Last week, the RT Hon the Baroness Jay of Paddington visited CWC to meet and speak to Level 3 Public Services students about politics and her role as a member of the House of Lords. The talk was organised by Andrea Stanley, a lecturer in Leisure, Health and Public Services, following a visit to Parliament earlier this year and is part of the Peers in Schools programme.

Baroness Jay is a Labour politician and has held a number of positions during her political career including Chairman of the House of Lords Constitution Committee, House of Lords Health Spokesman and Minister for Women and Leader of the House of Lords, working extensively on the reform of the Lords. She is also a former journalist and held a variety of posts at the BBC including working on current affairs and further education TV programmes before working on shows including Panorama and This Week.

“Our students are the future and they need to understand what we mean by politics and the impact it has on their quality of life,” said Andrea. “They’re looking to be future public servants so they have to have some knowledge and understanding of politics, the welfare process and voting and why it matters. Having the opportunity to meet a Peer is an important way for them to develop their knowledge and understanding of British politics and the processes.”

Peers in Schools is part of the House of Lord’s outreach programme, which offers students at schools and colleges a taste of working life in Westminster by meeting and talking to Peers who make laws and hold the Government to account. The scheme is managed by the Lord Speaker’s office and aims to raise awareness of the Lords and encourage people to get involved in its work. Members whose backgrounds include careers as scientists, academics, lawyers, former teachers, former cabinet ministers and civil servants have visited almost 1,000 schools and spoken to over 50,000 students.

“The Baroness was very impressed with our students and the presentation that they gave her which they had created for their Government and Policies module when they created their own political parties and manifestos,” added Andrea. “It was invaluable for them to have feedback from someone who works in politics, particularly for our female students as she is a pioneer of women’s issues.”