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Young England and Wales Programme: spring 2008
The delegates
 Chris Silvester, Acas |
 Angharad Davies, Welsh Assembly Government |
 Christine Hunt, Age Concern England |
 Kerry Mullins, Confederation of Passenger Transport UK |
 Laura Jayawardane, Home Office |
 Carina Secker, Legal Services Commission |
Lee Allen (Ministry of Justice): I was born in Telford, Shropshire in 1970 and attended a local comprehensive, attaining seven O levels. My first job was in a supermarket where I eventually gained promotion to warehouse manager. I later changed careers to work in the warehouse and distribution industry and supplemented my income by working as a doorman at numerous clubs. I've been married for nine years to Katie and we have a three-year-old son called Ethan. I have been a Liverpool supporter for ever and am a qualified referee, but enjoy a variety of sporting activities. In April 2006, I joined the Prison Service. My reasoning behind this change was for a more secure future for my family and I felt I could make a difference to people's lives.
Jane Beeko (Ministry of Justice): After reading law at university and completing the legal practice course, I joined the National Crime Squad as a policy adviser on domestic violence. In 2006 I joined the Serious Organised Crime Agency and worked as an adviser on child trafficking, in a department called the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. I started my training contract last year and I am completing my final seat in the Courts and Tribunals Division at the Ministry of Justice Legal Directorate. I will qualify as a solicitor in July this year. I have a keen interest in issues affecting women and children, and last year studied Understanding Women's Human Rights at the LSE. In my spare time I act as a mentor as part of a homeless persons' project. I exercise regularly, enjoy travelling and I am currently writing a book on female empowerment.
Jim Caris (Home Office): I turn 29 on 11 May, and later this year will mark my fifth anniversary as a civil servant, during which time I've been promoted four times. As my brothers are a professional guitarist and a croupier, I wonder whether my comparatively sensible career choice is an inverted rebellion. Three random facts about me are that I speak Czech; I spent a year working in the Commons as a researcher; and I spent ten years living aboard a boat.
Kenny Chapman (Home Office): I'm 24 and grew up in Bristol. I still live there to this day, despite working in Cardiff. I graduated from Oxford Brookes in 2006 with a 2:1 combined honours degree in law (major) with sport and coaching studies (minor) and started as an asylum case owner with what is now the UK Border Agency in October of that year. I began acting as a senior case worker in November 2007 and now lead a team of 12 case owners. I spend most of my time playing, watching or reading about sport.
Daisy Charlton (The Scout Association): I am an adviser in adult support at The Scout Association and my area of speciality is faiths and beliefs within scouting. After graduating in peace studies at the University of Bradford in 2006, I got an internship as a research assistant for Lord Janner in Westminster. I quickly realised that a career in politics wasn't for me and decided to start a career in the third sector. The Scout Association is my first charity job and I am looking to continue my career in this sector. I am 23 years old and live in London. I am a member of a choir and like doing the usual things to fill up my spare time – meeting friends, socialising and going to gigs/concerts/theatre/cinema.
Dawn Clarke (Home Office): I work for Home Office Pensions on the customer services team and also act as an equality and diversity officer for my office. I live in Formby, a small village in the suburbs of Liverpool. It is a National Trust area home to the endangered and rare red squirrel. In my spare time I am an amateur photographer and I most admire the work of Ansel Adams. I am a leader in the Girl Guides Association with girls aged 14 to 25. I teach them social responsibly, first aid, outdoor activities, camping and many other skills.
Kellie Cliffe (Identity and Passport Service): I grew up in Bourne, near Peterborough, with my parents and my younger brother and sister. After completing my AS levels, I carried on working part-time in a care home. I had already applied for a post within the IPS in November 2006 and accepted the job the following June. Since then I have worked in two different departments and I am currently working on the counter as a clerk, and I thoroughly enjoy it. My recreational hobbies are to read about true crimes and, when I have the chance, I volunteer at a care home. I especially enjoy socialising with my friends.
Daniel Collins (NHS Blood and Transplant): I was born and raised in Bristol on a council estate called Southmead. I left school with four GCSEs in science, religion, English and IT. Towards the end of my schooling, my parents split up and I felt at a loss for direction. I didn’t know all the options available to me and I decided to leave education and start work. I found many labouring jobs physically draining and mentally unsatisfying, but educational in how to handle stressful situations. I soon made the decision that general labouring was not for me. I started with the National Blood Service, aged 18, with a part-time HTO position through an agency. I soon realised the many options for careers in the NBS and now I am on a foundation degree course and looking to train as a biomedical scientist. I am looking forward to improving my knowledge in science and management in the NBS.
Anne Curtis (National Physical Laboratory): I grew up in Buffalo, NY, near Niagara Falls and Toronto. Thanks to a 'liberal arts' education at Duke University, I was able to focus on music performance at the same time as achieving a Bachelor in Science in physics. Following that, I decided to pursue a graduate degree in atomic physics at the University of Colorado. My work there with atomic clocks (the 'next generation' of clocks that define the SI second, and similar to those clocks that are found in GPS satellites) earned me a PhD in atomic physics in 2003. Wanting to change fields and countries, I found myself a postdoctoral position at Imperial College, London, working with atom chips – atomic laboratories on the microchip scale. Last year, I began my first 'real job' at the National Physical Laboratory in Teddington. I was hired to start a project on atomic clocks. Living as an ex-pat in the UK, and specifically in London, has been an excellent opportunity, both career-wise and in cross-cultural explorations. As an amateur cook, this is a marvellous place to learn about world cuisine. I have also remained active musically, performing vocally in numerous London locations and on European choir tours.
Samantha Davies (Acas): I was born in Wales 25 years ago. In 1999, I took 10 GCSEs and went on to do a GNVQ in health and social care. I left school in 2001 and started to work in Legal and General as a pension administrator. I worked in L&G for three years before moving to Zurich Insurance Company. I decided in 2005 to go to university where I studied a degree in English. I started at Acas in December last year as an admin officer before being promoted to helpline advisor in March.
Martin Dury (National Physical Laboratory): I have had an interest in science for my entire life. It started with an interest in dinosaurs when growing up in Tunbridge Wells. By the time I went to school I had realised that my dad probably wasn’t going to build me a dinosaur museum in our back garden. However, the sciences were still my favourite subject – I enjoyed performing experiments in particular. My interest continued into university where I studied physics at Reading. This was followed by a masters degree during which I undertook an industrial dissertation project at the National Physical Laboratory, leading to a PhD in physics. I now work for NPL – where I perform experiments.
Louise Hall (Identity and Passport Service): I am 21. I grew up on a farm in the north east. I currently work for the Identity and Passport Service in Durham. My role is EO on the financial accounting team. My work involves preparing the agency accounts. I’m presently working towards a degree in law through the Open University, which takes up quite a lot of my time! When I'm not busy studying or working, I enjoy horse riding, playing badminton, spending time with friends and family, and shopping.
Christine Hunt (Age Concern England): I grew up 'down under' on a staple diet of BBQ. I graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Arts degree and spent five years in the marketing department of an aged care charity. But I only discovered my true calling of social marketing and campaigning when I studied a masters in marketing. So I stocked up on vegemite and headed to London in search of new opportunities. I now work at Age Concern England as a social marketing campaigner and among my varied achievements is roaming a local hospital dressed as a carrot! I have started 'jive' dancing and have stepped on a lot of toes so far. At least my feet haven't let me down when it comes to my other great passion, travel. Last year I climbed the pyramids, swam in the Dead Sea and had a race up the Eiffel Tower.
Laura Jayawardane (Home Office): I am 24 years old. I was born in London and have lived there all of my life. I have been on the Civil Service Fast Stream since leaving university two and a half years ago. During this time I have worked in the Home Office in immigration, in private offices, and now I work in Number 10 as part of the PM’s Policy Unit. Having taken on a full-time job straight after university, and never having had a gap year, I still have a bit of a craving for travel and try to save up my annual leave to take nice long holidays whenever possible – I have just come back from Thailand, which was incredible. In my spare time, I am desperately trying to get fit for a charity run (starting from a very low base as I haven’t done much exercise since I learnt how to bunk PE by hiding in my locker in year nine), and I generally enjoy going out with my friends and socialising.
Caspar John (Energy Networks Association): I was born in Woking, Surrey, and have lived in Guildford, Tanzania, North Devon and, most recently, central London. I went to secondary school and sixth form college in Guildford and read mechanical engineering at Reading University. I currently work for the Energy Networks Association, a trade association for electricity distribution companies, as an engineering assistant. In my spare time I run, row, climb, cycle and play tennis. I also hold a paragliding licence. I enjoy travelling and have recently been to Morocco, India and Nepal. I enjoy meeting with friends, architecture and fixing/building things.
Peter Jones (Legal Services Commission): I am a policy developer at the Legal Services Commission where I work to reform the scope, accessibility and procurement of legal aid work. I previously managed the civil legal aid advice line, now known as Community Legal Advice, which I also helped to set up. I enjoy working in legal aid because of the impact our reforms can have on people’s ability to access their rights – and the challenge of debating with lawyers. I grew up in Wigan before studying philosophy at Cambridge, and now live in Stoke Newington, London. I enjoy a challenge and have regularly joined with teams of friends to train for and take part in charity events such as the British Heart Foundation London to Brighton cycle ride. I maintain a classic car and enjoy yoga, photography, cooking and socialising.
Phil Jones (Home Office): I have lived in Liverpool all my life. I have paraded for the Queen as part of my Queen's Badge course with the Boys' Brigade. I have a degree in organisation and management studies from Edge Hill University. I currently work in the IT department of the Home Office Pay and Pensions Service, having previously been a pay clerk. I enjoy watching non-league football and repairing PCs in my spare time. I currently represent my section on the Office Staff Forum.
Gemma Jordan (Legal Services Commission): I grew up in Staffordshire where my desire to help people inspired me to study law at Lancaster University. After completing my degree I volunteered for Victim Support whilst working in HR for a communications company. Now I am proud to work for the Legal Services Commission, where I help two million people each year to have access to justice. My open-minded attitude and enthusiasm mean I have a broad range of interests including writing my own novel, volunteering at the Roundhouse, and I will run the marathon for the Children's Trust next year. I strive to excel at everything I undertake.
Shetal Khetani (Institution of Civil Engineers): I was born and bred in East London and still live there with my parents. I completed my studies in 2004 when I gained a degree in business studies with a one-year industrial placement. As soon as I graduated I started to look for my ideal job in finance, which was difficult as that requires me to study further, which I am not keen to do. As a result, I decided to work in an office environment to gain administrative experience with a bit more of a basic bookkeeping role to build up my knowledge so that in the foreseeable future I can apply for my ideal job in finance. Currently I am working for the Institution of Civil Engineers where I have been employed for more than two years and I am thoroughly enjoying my role as it involves a large amount of communication, team work, time management and multi-tasking. In my spare time, I enjoy doing a large amount of mathematical work as I have a very strong eye for numbers and analysis. I also enjoy organising events or meeting up with friends on a regular basis. As a person I am very bubbly, enthusiastic, ambitious and easy to get on with.
Pamela Lathbridge (Ministry of Justice): I graduated from Queen Mary College (University of London) and started working for the Prison Service in March 2004. I initially joined as an administrative assistant while I studied part-time to gain a postgraduate diploma in law. I now work as the deputy parliamentary clerk for the Prison Service. I enjoy my current role as it enables me to see the wider issues that affect prisons and also understand how the Prison Service fits into government and the public's perception of prisons. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and organising events for aspiring music artists, providing them with a platform for their material.
Carolyn Lund (Ministry of Justice): I originate from a small town near Sheffield. At 19 I made the leap from cosy secondary comprehensive to the traditions of Cambridge University, emerging three years later with an honours degree in archaeology and anthropology. Naturally, this led me to pursue a career in the Prison Service (not perhaps that obvious a choice!). I am now a Governor Grade at HMP Wakefield. I adore travel and recent ventures have led me to Peru, China, the Arctic Circle and to Timbuktu in Mali. I am also a keen photographer and am currently keeping busy renovating a 16th century cottage near York.
Will Medd (National Physical Laboratory): I was born and raised on the North Devon coast. I attended university in Aberystwyth and studied space physics. I then went on to study a Masters in combustion, detonation and shockwave physics and worked for two years in a small commercial research unit blowing things up for people. I then went on to bigger bangs and worked as a drill and blast engineer in a goldmine in NZ for a year. Upon returning to the UK in 2004, I worked for a short time offshore in geology/oil well explosives before getting my first business development role back at the University of Wales. From here I moved to NPL where I have worked in business development for the last two years. In my spare time I enjoy socialising, climbing, running and maintaining my classic MG sports car, probably in that order...
Charlie Miller (Anti-Slavery International): Raised in London, I discovered my career at a women's rights NGO in India at 16. After school I went back there as a volunteer and taught in Nepal before returning to go to university. After that I moved to Bolivia where I volunteered with street kids and taught English for a year. Since then I've been learning languages in London and working as a statutory fundraiser, asking governments for money to fight slavery. I love music, films and books but I'm normally out and about – I'm often to be found in the pub with friends, eating out, playing football or doing as little as possible in parks.
Malcolm Montgomery (Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers): I am 26 years old and live in Preston with my girlfriend. I grew up in Aberdeen before moving to Glasgow to study mechanical engineering at the University of Glasgow. This allowed me to pursue my interest in practical matters, and understanding the fundamentals behind how things work. I studied for five years and obtained a first class masters degree. After university I joined National Grid on their graduate programme which I completed just over one year ago. I now work in operations as a senior network technician with responsibilities for looking after gas pressure controlling equipment. I am currently looking to gain chartership with the IMechE within the next two years.
Kerry Mullins (Confederation of Passenger Transport UK): I have lived in East London all of my life. I studied up to A level at college and made a decision to go straight into work rather than go to university. I started working for the Confederation of Passenger Transport three and a half years ago and they were willing to sponsor me to study to become an accountant. I have just recently qualified as an accounting technician and will be starting at level two ACCA course in September and hope to be a fully qualified accountant at the end of 2010. I enjoy swimming and running and do a lot of runs for charity throughout the year. I enjoy socialising with my friends and meeting new people. I also like a challenge.
Stephen O’Connor (Legal Services Commission): I was born and reared in Dublin. I graduated from University College Dublin in 2001 with a degree in business and legal studies. I moved to the UK in the summer of 2002. Since 2003, I have been working at the Legal Services Commission. My current role is project managing the implementation of a series of reforms to criminal legal aid procurement. I experienced the best day of my life eight weeks ago when my son Noah was born. I am spending most of my spare time reading up on fatherhood.
John Palmer (Acas): I was born in the High Peak and now live there again. I have also lived in Manchester and Washington DC. I received a BA (Hons) in English and American studies and a postgraduate diploma in medieval studies at the University of Manchester. I am currently working towards a BSc (Hons) in international studies at the Open University. I am employed by Acas as a helpline adviser and PCS Union learning representative. I enjoy travelling around the world, taking walks through the High Peak and my work as a school governor. My interests include world mythologies and literature, ancient and medieval history, political geography and the environment.
Angharad Richards (Welsh Assembly Government): Currently I am a policy officer for the Welsh Language Unit at the Welsh Assembly Government in Cardiff. Prior to this, I worked for the Assembly Parliamentary Services and for Museum Wales. I am a graduate of the University of Bristol with a degree in history. I also hold a Post Graduate Certificate in Education and am a qualified teacher of secondary history. In my spare time I enjoy going to the theatre, swimming and socialising with friends. I continue to have a keen interest in history and also enjoy reading, horse riding and volunteering at my local youth club.
Ellie Richards (The Children's Trust): I am the youngest of three children and I was indulged: I had ballet, swimming, horse riding, piano and flute lessons. I studied classics at university, graduating with a 2:1 and an award for outstanding achievement – a commiseration prize for missing out on a 1st by 0.5%. At work, I quickly discovered the corporate world was not for me. My sister-in-law told me about the great work of The Children's Trust. I started as a volunteer, and became a fundraiser as soon as I had the opportunity. It's work I love. I'm married and we're expecting our first baby on 24 October.
Carina Secker (Legal Services Commission): I have been working for the Legal Services Commission for three and a half years. Last year, I was successful in gaining a place on the LSC's two-year Accelerated Leadership Development Programme. Prior to joining the LSC, I worked in housing at my local council. After graduating with a degree in history from the University of Huddersfield, I spent two months teaching at a summer camp in America before going travelling. My interests include spending time with friends, reading, films and music and I enjoy going to the cinema and gigs. I also enjoy playing netball and have recently joined a local league.
Angela Shaw (Land Registry): I was born in Croydon in 1974 and lived there until five years ago when I moved to leafy West Sussex. I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up but when it came to work experience time, all the school placements had been grabbed and so I was offered a place in a solicitor's office – the rest is history. My training contract at the same firm in Croydon meant my having to defend criminals, sometimes in the early hours of the morning when they had broken a fence whilst drunk, divorcing people, and getting their jobs back or a fair pay-out for unfair dismissal. When I qualified in 2000, I decided that I had not studied hard for years only to stand up in court and lie for criminals and so went after a job at Land Registry and have not looked back since. As a child, cuddly toys were, and still are, a favourite – especially wolves and huskies which is why my husband surprised me with a trip to Greenland just before I took up my present job. We went dog sledding for seven days and at the end of the trip we were snowed in for two extra days and I had to telephone my new boss to put back my start date – what an excuse! Of course, then I had to get a husky for myself and Ice was born in October 2003. She is adorable.
Chris Silvester (Acas): I grew up in Fleet in Hampshire. After going to Farnborough Sixth Form College I went to Nottingham Trent University where I studied applied biology, physiology and pharmacology. I decided that this was not a direction I wanted to go in so left and moved back home where I worked as a door supervisor and then as a prisoner custody officer for Reliance. This was not challenging enough for me so I joined Acas and have been happy there ever since. I enjoy gaming on my PC and Xbox in my spare time, as well as having fun with my fiancée and housemate.
Jessica Sloss (Acas): I moved to Bristol five years ago to study law at the University of the West of England. I graduated last summer but started working at Acas part-time in my final year. I have now been working there for 18 months. I was promoted at the end of last year to helpline adviser and now give advice on employment legislation. I enjoy travelling and hope to explore South East Asia and Australasia later this year. I am currently undertaking a distance learning TEFL course to use in future either in England or abroad. I also enjoy walks in the country and exploring Bristol.
Katie Thomas (Civil Service): Originally from Gloucestershire, I read French and history at St. John's College, Oxford University. As part of this, I spent my third year in Paris teaching English and enjoyed it so much that I returned to France following graduation to complete a Masters in European business at the European School of Management (ESCP-EAP). I then worked in Paris for just over a year, completing a series of internships in equity research, marketing and HR with UBS, L'Oreal and Accor respectively before deciding to move back to the UK and becoming a civil servant. Other than France, one of my main interests is dancing and I've tried everything from ballet and ballroom to belly dancing.
Tamsin Wallwork (National Audit Office): I'm originally from Yorkshire but I haven't lived there since school. I graduated in chemical engineering but decided not to pursue a career in this field. My first job was at the Transport Research Laboratory where I specialised in transport-related issues in developing countries. I took a long-term secondment to the Highways Agency where, amongst other things, I was audited by the NAO. I saw my calling and joined the NAO's graduate scheme in 2005. I am now responsible for auditing the Big Lottery Fund and an international body that compensates the victims of oil spills. In my spare time I seem to do more DIY than can be healthy! I also enjoy rock climbing and the outdoors.
Charlie Webb (Civil Service): I grew up in the Cotswolds near a small village called Bourton-on-the-Water. I studied history at Newcastle University. I spent half a year in France and a year in Spain as part of my studies. My first job was as a journalist on a local newspaper. I was there for three years. I left after becoming disenchanted with journalism. I then spent a year learning Arabic in Yemen, Morocco and London before joining the civil service on the fast stream. My hobbies include running, reading, films and languages. I have a passion for current affairs.
Amy Whalley (Interact Worldwide): I grew up in North East Lincolnshire. I undertook a BA (Hons) in economics and international politics at Keele University and an MSc in development management at the LSE. Following this, I moved to Southern Africa and undertook an ODI Fellowship to Swaziland, spending two years working in the public policy co-ordination unit at the Prime Minister's Office. As a result of my growing interest in health issues, I then acted as a consultant for the National AIDS Council and the Ministry of Health between 2006 and 2007. I moved back to the UK in September 2007 and joined Interact Worldwide as a policy and advocacy manager. My work now focuses on international reproductive health and rights and HIV issues. In my spare time I enjoy travelling and experiencing new cultures.
Lucy Wilkinson (Barnardo's): Originally from Yeovil, I went on to read for a BA in European film and world cinema at the University of Exeter. However, it was really my extra curricular activities rather than my subject that informed my career path. Before and during university I was an active volunteer. I served as chairperson of Yeovil Youth Council for three years, during a summer holiday I taught English to children in Bosnia, and in my second year at Exeter I ran a 'Kids’ Club' project for local children aged 8 to 12. After graduating, I completed a graduate internship with Student Volunteering England. I then moved to Barnardo's where I am now employed as the intern and head office volunteer co-ordinator. In my free time I enjoy trawling London's markets for bargains, reading, watching old Hollywood and foreign films, cooking and karaoke.
Ian Yates (Home Office): I am 26 years old and married to my fabulous wife, Kate. I work for the Home Office in the pay service department, as a process improvement manager. I have been working for the Home Office for eight years. I am heavily involved in my local church and the church across Merseyside and the North West. This is mainly through music, leading different congregations in contemporary, corporate worship. Music is a huge passion of mine and takes up a lot of my spare time. I released my debut album in 2007 and I am currently working on my second at the moment.