Ros and the value of outreach

Two weeks ago, Ros and I spent the day visiting two Norfolk schools, a state school in Dereham (Neatherd High), and a private school (Norwich High School for Girls), as part of the House of Lords outreach programme. My job is to navigate Ros from place to place and chip in the odd fact if Ros needs it, and make conversation with students and teachers alike.

Ros has a presentation to give, which explains how the House of Lords works, and then takes questions in a no-holds barred sort of way, her way of encouraging students to seek answers to the things that interest them. It's not intended to be party political, although if she is asked her opinion, she will give it without hesitation. The sessions are generally pretty lively, and the questions can be on virtually anything.

Ros and Emily pose for the camera

Given Ros's relatively unusual journey through the world of politics, she sees it as an opportunity to demonstrate to young people that politics is for anyone who believes that they have something to say and a cause to campaign on, and it is one of the things that drives her to give up some of her days off to take part in the programme, especially given that there aren't that many Peers in East Anglia who do.

Our visits coincided with the announcement of the results of the elections to the UK Youth Parliament, and at Neathard High, we met Emily Fox, who had been successful in the contest for the Mid Norfolk seat, gaining an impressive 1,788 votes. I have to admit, that in her shoes, I would have been quite excited, but she seems like a very level-headed individual, and she apparently ran an excellent campaign using social media.

We weren't the only visitors to the school, however, as the local press were there, complete with photographer, to cover the story and ask some questions.

Sadly, once Ros had given the presentation and taken questions for forty-five minutes, we weren't able to stay much longer, as we were due in Norwich.

It isn't unusual to find that the students at fee-paying schools are more self-confident than at their state competitors, and Norwich High School for Girls was no exception. We were made to feel very welcome, and the questions came thick and fast over a very nice lunch before the formal part of the visit took place. I got to be Ros's 'glamorous assistant', as someone needed to operate the slideshow and I happened to be free - it's not a difficult task, as there are only thirteen slides, but it is nice to be useful...