October 19th 2020
Posted on: 07/10/2020
Year 13 Politics Class - Virtual discussion with Mr Simon Bland, from Reigate and Banstead Council
Virtual Discussion with the Year 13, A Level Politics Class and Mr Simon Bland – Head of Business Prosperity, Reigate and Banstead Council.
We were delighted to ‘virtually’ welcome Simon into the Beacon school recently. Simon agreed to come and share his experiences of working in the council with our Year 13 A level Politics lesson. Our students had prepared some fantastic questions for Simon and he was able to give a brilliant overview and insight into working for our local Authority. In response to a question from Max about the effects of COVID-19 on the local economy Simon was able to explain how the economic effects had been dealt with at national and local government level. He explained to the students that whereas previously in his opinion there had not been a lot of contact with local authority and MP’s there was now a much stronger link between the two in order that national government could provide resources based on the local economy requirements’ and local understanding. Nadia asked whether there was a perceived participation crisis amongst younger people in the UK, Simon felt that the crisis was not specific to the younger age groups and really highlighted to the students the need to have a voice and get involved.
Alex asked whether Simon felt the COVID-19 crisis affected the younger population more, Simons response was that there was indeed a lack of opportunities in this age group and advised the students to get the best education they can and enter the employment market after securing the best education they could. Hopefully then looking towards a stronger economy and more economic growth in three years’ time.
This is just a window of what questions were asked in the session, the students asked so many really pertinent questions and Mr Bland was able to give us an honest breakdown about what it is like to work in local government and supporting local business at such a crucial time.
We really appreciate the time taken by Mr Bland to join our lesson and share some of his careers experience and knowledge, it was a really engaging session and if you or anyone would like to share your careers experience please contact:
Sara Cox, LRC Manager and Careers Coordinator
