Making the Impossible Possible: A Masterclass with Wes Streeting

Danielle will be studying at the University of Bristol this September. She has a deep interest in political Philosophy and revisionist History which inspire her commitment to social justice, decolonising the national curriculum and racial equity.  She’s particularly passionate about working to break down systemic barriers and advocates for widening opportunities and representation for underrepresented groups in articles she’s written. The Patchwork programme continues to challenge and broaden her perspectives.

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Like many of my fellow Patchworkers, I’m committed to building a better and fairer future through working in Westminster. However, like many, at times I’ve felt that my lived experience disqualifies me from advocating for change in Parliament. Yet, it was our recent Masterclass with the Minister for Health and Social Care Wes Streeting that reaffirmed to me that whoever you are and wherever you come from has no bearing on what you can achieve.

A seat at the table

During the Masterclass, Wes Streeting spoke openly about the financial instability of his childhood, growing up in a single parent household and on a council estate in Stepney. He spoke about how whilst his early years were perhaps atypical of others in the political class it was his background and experience as eulogised in his book ‘One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up’ that uniquely positioned him as the Minister for Health and Social Care. Because if you haven’t lived through something it’s difficult to understand the challenges that others are facing. As a young woman of colour and a second-generation migrant born in the North of England, I’ve often felt that my background disqualifies me from a seat at the cabinet table but what we learnt from Mr Streeting challenged me to think differently about the value of my lived experience and how it can be used to advocate for change. He taught me to consider that, in fact, wider representation in Parliament can deliver a better Britain for us all.

Keeping your feet on the ground

Throughout the Masterclass I felt a genuine commitment from Wes Streeting to not only his cabinet post but his constituents in Ilford North. He shared that a conversation with one of his constituents shed light on the need for a revised approach to men’s health which led to the development of England’s first Men’s Health Strategy. Mr Streeting talked about the value of door knocking and how in 2015 his team knocked on more doors than any other candidate in that election cycle. He talked about the importance of first listening to others even when their views differ from your own. Hearing his sustained commitment to his constituency whilst serving as a Cabinet Minister was incredibly impactful and I began to reflect on the times where I’ve been disillusioned by representative politics particularly as I watch the growing strength of far-right populism and exit based ‘empowerment’ both of which are symptomatic of distrust in our representatives. Listening to Wes Streeting and learning about his continued commitment to the grassroots is demonstrative of why engagement is evermore important.

Your Why?

At the end of the Masterclass Mr Streeting was interested in learning about what drove each of us are individuals. It became clear that for him politics must always be rooted in value, and he shared how his journey to frontline politics began in charity and advocacy work in which he championed access and opportunity to disadvantaged groups. This resonated with me as I reflected on how throughout my life I’ve been fortunate enough to see politics rooted in value through watching my father using his experience of migrating to the UK as a student to found a charity that advocates for and supports migrants. Together, listening to Wes Streeting and the stories of my fellow Patchworkers I felt grateful to be surrounded by individuals who are motivated by altruism.

Though at times we may feel that our lived experiences disqualify us; or that our voices go unheard and that those who work in politics aren’t motivated by a concern for the well-being of others, our Masterclass with Wes Streeting taught us to bring your lived experience to the table; to listen to others and to remain rooted in values. His story is one of climbing to the mountain top and clearing the path for others to come behind him. It is this vision for a better, fairer future that I will champion through my aspiration to work in the public sector.

Power and Policy: Inside 10 Downing Street with Vidhya Alakeson

Stephen is a second year law student at the University of Birmingham with an avid interest in social policies such as knife crime. Whilst currently attending a vacation scheme with Hogan Lovells, he has explored the intricacies of both law and politics at the highest level, allowing him to make informed decisions about his future career. As the founder of CLAW, a commercial law mentorship platform, he has worked towards creating change from the bottom up, which reflects his experience on the Patchworks programme exploring grassroots influence on political decisions. 

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For a long time, politics felt distant: something that happened to communities like mine, but not with us or for us. In 2023, one of my closest friends was a victim of knife crime. It pushed me to ask deeper questions about justice, opportunity, and the systems meant to protect us. Through initiatives such as the 32 Borough Cup, a community-led initiative using football to tackle youth violence, I’ve seen how powerful local action can be. But I’ve also seen its limits. 

That’s why I was drawn to Vidhya Alakeson’s Patchwork Masterclass. Her journey from think tanks to the Treasury, and later as CEO of Power to Change, reflects the kind of leadership I want to grow into: someone who turns policy into real change and never forgets the communities that need it most.

Power that listens

Walking through the gates of 10 Downing Street, I couldn’t help but think about how far removed it felt from the communities I grew up in. Places where power isn’t always visible, but its absence is deeply felt. In those neighbourhoods, influence doesn’t come with a title or a policy paper; it shows up in lived experience, local action and people stepping up when systems fall short. 

That’s why Vidhya’s story about building Power to Change resonated with me so strongly. She started with a significant mandate and resources, but it wasn’t the scale that stood out to me. It was how she used it. Instead of dictating solutions from a distance, she went into communities, listened first, and built trust. That kind of leadership isn’t about holding power over people; it’s about sharing it with them.

In a political culture that often feels top-down and disconnected, she flipped the model. Communities weren’t treated as recipients: they were leaders. It made me reflect on my own work trying to tackle knife crime, and how much more we could do if institutions backed us with that same belief. Vidhya reminded me that real power isn’t about control: it’s about creating the conditions for others to lead. That’s not just a policy shift. That’s what it truly means to give people the power to change.

Policy: The Myth of Linear Change

A particularly insightful discussion emerged around how policies can receive unexpected reactions, regardless of good intentions. It was a clear reminder: policy doesn’t always land the way it’s intended. The assumption that change is linear: write a paper, implement, and see results, rarely holds true.

Vidhya’s honesty about this gap between intention and impact made me think more critically about the kind of policymaker I want to be. Change doesn’t come just from having the right ideas; it comes from staying close to the people those ideas are meant to serve.

On behalf of all Patchworkers, thank you to Vidhya for sharing her journey with such honesty and insight. I’m leaving this experience not only more grounded, but also more ambitious. I had started to lose faith in the connection between policy and community, unsure if they could truly work in sync. But this masterclass reminded me that when done right, they don’t just coexist, they strengthen each other. 

Courage and Connection: A Masterclass with Mayor Oliver Coppard

Jacob is a Policy & Quality Development Officer for a care provider, with a strong focus on improving the effectiveness and inclusivity of care delivery. He is particularly passionate about working collaboratively with other organisations and partners to develop more holistic approaches that better meet the needs of the people they support. 

Outside of his professional role, Jacob volunteers to teach English to asylum seekers and refugees, reflecting his deep commitment to social inclusion and community empowerment. He is especially interested in creating accessible, welcoming social spaces where individuals from all walks of life can connect, reducing isolation and fostering a stronger sense of community.

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 Like many others, I’ve at times felt disillusioned with politics. Trust and confidence in politicians can be pretty fragile, especially when people feel their needs aren’t always at the centre of decision-making. But despite the cynicism that can surround politics, I still believe that most people, at their core, work in public life with a genuine desire to make a positive difference. 

That belief was reaffirmed for me during a recent Patchwork Masterclass with Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire. In our session, I saw a person in power who wasn’t only enthusiastic about change; but someone who embodies the values of courage, empathy and service in his leadership. 

Before our masterclass, I didn’t properly understand what a mayor does or the scale of their influence. I had a vague idea involving ribbon cutting and public speeches to draw in growth and investment, but unsurprisingly it was a little more than that. Oliver used real-life examples from areas such as transport, housing, crime prevention, and cultural life in South Yorkshire to communicate the role he plays in shaping change, in turn changing my understanding. More than his words, however, what will stay with me was how he engaged with us as Patchworkers – his genuine interest in what we had to say, his openness, and his thoughtfulness.  

Carry Yourself with Courage 

Oliver was honest about the pressure that comes with public roles; the criticism, the second-guessing, the fact that you’ll never make everyone happy. Especially when the topics are sensitive or controversial. Luckily there was a lesson in all this. He reminded us that criticism is part and parcel of public service. There will always be voices saying you’re doing it wrong. The important thing is not to let the fear of being criticised stop you from stepping forward, taking on responsibility, and doing valuable work that needs to be done in society. I think, I could carry myself with a bit more courage, and that’s something I’ll be working on. Both in my career and life more generally moving forward.  

Empathy in Public Life  

It was refreshing to see the real, human side of politics come through in Oliver’s stories; something that often gets lost in the soundbites and headlines. He spoke with us about some of the projects he’s been involved in as mayor, his policy ideas, the people he’s met across South Yorkshire, and even his experiences with other politicians. But he wasn’t just there to talk to us, he wanted to hear our thoughts too, and what we might do if we were in his shoes. 

What tied all of this together, for me, was a real sense of empathy. A real effort to understand what people feel and think about things and implements that in his political decision-making. That idea has stuck with me: good policy has to come from a deep understanding of people’s lives, not from assumptions. It feels especially relevant as I step into a new role in policy myself. It’s something I also recognise from working in care; you can’t offer the right support without first understanding someone’s situation. It’s not about what you think people want; it’s about understanding what people need.  

Build Relationships with People 

In many ways, this was the theme that brought the last two takeaways together. Oliver hammered home the idea that if you want to make meaningful change, you have to stay in touch with people. He was a great example of this in action, whether it was building friendships with other mayors, working with government ministers, chatting with people in the community, or keeping in touch with former colleagues. All of these connections led to different opportunities; not just for him, but for others too. 

I think building relationships takes a bit of courage, especially when you’re not sure someone will be open to what you have to say. I mean, if I can have a genuinely good conversation with ‘someone’ who supports the other half in Sheffield, then there’s hope for cross-party collaboration everywhere. But it also takes empathy, a real willingness to listen to people’s views, even when they’re different from your own. 

This takeaway made me feel especially grateful to be part of Patchwork. I’m lucky to have the chance to build relationships with such talented and kind people; both those delivering the masterclasses and those sitting beside me in them.  

Final Reflections 

As Patchworkers; young people trying to find our place in the world and potentially in public life, it’s easy to feel like we’re on the outside looking in. But listening to Oliver Coppard reminded me that politics doesn’t have to be distant or transactional. At its best, it’s personal, principled, and quite human. The three takeaways: carrying yourself with courage, being empathetic, and building relationships – reflect that, and they’re what I’ll keep aspiring to as I look to create change. 

A huge thank you to Oliver Coppard for such a brilliant masterclass, to our fantastic chair, and to the rest of my fellow Patchworkers, who are always so enthusiastic, thoughtful, and lovely to spend time with. I’m excited to see who we’ll speak to next! 

An Insider’s Look at Political Campaigning: A Masterclass with Isaac Levido OBE

Seth Reece is a first year History and Politics BA student at the University of Warwick with a strong interest in international relations, the global economy and domestic politics. He has developed his own political experience through interning at PA consulting, campaigning alongside local MPs and co-heading student-ran academic blogs. Seth works alongside academic staff at the University of Warwick in the Student Voice body and has taken part in debates at the University of Cambridge, heightening his understanding of the importance of individual voices in politics. 

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Like many of my fellow Patchworkers, I jumped at the opportunity to attend this masterclass with Isaac Levido OBE. Having previously attended a masterclass with MP Natasha Irons, I was looking forward to another enlightening experience, and I was not disappointed.

Mr Levido OBE is an Australian political strategist who led the British Conservative Party’s campaigns during the 2019 and 2024 General Elections in the United Kingdom. Additionally, he has gained a wealth of experience from his time in both Australia and the United States of America.

Drawing from a rich history of campaigning and lobbying, we explored Mr Levido’s career in detail. He highlighted the numerous roles he has held across various sectors, from an internship at the National Republican Electoral Committee to leading the British Conservative Party’s general election campaigns. This particularly stood out to me, as his early career mirrored my own in many ways. It reminded me that even those with the highest political seniority all started somewhere. From this, I gained invaluable insights into my own career journey and the persistence required to achieve it.

To Patchworkers, Mr Levido spoke about the value of mentorship, discipline and confidence growth, encouraging us never to let something go unsaid. These lessons were drawn from his own personal experiences as a standout leader in politics. He also reminded us of the intricate networks of people within institutions, encouraging us to think beyond the surface when considering the inner workings of political parties and governments as a whole.

Unsurprisingly, by the end of Mr Levido’s discussion, there were countless eager questions waiting to be answered. These thoughtful inquiries allowed us to delve deeper into aspects of his career that had been discussed. In response, Mr Levido urged young people to remain engaged and proactive in politics, while reminding us to stay confident in our abilities. He also spoke about what it takes to create a successful campaign strategy and how to build a strong, supportive network.

Furthermore, Mr Levido reminded us that although failure can be daunting, it is vital for growth and progression. He touched on this through his experience during the 2024 election, where the Conservative Party faced a difficult loss. This discussion showed me not only how to recover after setbacks, but also how to stay determined in the face of challenges.

He also discussed the changing landscape of politics and how this varies depending on where you are. This was an unexpected highlight of the masterclass, and something I will take with me moving forward. He spoke particularly about success and the importance of striving towards it, regardless of the reactions you may receive, whether backlash or support. Additionally, he commented on the rise of social media and how it is transforming the way we view politics, especially during election periods, contributing to the rise of populism and a more cynical view of today’s leaders.

On behalf of the Mavericks cohort, I want to thank Mr Levido for taking the time to enlighten us on how to navigate the political world. The masterclass not only taught us how to embrace a diversity of opinions, but also how to respond to failure and ensure our voices are heard. This is something none of us have taken for granted.

My First Masterclass: Lessons from Charles Lewington

Ronit Solanki is a first-year Economics BSc student at the University of Leicester with a strong interest in economic policy through governance and finance. He has developed analytical and leadership skills through tutoring, retail experience, and voluntary service, earning accolades such as the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Ronit has participated in academic programs at Cambridge and Oxford, enhancing his understanding of economic and financial systems.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

For me, my very first Patchwork Masterclass, left me not only inspired but equipped with
thoughts and advice I’ll carry throughout my career.

My cohort and I had the privilege of attending a Masterclass with Charles Lewington,
founder and CEO of Hanover Communications. Alongside meeting Charles, we also had the
pleasure of connecting with the brilliant team at Hanover, whose warmth and professionalism
made the experience even more special. The moment we stepped into their stunning
Southbank office—with its striking view of the Thames and skyline—we felt truly welcomed
and at ease.
What stood out most about Charles wasn’t just his array of experiences, but how openly he
shared the highs and lows of his journey with us. His message was crystal clear: it’s perfectly
alright to not have everything figured out. Life is bound to be full of ups and downs and
moments of uncertainty—but how you respond to these situations can shape your future.

Key Takeaways from Charles Lewington:

Follow what you truly want to do

In a world that often pushes us toward conventional paths, from career advisers to parents,
Charles’ story reminded us that success rarely follows a straight line. He spoke candidly
about moments of doubt and change—and how these became turning points in his career. As
an undergraduate with many possible paths ahead, I found this especially reassuring, as there
are many moments when I feel uncertain about my own future.

Crisis is inevitable—your mindset matters

Whether in life or business, Charles explained that crises are part of the journey. What truly
matters is preparation, perspective, and the ability to ask the right questions. In doing so,
what might have felt like a crisis could become an opportunity—if met with the right
mindset.

Curiosity is your best tool

He spoke of valuing people who offer perspective —those who dig deeper, ask questions, and
never stop learning. This really resonated with me, as it’s a mindset I try to live by. Hearing it
reinforced by someone so accomplished was genuinely validating.

This was my first Masterclass with Patchwork, and it has set the bar incredibly high. I’m
grateful for the opportunity to learn from Charles Lewington, to connect with the brilliant
team at Hanover, and to be surrounded by my fellow Patchworkers, and for this I thank the
Patchwork foundation for making this a possibility.

I left feeling more confident, curious, and excited for what lies ahead.

So, I’ll leave you with this: What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?