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Alumni Spotlight: Parth Devalia

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

Alumni Spotlight: Parth Devalia

Parth Devalia is a political and policy consultant at Flint Global focusing on energy and sustainability issues. He previously studied Economics at the University of Warwick, and is an Alumni of the 2022 Masterclass programme.

What are you up to at the moment?

Right now I work at a political risk consultancy called Flint Global, focusing on the energy sector across the UK and Europe. Flint basically advises companies on how best to deal with the political, policy, or regulatory issues they face, and in the energy team a lot of our work is on advising companies that are integral to the energy transition. They can range from retail energy companies to those developing nascent renewable technologies – such as hydrogen, floating offshore wind, carbon capture and storage – and it’s great to gain experience across an area so important to sustainability and achieving net zero.

Flint’s also an incredible place to work because of the people – I was overawed at first, but I’ve now gotten more used to working alongside colleagues experienced at the highest levels of government and regulators, who are also just really lovely people. I’m learning a huge amount each day!

What has your journey been like since finishing the 2022 Masterclass programme?

Looking back it’s been intense – in the little over a year since finishing the programme I’ve graduated from university, interned in the civil service and private sector, moved from home to London and back, and I’m now seven months into my current role.

Despite these changes, it still only feels like last month we were stepping into No 11 Downing Street for the Masterclass graduation ceremony – peering up at the old portraits of former Chancellors, snacking on every passing canapé and listening to Alumni say that this was just the beginning of our time with Patchwork (they were right!). By then, the programme had shown me the variety of options available around politics and government, giving me the confidence to spend a year doing internships in this area after finishing my studies.

I started with the civil service and was placed in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) where I worked on the UK’s strategy to mobilise green finance. I spent the months absorbing everything about the UK’s approach and policy framework, transition plans, what the ‘Green Taxonomy’ is, and eventually delivered a project detailing the improvements needed for successful voluntary carbon markets (VCMs). Equally importantly, I learnt the practical workings of the civil service: how government consults with business over policy proposals, the roles and responsibilities at each Grade, what special advisers (SpAds) do, the broader stakeholder engagement that goes into policy formation, and a few of the million different acronyms they have for things.

These lessons proved extremely valuable for a later internship at Flint. This internship was a complete step-change in pace compared to the civil service, and I enjoyed developing the classic core consulting skills while working across a variety areas including geopolitics, tech regulation, and energy policy. I realised this was where I wanted to start my career and I’m glad to say I’m now well into and settled in my role.

You’ve done lots with Patchwork, with experience of the Masterclass and Conference programmes, mentorship scheme, and you’re now volunteering as Alumni. Looking back, which moment stood out for you the most?

Tough to choose just one! What comes to my mind is a moment actually after finishing the Patchwork programmes.

A tiny bit of background – Flint is a current sponsor of the Masterclass programme, and as part of my role I help run Flint’s relationship with Patchwork. One of the events we run in-person each year is a simulation scenario of a government process such as a spending review – where Patchworkers are divided into different ‘teams’ of government departments, and each department has to negotiate with the Treasury team to convince them to fund their departmental objectives (as happens in real-life governmental spending reviews). It’s frantic and hectic but a lot of fun and in the end each team has to present the outcome to ‘No 10’ (Flint Partners).

I helped organise last year’s event and fortunately it went really well – a highlight being our new Patchwork CEO, Claire Eadington, joining in as part of the ‘No 10’ team – and we got great feedback about the session. Running this was so special because one year before, I had attended the same exact session but as a Patchworker on the Masterclass programme – and a year later here I was organising the event having entered working life. It was a real full-circle moment for me and I’m fortunate to be able to give back to Patchwork through my role.

Some core Patchwork values are respect, empathy, and openness. What does this mean to you, and why is this so important in politics?

We all know the problems with political culture today – short-termism, partisan pandering, a feeling of missing accountability, honesty, etc. We also know these things contribute to low trust in politics and the political process, and arguably widespread disengagement with politics, in particular amongst young people.

I think these Patchwork values – respect, empathy, openness – are important in creating a culture where young people from wildly different backgrounds, and even more diverse political views, can come together to engage with people that directly challenge their own perspective. This kind of constructive engagement, where we learn to how to disagree well with each other, is important for bringing depth back into our debates and elevating politics back to addressing issues of substance. I think this is needed because, like most Patchworkers, I see politics as too important to be ignored – there’s so much potential for positive change, to bring people together and feel they are contributing to something bigger.

Relatedly I’ve always felt that kindness is a strength, particularly when not being on the receiving end of it. It’s easy to get drawn into a spiral of negative discourse, but if you can stay unruffled and remain respectful, even caring, for someone who isn’t being that way to you, I think that says a lot about you!

Any parting pearls of wisdom?  

My top advice for people just entering professional life is to work sustainably. You don’t need to do everything at once – it’s far better to be aware of your limits, manage yourself well, and grow your abilities over time, rather than over-exerting yourself. More important than any skill is being resilient, which makes you reliable and trusted in what you’re doing. (I think I learned this the hard way.)

And – notwithstanding the above – I’d advise Patchworkers to just get stuck in with what Patchwork offers as much as you can. If you’re unsure what route you want to take, doing the different programmes and learning as much as possible will help you figure out your way forward and what interests you the most. Don’t be put off from applying to things that seem out of reach or from putting yourself forward for opportunities outside your comfort zone – you are the only one with your experiences and perspective so don’t doubt how much you can offer!

 

Alumni Spotlight: Tiegan Bingham Robert

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

Alumni Spotlight: Tiegan Bingham-Roberts

Tiegan is a Civil Servant, Volunteer, Diana Award Recipient, and Patchwork Alumni. She grew up in a small town in Gloucestershire and studied English Literature at the University of Bristol before entering the world of politics in London.

You seem to be doing everything, everywhere, all at once! Can you run us through what you’re involved with at the moment?

My full-time ‘day’ job is as a Civil Servant working for UK government. I am currently working at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities in the Westminster office as a Strategy Lead in the Office for Local Government, this is a new role to me that I took up after graduating off the Civil Service Fast Stream early. Outside of this, my part-time charity roles take up a lot of my evenings and weekends!

There are three main organisations that I commit my time and effort to right now: I am a Trustee and Non-Executive Director at The British Youth Council; I am an Alumni Ambassador and Board Member at upReach, and last but by no means least I am a Volunteer for the Patchwork Foundation. Outside of these I do various shorter-term pieces of work which I like to call ‘freelance volunteering’… for instance, helping at events with The 93% Club as an alumni of that charity, or being a member of the Organising Committee for International Youth Day 2023 with the #iwill movement, or drafting a Parliamentary inquiry for the APPG on Youth Affairs, or giving a speech at a UK Youth Sector Advisory Board event.

I am passionate about issues affecting young people because of my own childhood experiences. I grew up attending a state school in special measures at the time, relying on free school meals for fuel to concentrate inside the classroom, my local foodbank at times for fuel beyond the school gates, alongside dealing with a disruptive home environment. At that school though, I threw myself into every opportunity available that offered an outlet for my thoughts, creativity, and desire to connect with people in my community. For most young people, school is the first place they see power and politics with a small ‘p’ at play – in the playground, in assemblies, in school elections, etc. The ability to understand democracy, rights, voice, lobbying, policymaking, Parliament, voting, and many other topics under this umbrella is key to young people feeling able to participate fully in society regardless of their background. It is a privilege that I am able to contribute back to this in my adulthood.

What’s your secret to keeping on top of it all? 

It is definitely a struggle to keep on top of these various commitments. I think the time management skills I developed from a young age, due to conflicting priorities like studying whilst working multiple part-time jobs at a time and caring for my younger siblings, have placed me in good stead for my current lifestyle. I genuinely enjoy having lots of plates spinning at once and the challenge of stopping them from smashing on the floor (which has happened before).

My top tip for keeping on top of things is to have very clear and firm boundaries. For example, I prioritise my voluntary commitment with BYC above others because of the legal responsibilities I have and am contracted to follow through with. Through having that boundary in place, it makes it easier for me to say ‘’no’’ when opportunities are presented to me that clash with meetings I have already committed to – no matter how exciting they might sound.

Likewise, I am in a lucky position after years of experience in charities and my career that I can identify what is of value to me and where I am able to add value to others. For example, I have spoken on national TV and radio shows and I still get these media requests sent over, however, I reject them because it is an experience I already have and I would rather create space for another advocate to have their voice heard. I would not be adding any new value to a conversation, so this seems like the best outcome for all parties.

It is about pursuing opportunities for personal and professional growth when a gap exists, and then when its filled and when you have given all the advice/support you can to something, move on to ensure your energy is being channelled in the right direction and innovation can happen from allowing newcomers to join in.

As a Civil Servant, you have to remain politically neutral. How do you remain involved in politics and democracy, and what advice can you give other civil servants wanting to engage further?

Before joining the Civil Service I was worried what the ‘Civil Service Code’ really meant and whether it would have an impact on my identity or values. Since joining in July 2021, however, I have learnt this is not the case at all. Being political neutral means to be neutral in carrying out important work on the government on the day – to not sabotage projects or offer biased advice based on party political beliefs. I have found it extremely easy to be neutral in practice at work because advice I give has always been founded on evidence and conversations with a diverse range of stakeholders; my advice has never come solely from my own mind or echo chamber.

Outside of work-based scenarios, it does get a bit more difficult. I have to ensure that any  events I attend with young people at The British Youth Council for example are on cross-party issues such as the flagship Votes at 16 campaign, and I will abstain from publicly commenting on anything favouring one flavour of government.

I have also been able to attend both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party conferences with Patchwork because I informed my managers about them in advance and discussed the learning and development opportunities associated with them. I think this is the key to striking the right balance between the code and opportunities – discuss with others in your organisation to sense check and spell out the non-party political benefits you will gain from the experience. After attending conferences, I felt so much more confident in meetings with Ministers at work because I had met so many of them already.

 Congratulations on being awarded the Diana Award! Can you tell us a little more about the award, and why you were nominated? What does this award mean to you? 

Over a decade ago I made my small steps into the charity world and voluntary roles outside of school. Sometimes it feels like I have blinked and suddenly gone from being the young girl who graphic designed posters for small charities, handed out leaflets in the street whilst holding a donation bucket, baked and decorated cakes for school bake sales and non-uniform days, and campaigned in my local community in Gloucestershire for causes I care about… to being the woman I am today who has been able to speak in Parliament, network with people from around the world over fancy canapes, meet famous faces, attend board meetings and offer advice that impacts huge funds and projects. Not to mention being able to casually tell friends and family that I will ‘be busy at 10 Downing Street today’ thanks to Patchwork.

I really enjoy getting stuck into charity work but behind the scenes are definitely lots of not-so-glamorous things that other Patchwork Alumni can relate to: the late nights travelling back on the tube or train from evening events looking very dishevelled with numerous bags (I have not learnt the art of condensing down my belongings yet when I have three different places to be in the space of one day); the weekends I have spent replying to emails and making PowerPoint slides or briefing packs or writing a speech for one charity or another; and turning up to my office looking like a zombie after late night Zoom calls to name a few.

I received my Diana Award for my contributions over the past few years to make UK government more accessible to young people from underrepresented backgrounds in the political sphere. Princess Diana embodied what it means to use the platform one has been given in a positive way. She was a strong believer in the power of youth voice, so to have been presented an award in her honour for my own work with young people was very surreal and emotional, and this was made even more surreal by attending a Special Masterclass with Patchwork that was hosted inside the room she gave her BBC Panorama interview in at Kensington Palace (I feel particularly emotional right now having just finished watching the latest season of The Crown). Moments like receiving my Diana Award gave me permission to take a step back and be proud of myself, and to slow down a little.

You graduated from the Masterclass Programme in 2021, and have been a volunteer for us ever since. What advice would you give to current or future Patchworkers on how to make the most of the Programme?

The catchphrase that the Patchwork team give at every induction session rings true: ”you get out what you put in”. I joined Patchwork in February 2021 as a university student in my final year of an English degree, balancing pre-meets and thank you notes and Masterclass sessions themselves in-between seminars and dissertation writing. By the time I graduated in December 2021, I was in my first Civil Service role at the Department for Environment and about to start another on promotion at the Department for Education.

I can categorically say that I would not have had the confidence to even apply for that promotion role if it had not been for Patchwork and other charities that supported me. One week before my DfE job interview I attended a Masterclass with The Rt Hon Nadhim Zahawi (Secretary of State for Education at the time)… the significance of having conversed with such a senior figure in the Department at that moment cannot be underestimated! I told myself that if I was able to confidently hold eye contact and ask questions to him, then I should definitely be able to do the same with my interviews, and I did.

 I advise Patchworkers to do all of the research needed, write thank you notes that would warm your heart if you were to receive them from a young person yourself, act professionally but personably with the speakers, be open to new friendships with your peers, and sign up to any additional sessions that you have the capacity for. Please spend time properly reflecting on each Masterclass and what you have learnt from it and apply those reflections to the future. Some advice a colleague once gave me is that in such a fast-moving career landscape for young professionals you have ”cash in your chips” when you can because you can ”only cash them in once”. My interpretation of this was that we should act on follow-up emails/messages or apply for related opportunities whilst the iron is still hot, and to not become complacent in trying to cash in ”old chips” for our entire careers but instead always seeking to acquire new ones.

Alumni Spotlight: Zara Overton

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

Alumni Spotlight: Zara Overton

What are you doing at the moment?

I’m currently undertaking a Master’s degree in Contemporary British History at King’s College London. I’m really fortunate to be studying with the Strand Group, who teach the history of the government from the inside, in partnership with 10 Downing Street. This year’s lectures have been delivered by Alastair Campbell, Simon Case, Sir Kevin Tebbit, David Cameron and Lord Blunkett. I’ve learnt firsthand about the machinery of Whitehall, the intricacies of defence policy and the mastery of governance.

What inspired your initial interest in US politics?

I’ve spent a lot of time studying the governance of large countries: Russia, India and China especially, and I’m fascinated by the federal approach the US has taken to maintaining democracy. There’s also our ‘special relationship’ – it’s impossible to study UK foreign policy without accounting for the US’s views.

What do you think are some of the main challenges facing the UK-US “special relationship” today?

Definitely Brexit. The UK was America’s ambassador to Europe and this has really affected global relations. However, the war in Ukraine has provided a new impetus for countries to collaborate. Hopefully this continues after the war ends.

You’ve recently returned from volunteering in US political campaigns in the congressional and mayoral elections. How did you find that experience?

Incredible. I really enjoyed speaking to voters and learning what issues affected them, regardless of their political leanings. It was also fascinating to experience political campaigning in a different system – the US has regular elections and a lot of time and money is spent gearing up for them. Very different to a snap election called here in the UK.

What were some of the most rewarding and challenging things about your time campaigning?

There was a lot at stake in the most recent election, especially with the overturning of Roe v Wade and changes to voting laws across different states. American politics is brutal; attack ads and protests add to the intensity. It was very stressful knowing our race was downgraded to a toss-up so every single vote counted. Some days it felt like every constituent you spoke to had opposing views and that was really difficult, but it made every positive interaction worthwhile. A lot of my best discourse was with conservative-leaning voters because we could break down barriers and have a genuine discussion about American politics.

How do you hope to apply the knowledge and skills you’ve learnt going forward?

My congressional campaign was very much focused on politics ‘across the aisle’ and this is something I’ve been focusing heavily on in the UK. We’re a very divided country right now and the next election is being fought on polarising issues. I’m always open to new perspectives and I try to actively listen to people I disagree with to see if there’s common ground. It’s not always successful but every discussion is engaging.

Why did you join Patchwork and what did you get out of the experience?

I’ve always had a passion for politics, especially seeing the effects of austerity policies in the North East where I grew up. However, I always felt excluded from political spaces and struggled to be taken seriously by my peers. I saw a post about Patchwork in a university alumni group and applied the same day. I didn’t expect to be accepted onto the Masterclass programme but it truly changed my life. Learning firsthand from experienced politicians, journalists and Civil Servants who operate at the centre of the British political system has provided me with the confidence and knowledge I needed to start operating in the political world.

Some of our Patchwork community are interested in American politics and wider international affairs. What advice would you give a young person interested in this space? Do you have any reflections on what you might have done differently, or would have like to know before you went abroad?

Take every opportunity you get. There is so much to learn from other countries and the best way to do this is to immerse yourself in an unfamiliar system. I worked virtually during the New York Mayoral elections which meant a lot of late nights but I could experience the excitement of a campaign from home, without the cost of airfare. I experienced major problems with my trip provider and ended up travelling and working solo but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. My colleagues were so welcoming and made sure I fit seamlessly into the campaign.

 

Announcement: Imran Sanaullah MBE to step down as Patchwork’s CEO

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

The Patchwork Foundation announces today that after ten successful years with the charity, Chief Executive Imran Sanaullah MBE will be stepping down at the end of April.  

Imran co-founded the Patchwork Foundation in 2012, and six and a half years ago stepped up as Chief Executive. During this time, he has overseen the Foundation’s extensive growth, which has supported over 11,000 young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities to engage and participate in British politics and civil society.

Chair of the Patchwork Foundation, Farmida Bi CBE said: “After over ten years with the Patchwork Foundation, our co-founder and CEO, Imran Sanaullah MBE, has decided to step down at the end of April. On behalf of the entire Trustee board, we want to express our utmost gratitude for his work over the past decade. 

From its conception in 2012, Imran has overseen the Patchwork Foundation evolve to become a leading national charity, which continues to equip young people from underrepresented and disadvantaged communities with the skills and confidence to participate in democracy. With over 600 current and past graduates of the Masterclass Programme, to the thousands of young people who engage with our #GetInvolved initiatives, Imran’s vision has and will continue to shape the lives of so many young people – and in turn, the future of our democracy and civil society. 

We wish him all the best with his next venture, and look forward to the new chapter this will bring for the Patchwork Foundation. We have begun the search for his successor, and welcome your support in finding a suitable candidate.” 

Regarding his announcement, Imran Sanaullah MBE said: “Although stepping down as Patchwork’s CEO fills me with mixed emotions, I am excited for the future of Patchwork as I go on to pursue a new challenge.

Having spent the past ten years growing Patchwork from an idea to where it is now, it has been the greatest honour to see the transformative work that happens when you give young people the skills and confidence to be the change. I am both proud of and indebted to every Patchworker that has crossed our path, for trusting in us to support them through their journeys, but also for their courage and determination to create a more inclusive and equitable world.

And of course, I want to thank the many others who have helped make our vision a success, especially the volunteers, staff, politicians and funders – but the list is extensive and I am immensely grateful to each and every one of you. I hope that you each recognise the value that this change can bring – the opportunity to build on strong foundations and to widen our horizon. Patchwork is, and has always been more than just the people who run it. Patchwork is a vision of a more inclusive, democratic society – and we each have our part to play in committing this vision to reality.”  

Achievements during Imran’s time as Chief Executive include the establishment of: 

  • Conversion from company to registered CIO.
  • The Masterclass Programme, with over 600 current and past graduates to date
  • The MP of the Year Awards, hosted by Mr Speaker, recognising parliamentarians who go above and beyond for underpresented communities
  • #GetInvolved, which gives young people the opportunity to experience politics first-hand through internships, campaigning, canvassing, and attending Party Conferences
  • International Visitor Leadership Programme in collaboration with the US Embassy
  • Launch of the first paid political diversity internship scheme with the Conservative and Labour Party

Recruitment has begun for a new Chief Executive, with COO Niamh Mac Namee stepping up as acting CEO until a successor is found. Further details on this opening can be found here.

Generation Hope: Politics to save the Planet

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

Generation Hope: Politics to save the Planet.

On Wednesday 22nd March 2023, the Patchwork Foundation hosted ‘Generation Hope: Politics to save the Planet’ at the Natural History Museum, kindly sponsored by the US Embassy in London and ethical finance platform, Algbra. Over 70 young people attended the event in person and online from the US and UK, which was part of the museum’s week-long ‘Generation Hope: Act for the Planet’ event series, focusing on how young people can drive positive change in the climate crisis. 

The Foundation’s event looked at the climate crisis specifically through a political and international lens, and included a keynote address by Tamara Finklestein, Permanent Secretary at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on the importance of youth engagement in sustainability and climate policy. Other speakers included Jared Banks, US Embassy; and Fizel Nejabat, Algbra. 

The event involved a panel discussion with policy advisors, climate activists and business leaders on how collaboration and shared experiences can drive change forward. Panellists included: Daphne Frias, youth activist; Charmian Love, Natura&Co; Roy Kareem, Bright Green Future; and Patchwork Alumni Claire Eadington, Natural England.

Bookended by networking between participants, sponsors and speakers, the event was an opportunity to build communities of young people who are passionate about climate change, and create a space for awareness raising, knowledge and best practice to be shared in all directions. 

These guests included beneficiaries of the Foundation’s flagship Masterclass programme, corporate partners, representatives from the US Embassy in London and Algbra, and was also attended by individuals from the US and UK, both online and at the Natural History Museum in London.

Jared Banks, Science and Technology Counselor at U.S. Embassy London, said:

 “To address the climate crisis, we need everyone to advocate for more ambitious action both at home and around the world. We need the vision and passion of young people, with their political engagement being an integral part of our success.”

Imran Sanaullah MBE, CEO of the Patchwork Foundation, said:

““Young people will be the worst impacted by the climate crisis, so it is crucial that their voices are represented in climate policy. Equipping them with the insights, tools and networks to engage with the political systems both here and in the US will enable them to use politics and policymaking to take control of their futures to create a better and sustainable future.”

Conor O’Keeffe, Creative Producer of Generation Hope at the Natural History Museum said:

“Only by connecting to one another, bridging divides and forming communities can we ensure a future where people and planet thrive. By the end of the week, our hope is that everyone participating can commit to one action, whether it’s following up on a new connection, or speaking up on behalf of nature”.

Alumni Spotlight: Janira Borges

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

Janira works in the Education Sector, leading programmes to promote equity and student success. She has taken on several leadership roles to ensure that young people can thrive in their chosen career paths. She is an ambassador for Tech Talent Charter, a non-profit bringing together industries and organisations to drive greater inclusion and diversity in technology roles.

 

What are you up to at the moment?

I work in the Higher Education Sector, heading up the Student Careers Engagement team at KCL. I oversee a portfolio of student enhancement opportunities. Outside of work, I am an active volunteer for different organisations and charities that seek to tackle structural inequalities in a number of sectors, aiming to improve diversity and support underrepresented communities to get into selective universities and graduate careers.

What drew you to working in higher education and why do you think the work you do is important?

One of my main drivers is ensuring young people from historically underrepresented communities are equipped to succeed regardless of their experiences, professional aspirations, and levels of Education. 

My experiences studying in different education systems have shaped my values around social justice and exposed me to some of the challenges and benefits of being both an insider and an outsider. 

I pioneered a number of new initiatives at KCL to tackle race inequality, including launching the Inclusive Education Student Partners programme and other projects. The work is important because Education continues to be the route within which so many of us have become socially mobile, and young people like you must get to empower and lead projects that directly impact your community in all sectors.

What do you think are some of the main challenges facing higher education today?

The HE sector is going through a lot of change in light of the pandemic, international competition, and a potential rise in student fees. In recent years, the student demographic of most universities have been changing. Whilst it’s amazing to see how diverse our student population is becoming, universities face the challenge of adapting existing processes and systems to reflect this diversity whilst celebrating and being culturally competent to their students’ cultures and interests. Student retention and addressing attainment gaps continue to be ongoing issues. 

There is also a real opportunity for universities to co-create with students and stakeholders to meet the ever-changing educational landscape.

What are some of the most rewarding and challenging things about your role?

The most rewarding parts of my job so far have been working with colleagues and students who genuinely care about making a difference and improving the outcomes of learners. I have also enjoyed the creative process of starting new projects and seeing them move from being an idea into implementation.

The work feels rewarding because I am directly trying to influence positive changes for students and give back in some way. However, I’ve found the challenges are often engaging disengaged members in this work to embed systematic change sustainably.

What would you like to go on to do next?

I am still figuring out what I’d like to do next. No matter what I do, I hope it allows me to combine my passions for leading projects to foster social innovation and creative problem-solving.

Why did you join Patchwork and what did you get out of the experience?

I have always been interested in learning more about British Politics, but for the longest time, I didn’t know where to start. One of my friends, who had been on the Masterclass programme, encouraged me to apply, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

Being a part of the Patchwork foundation has been a transformational experience which has been an integral part of my development journey. I have gained political knowledge, learnt invaluable skills such as canvassing and campaigning and got to see a different side to the faces of politics during the masterclasses.

I have gotten a great source of support from the team, and I have also met some of the most inspiring people in my cohort and beyond, some of whom are now close friends.

You’ve just returned from the International Visitors Leadership Programme in the US. How did you find that experience?

The IVLP is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was amazing, and I encourage everyone to apply. As part of the trip, I got to travel with a group across four cities in America – the experience taught me a lot about the power of community-led work. We met with political activists, politicians, community leaders and organisations. I am so inspired by the work of Life Pieces to Masterpieces in Washington DC, a community-led project that uses artistic expression to develop character and leadership to unlock the potential and aspirations of black men.

Lots of Patchworkers are interested in working in education, particularly around promoting inclusivity and tackling structural inequalities. What advice would you give them?

There is always a degree of emotional labour when addressing structural issues that may directly impact you or your communities. I encourage everyone interested in these intersectional issues to start small. Whenever you have the opportunity to speak up on behalf of others, it is always helpful to use storytelling as a tool. For those interested in working in education, I encourage volunteering with local/national charities.

 

Alumni Spotlight: Dan Hadary

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

Dan is currently a diplomat based in British Embassy Berlin, and completed the Diplomatic track of the Civil Service Fast Stream in London earlier this year. Prior to this, Dan worked in a political consultancy. He completed the Patchwork programme in 2018. Dan remains active in the Patchwork alumni network, and volunteers at ORT UK to mentor sixth form students on their career aspirations.

 

What are you up to at the moment?

I’m currently based at the British Embassy in Berlin working as what’s called a ‘Second Secretary’, focusing on digital policy, after having finished the Diplomatic scheme of the Fast Stream. 

 

So what does your role entail? What does a normal day look like for you?

It might be a cliche, but there is no ‘normal day’. Days can vary from stereotypical office work where you’re answering emails, writing papers, or making telephone calls, to going to Ministerial events, travelling around Germany, and talking to lots of varied people. A big part of the job involves creating new contacts and trying to engage with and learn from people around you, which is a pretty amazing thing to be able to do. In short, the role is a mixture of things – talking to people, developing expertise in your area, feeding information back to London, and so forth. It’s a very varied profession and role.

 

How have you found the move to and working in Germany?

It was admittedly a challenge at first to move and settle abroad.  However, I am happy to say that I have really enjoyed it. It’s incredibly fun being somewhere new and trying out new things. Working overseas is a fantastic experience, which has come with more independence and excitement than anything I’m used to in London.

 

Lots of Patchworkers are really interested in diplomacy. What do you think are some of the key skills that you’ve used in the FCDO so far?

What I always say when people ask me this is to look at the competencies or behaviours the Civil Service publicises. I think from the outside they can seem a bit ambiguous and hard to decipher, but they give you a sense of the kind of thing the office looks for and what they would recommend is needed for specific roles. So things like communicating, delivering at pace etc – it can sound “office-y” behind the jargon there’s a lot of truth.

I think what’s great about the Civil Service and in particular the Foreign Office, is that it really tests your soft skills: your ability to work with other people, to think empathetically, to thrive through communication, and to think on your feet. They are the kinds of things that are useful in any environment so it will give you a good basis to thrive in any career. 

Consider how you communicate, how you deliver around other people. – Those sorts of skills will give you a good sense of what some of the skills required in diplomacy. 

And on top of that it helps of course to be a bit nerdy about policy, government, politics, and international relations!

Even though the fast stream is being postponed this year, there are plenty of ways to get into the Civil Service, be it through the Foreign Office or through other government departments. .

 

Lots of Patchworkers also want to live abroad. Do you have any advice on that front, both in terms of settling in a new country but also getting those opportunities.

I would say to people who want to live abroad – whether it’s with the Government or somewhere else – to first and foremost give it a good deal of thought. It’s a big decision. Consider whether it fits well with your personal circumstances. 

If you decide it is something that you’re in a position to do, I would also say it’s good to learn the language as much as possible. Even in Berlin where almost everyone speaks excellent English, it really is important to show some appreciation for another country’s language and culture. Ingratiate yourself in the country and it will pay off. 

 If you are interested and able to spend time living overseas, I would highly recommend it. It is a hugely exciting opportunity that will let you meet new people, consider things from different perspectives, and try new things you may never have thought to do before.

 

Why do you think it’s important for young people to be interested and involved in international relations and foreign policy?

I think different generations grow up with a different political and cultural atmosphere around them, and I think they all bring to the table a very different way of thinking. As a new generation, you will bring creative, innovative ways of thinking, which could make a real impact on policy decisions for the better. 

There are few employers like the Civil Service that give young people the chance to shape decisions, and to really make an impact on policy and tangible outcomes for people in the UK and abroad. For that alone I think it’s a really worthwhile career to consider. 

 

Why did you apply for Patchwork and what did you hope to get out of it?

What stands out most for me was being able to meet really incredible Patchworkers from such varied backgrounds. The opportunity to be in those rooms and learn from each other really grew my confidence and left a big impression on me. 

I think also what was very clear was that there wasn’t one ‘classic’ Patchworker – everyone had their own reasons for being on the programme. Being a part of that diverse community was so valuable.  Building relationships with and learning from others with such varied backgrounds encouraged me to view my unique background that led me to Patchwork as a source of confidence, not something to shy away from but something to embrace and bring with me whether I go. 

Amongst the alumni, I think what’s so special is that they aren’t encouraged to think the same way (quite the opposite!). There’s only one core mission to Patchwork: to get people through the door and get them involved. It’s interesting to see how people interpret that, and how they take that confidence in their own direction.

Personally, I often reflect on how my family would feel about me being in the rooms I am now in through Patchwork and the Civil Service, and the answer that often comes back from that is pride. I find that to be a useful motivator. So I would say to Patchworkers or those considering applying, what motivates you, not in spite of your background but because of it?

 

Utilise what you have to help others: a Masterclass with Susan Acland-Hood, Permanent Secretary for DfE

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

I was fortunate enough to take part in a Masterclass taught by Susan Acland-Hood, Permanent Secretary of the Department of Education, in April of 2022. Our Masterclass afforded us the opportunity to spend time with one of the most senior figures in the British Civil Service and absorb some words of wisdom from her.   

Here are the three key messages I took from the Permanent Secretary’s Masterclass:

  1. The importance of not getting too comfortable

The Permanent Secretary told us stories about her various career changes. She detailed her experiences of taking on roles in areas or sectors in which  she had not built a reputation yet, and how difficult it was to start afresh in new roles.  I admire her willingness to look for the positives in a demanding situation. She was entering a completely unfamiliar environment, where she had to prove herself, but she also embraced the uncertainty. In her talk, she explained how we cannot truly learn if we do not face any obstacles or trials. She also, however, emphasized the importance of striking a balance between enjoyability and being uncomfortable. If we feel too uncomfortable, we will not feel that we have the breathing room to make the mistakes we need to learn from or ask questions that may benefit our knowledge. This message really stuck with me because I am in the initial stages of my journey to becoming a lawyer. As I do not come from what is deemed a ‘traditional’ legal background I will have to forge my own path and get comfortable with being uncomfortable to ensure that I take steps toward positive growth.  

  1. You cannot get the job if you do not apply for it

This message really spoke to me. In the past, I have limited myself in thinking that I was not good enough for certain positions or schemes due to a lack of confidence. The Masterclass with the Permanent Secretary has given me the insight that if I do not apply for these roles that I think I do not deserve, I will rob myself of the opportunity for growth and in turn limit my potential. 

  1. Utilise what you have to help others

The Permanent Secretary’s determination to carve her own independent career path in the Civil Service and to also use her privilege to help others was what stood out to me. Hearing the Permanent Secretary describe the policy reports she published on social issues such as social exclusion, diversity and inclusion, and the attainment gaps in higher education, I was very inspired. She told us that true leaders contribute when they can, regardless of how much or how little they have. I have aspirations of serving as a Member of Parliament in the future. In light of this message, I have been thinking about what kind of leader I should strive to be, similar to the Permanent Secretary who serves others before serving herself. I have already taken steps to implement positive change by creating a society for black women on my university campus in hopes of inspiring unity and community.  I will use my privilege, as someone who is comfortable with public speaking, to be a leader that speaks up for the issues in my community and that of others.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the Masterclass with the Permanent Secretary. The words of wisdom she offered are greatly appreciated. I will not only take them with me, but I will use them well.  

 

Written by Tessy Idemudia, 2022 Masterclass Programme Participant

Alumni Masterclass with Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the UK Environment Agency

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

Attending the Masterclass with Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the UK Environment Agency, arranged by the Patchwork Foundation was an utterly eye-opening and an inspirational experience which I can take into my future. The Masterclass on Thursday 2nd September 2021 consisted of an amazing introduction into Sir Bevan’s work, prepared questions that he answered and an incredible open Q&A session to end the event, all providing us with extraordinary insights. I found the Masterclass to be targeted towards those of us at the early stages of our careers and I am very much excited the implement all this advice into my daily life.  

 A few pieces of advice Sir James Bevan imparted particularly resonated with me. Such comments were:  

  • Build the Right Culture in Your Organisation: As a leader within an organisation, this is something you can invest in and will affect how everyone behaves. He also spoke around the topic of the difference between an Alpha and Alpha Plus leader, where an Alpha leader is someone who improves an organisation when they join, but an Alpha Plus leader is someone who creates a company culture where the company continues to improve after they have left. These words personally inspired me to reflect on how I can implement these habits into my life as an Alpha Plus leader. 
  • Keep on Learning: No one ever achieved a new insight by being accepting of the knowledge that has come before them. It is necessary to challenge the conventional way of thinking as it is often wrong. The magnitude of this is more prevalent than ever. As we innovate to solve the world’s mounting and challenging problems conventional thinking has to be challenged as a catalyst to this success. 
  • Be Kind to Yourself: As potential leaders of the future, whatever we decide to do will be tough. Therefore, looking after yourself is of utmost importance by avoiding working too hard and managing your energy instead can help to avoid the effects of burnout. From my experience, this could take many forms such as daily meditation or self-care. 
  • Have a Support Network: These close people in your inner circle will support your success at each stage of life and are indispensable in order to lift you up upon the occurrence of failures and mistakes. 

In addition, James shared the massive impact of different experiences on his career to date, from having spent time in Zaia, Angola, where he uncovered that educating girls is a single magic bullet to improve all the other parts of a country, to his mother handing him the job posting for the UK Environment Agency. Further to this, he spoke about the future trajectory of the UK Environment Agency, describing it as an exciting place to work which was of a great interest to me as a current civil engineering student.   

To round up the session, we had a fruitful conversation on how we can incentivise large corporations to push their sustainable habits to the forefront of their operation, over profits. 

Overall, I highly enjoyed the Masterclass delivered by Sir James Bevan and I was personally impacted by his endless optimism. I would personally love to work in the UK Environment Agency in the future, and I am looking forward to further exploring the work of the organisation.

 

Written by Jasmine Brittan, Masterclass Programme Participant

Alumni Spotlight: Zahra Latif

Posted on by Patchwork Foundation

What are you up to at the moment?

I’m actually on the tail end of my maternity leave, but I’ll be returning to the Civil Service soon, and I’ll actually be in a new role. I’ll be Head of Policy for the Windrush Compensation Scheme in the Home Office.

I really want to do a job where I was benefitting real people  I’ve had some really interesting roles in the centre of Government which I feel have given me an understanding of the system, but I was missing that sense of direct impact. What drew me to this role is the people who have suffered as a result of the Windrush scandal, which has impacted a lot of people’s lives in many negative ways; people not being able to see their parents, not having access to the NHS, literally going on holiday and not being able to come back home despite living here for decades. You can’t make up for that in the sense that you can’t undo it, but getting people an amount of compensation which enables them to have a transformative impact on their lives, that’s really driving me. So that’s what I’m hoping to achieve.

Why did you want to join the Civil Service?

I worked in the NGO world before I joined the Civil Service. When I left uni, I was like – I want to change the world for the better, and have some kind of positive social impact, but I didn’t really know what to do. At the start of my career I worked in a charity working on conflict resolution in communities, mediating between communities and local government and police, and I found that really fascinating. Then I worked at the National Union for Students, where I worked on faith and belief issues as well as liberation issues, so campaigns for female students, students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, and Black students. Alongside all that was my work with helping to establish Patchwork.

So I loved that work and I was passionate about all of it, but the thing that I really felt was how much power Government has to shape the landscape. Government decides where the funding will go and what the big agendas of the day are, and I felt like if I wanted to have impact at scale, then I need to impact national policy and be at the table in that way. That’s why I wanted to join the Civil Service; I wanted to impact national policy and make it more reflective of the experiences I had, and also the things that I was seeing at the grassroots.

You mentioned having worked at the centre of Government – what was it like working at Number 10?

In Number 10 I was Private Secretary in the Policy Unit. I worked with the Director and Deputy Director to coordinate the unit on their behalf, and also got involved with some policy myself, specifically around domestic abuse policy and clean air. One of the things I got to work on and that I’m really grateful for and proud of, was securing a Government commitment to provide accommodation-based services to survivors of domestic abuse.

Being at the centre of Government was fascinating. It was really interesting to see just how hard it is to be Prime Minister. I think there’s a lot of glamour associated with it, but I was in Number 10 during Theresa May’s last year and a half, and she was trying to manage her party, Brexit, and so much more – it’s really, really difficult.

What did you learn from the experience?

It taught me the skills that help you in terms of the way you communicate and the way you present yourself in that environment, but also to question whether that’s how you want to operate. I think in that sense, it was an environment that personally really made me self-reflect a lot on who I am, what I want to be, what I want to be known for, and how I want to be. It reaffirmed for me that actually the things I value, even if others don’t value it, is being kind, and gentle, and a listening ear. I think in the end those qualities also make you more effective.

It also taught me how important it is not to assess yourself according to external features. It’s very easy to think ‘oh I’m working at Number 10, I must be doing pretty well in life’ but it doesn’t mean anything in the deepest sense of what it means to be human. Your character and how you really are often completely separate from the place you happen to find yourself in at this moment in time. I think, particularly in places with a lot of prestige associated with them, it’s easy to lose yourself if you’re not clear on who you are and what you’re about.

What are the best and worst parts of working in the Civil Service?

I think the best thing about being in the Civil Service is that if you’re in the right role for you, you really are at the table contributing to the decisions that impact a lot of people. When everything lines up – when you have the political will, the money and the finances, and you have enough, good people – you can actually do good stuff that impacts people through national policies, and that’s awesome. I think the worst bit is when those things don’t line up, and you’re not really having the impact you wanted to have.

What would you change about the Civil Service?

In terms of big changes, I think it’s really hard to say, ‘oh if only this thing was different or that thing was different’, because trying to govern a country is actually really complicated! I think it’s really easy to critique, but it’s much harder to go ‘this is the way to do it’.

I guess the thing I’d change is to have more people in senior leadership and decision-making roles who don’t come from a middle-class background, alongside increased gender diversity, racial diversity, diversity of sexual orientation, and having people with disabilities. There’s an impact that your class has, what socio-economic background you come from, and I’d like more people in senior leadership and decision making roles to just be more diverse in all the ways, including how wealthy they have been and are.

You were one of the founding members of Patchwork and used to be our Chief of Staff. Why did you get involved and what did you learn from the experience?

Patchwork grew from not seeing myself or the people I knew reflected in politicians or political decision making. I think I’ve always had this strong sense of wanting to contribute since I was very young, but simultaneously feeling like there wasn’t a space for me. ‘People like me don’t get to do that kind of thing’ was the kind of way I felt, and Patchwork just offered this really exciting opportunity to try to change that, to try and bring more people into spaces and places that seemed so out of reach.

On a personal note, I really looked up to the others. I was one of the youngest, and I was the only woman, and in some ways I looked up to these guys so much that I didn’t realise at first that I could contribute and I had valid ideas. I was just going with the flow. There was a personal growth to it too, going from this quieter woman in what at times felt like quite a lad-y atmosphere, to Chief of Staff, and growing into that and getting used to authority.

What advice do you have for people hoping to join the Civil Service?

It’s something I still struggle with, but I think it’s really important to know yourself and own yourself. What I mean by that is: know what your strengths are, know what your weaknesses are, know what makes you different, and just accept all of it and be okay with all of it. When you have that kind of acceptance, there’s just this authentic quiet confidence that comes from that which is very powerful. I think sometimes if you’re a bit ‘different’ – for me it’s that I might be the only brown person in that space or room, and almost definitely the only person who’s visibly Muslim – sometimes you’re so concerned with what people think of you and wanting people to think well of you, when really the thing to focus on is ‘what value can I bring’. 

Helen MacNamara who was the Deputy Cabinet Secretary told me ‘Zahra you have the power to make the weather wherever you go’ and I thought that was so interesting – what she meant was that you can go into that space and you can decide whether it’s a sunny day or not just through the way we are. I think we all have that power, to influence those around us, and you don’t have to be extroverted and a really great talker, you can do it in your own way in your own style.