Cabinet Office & Number 10 deliver influential workshop

On the 5th November, a policy workshop led by 10 civil servants from the Cabinet Office and Number 10 brought together History, Law, Politics and Sociology students for a thought-provoking session focused on addressing some of society’s most pressing issues: housing, safer streets and climate change. 

The event began with an introduction by the civil servants, who provided students with an overview of the policy-making process. They broke down complex concepts into manageable insights, ensuring students could grasp the challenges of developing actionable policies. Students then worked on a real policy problem with a civil servant, in small groups.

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation session, where students pitched their ideas to the civil servants. Students demonstrated impressive creativity and critical thinking as well as the confidence required to present in front of 140 people. 

The feedback from the civil servants was constructive and encouraging, providing students with insights into how their ideas could be refined and implemented in real-world contexts which left students feeling inspired and empowered. The workshop was followed up with information on routes into a career in the civil service, policy work, social research or politics.

Students walked away with a deeper appreciation for public policy and a newfound confidence in their ability to influence positive change. The college is incredibly grateful to the civil servants who planned and delivered such an engaging session. It not only nurtured the next generation of thinkers but also reminded everyone in attendance of the power of fresh perspectives in tackling persistent societal issues.