The Department for Education’s Permanent Secretary Susan Acland-Hood and the Government’s Chief People Officer Rupert McNeil are encouraging people at all levels across the Civil Service to volunteer via Inspiring the Future.
Civil Servants are being asked to give from an hour a year to talk to children and young people about their jobs or to consider becoming a school governor.
Over 5000 people from across the Civil Service have already volunteered via Inspiring the Future. Having taken part in one of their virtual interactive session themselves, Susan and Rupert are now calling for others to volunteer and help raise students’ aspirations.
In a joint blog published on the Civil Service Intranet and featured in Civil Service World they cite the impact of virtual events saying they “could be transformational in helping to ensure that wherever a young person lives and whatever their background they have access to an amazing range of role models.”
Their blog explains how easy volunteering can be, “You can just answer simple questions about your job, your career journey and some of the exciting things you have done through your work. In doing so, you could introduce a child to new ideas or aspirations that they hadn’t considered before.”
The opportunity to meet volunteers beyond young people’s immediate networks and form new connections also helps challenge stereotypical views about the jobs people do based on gender, ethnicity and socio-economic background.
“This is a great opportunity for young people and employers alike,” explains Nick Chambers Education and Employers CEO, the charity which runs Inspiring the Future.
“Young people get a real-life view of what is possible which boosts their aspirations and motivation. In turn, these encounters help employers access a wide pool of talent and ensure the workforce serves the needs of everyone.”
And for civil servants wanting to develop their skills further, there is the opportunity to volunteer as a school or college governor via Inspiring Governance.
Find out more
You can volunteer for Inspiring the Future or Inspiring Governance if you work in the public, private or third sector.
Get involved – volunteer
Or if you’re an employer, see how you can support your staff to volunteer:
Employers – find out more