A Day in the Life.....

The Youth of Today’s Local Councillor Shadowing Programme run by the British Youth Council, allowed two young women from underprivileged backgrounds to shadow me for no less than 25 hours. There were several options on how to do this; I decided to combine it into one week giving them a valuable insight into the duties elected officials perform.   For personal reasons one of the two girls decided to leave part way through but Thyme stayed the distance. The Council was the first in the country to complete the national Programme.

 

My roles within South Hams District Council include Member Champion for Children and Young People, Vice Chairman of Council and Chairman of the Salcombe Harbour Board, so there was plenty of variety for the girls to enjoy. Did I say enjoy? Who enjoys sitting through boring meetings, not these young people.

 

The week of shadowing is summarised below.

 

Five meetings including Full Council and a Harbour Board meeting.

Visit to Salcombe Harbour and a trip on the harbour launch.

An evening run to Plymouth for the Samaritans AGM.

A farewell function for a retiring employee.

Affordable Housing Scheme visit.

Woolwell Community Centre Play Day.

 

Thyme embraced this opportunity which made me all the more sad that the other girl left. Thyme was a shy 18 year old, initially reticent to engage in conversation or voice her opinions. She had never been employed and came from a low-income background. At the end of this period she was visibly enjoying the experience of meeting people from all walks of life, her very pleasant personality and sense of humour shone through and there was a confidence and sparkle about her. On completion of the Programme followed by an in-depth assessment of the scheme, she was informed by the JobCentrePlus that she could interview for two vacancies.

 

The experience of having two young women shadowing me highlighted a number of issues. First and foremost was the necessity of a permanent chaperone at all times. Days were sometimes long and whilst my secretary Muriel did most of the work my wife Ann had to step in for evening events. My CRB check needed to be no more than two years old and I had to be considered suitable. Modification of my private car insurance was also required.

 

The local JobCentrePlus sought volunteers which I interviewed. The host authority is given an allowance of £150 to cover expenses on satisfactory completion of the Programme. After taking out our expenses we gave Thyme gift vouchers for clothing which might be useful for interviews. The cost to the Council was minimal.

 

Looking back on my first meeting with Thyme compared with the confident young lady who left us, I feel we all achieved a great deal and this is very satisfying.

 

The scheme is run by The British Youth Council on behalf of Youth of Today Tel: 020 7022 1975