacking in the private sector.
The Commitment to People: EDI
A central and recurring theme was Lederer’s profound dedication to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). As a recipient of the Order of the British Empire for her exemplary work in this field, her insights were invaluable. She rightly pointed out that while both the public and private sectors have much to learn from each other, the goal of inclusion, regardless of the sector, is to attract and retain the best possible talent. Her perspective on fostering inclusive environments is not merely a professional strategy but a personal ethic. This resonated with me deeply, particularly in my own experience in the charity sector. As a recent entrant to this field, it has become apparent that there is a significant lack of diversity at the leadership level, often failing to mirror the communities it serves. To hear her speak from years of experience with such genuine conviction was incredibly encouraging. She underscored the vital point that true leadership extends beyond technical skills. It is fundamentally about fostering a culture where every individual can thrive and contribute their full potential. This is a principle she lives by.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Helen Lederer for her candid and insightful masterclass. The session was a rare opportunity to peer behind the curtain of government, and my fellow Patchworkers and I are immensely grateful for the insightful conversation and willingness to reveal a glimpse of a world few get to see.
