Like the rest of my colleagues here at the Whitehouse Consultancy, my passion for political engagement goes beyond the professional sphere. In addition to keeping up to date with the latest political developments in the UK and across the rest of Europe, I try to be involved in my local community and that is why I recently decided to apply for a position as school governor in the London Borough of Southwark, where I live.
After having spent a considerable amount of time looking for information on the websites of my local council and of the Department for Education, I came across SGOSS – Governors for Schools, a national charity which works to ensure that every school in England has access to volunteers with transferable business skills. After only a couple of weeks since I first registered on their website, I had been put in touch with the Harris Academy Peckham, a comprehensive school which provides education for almost 1,000 pupils in South East London.
Following an interview with the Harris Federation’s Chief Executive and having undergone all the required checks, I have recently been appointed as governor and I will attend my first governing board meeting in a few days’ time. While the political row between the Government and the Opposition over the conversion of ‘failing’ schools to academy status does not show signs of abating, I do look forward to focussing on ensuring that pupils at Harris Academy Peckham receive the best possible education.
Overseeing the long-term development of a school catering for 1,000 pupils is certainly a somewhat daunting responsibility, but at the same time it is a challenging and exciting opportunity, with the possibility of making a real difference for the community. I look forward to starting this adventure, hoping that the skills gained working as a political consultant will serve to make a significant and positive contribution.
Alessandro Fusco
