The Parliamentary Outreach Trust believes that for democracy to thrive it is vital to engage and educate young people about how it works and how society functions. We believe that education plays an important role in developing informed and involved citizens.
To this end former Members of Parliament have been engaged in a parliamentary outreach initiative, arranging visits to schools, colleges and universities to talk to students about parliament and to answer their questions. This is done on a purely voluntary basis and with minimum administrative support. This work was pioneered by the late Eric Moonman.
The Trust proposes to extend and develop this work, involving more former MPs and more educational establishments. We also aim to work with other organisations with similar objectives (see below) in promoting Parliamentary Studies in educational institutions.
Our members have a wealth of experience of parliament and current affairs and many possess particular skills which can help students learn more about our democracy and citizenship through their unique insight. Former MPs engage in the scheme as colleagues and our work emphasises that democratic debate does not have to be overly partisan.
To date members have been involved with programmes at:
Manchester University, University of London, Leeds University, University Gateway, Petchey Academy, JFS, Tonbridge School, Leicester University, Liverpool University, Bournemouth University, Metropolitan University, Marlow Academy (Ramsgate), Gordonstoun School, Exeter University, Hull University, John Moores University (Liverpool), Swansea University, King Edward VI School (Stratford), Birmingham University, Brunel University and University of Westminster
Several POT Members have already volunteered with Speakers for Schools, including:
- Bridget Prentice (Labour, Lewisham East 1992-2010) at Rainham School for Girls, Gillingham
- Alan Lee Williams (Labour, Hornchurch 1966-70 & 1974-79) at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Crayford Academy
- Victoria Borwick (Conservative, Kensington 2015-17) at Prendergast Vale School in Lewisham.
Partners
Speakers for Schools
The Trust has signed a Partnership Agreement with Speakers for Schools with the aim of strengthening opportunities for Parliamentary Outreach Trust members to speak in state secondary schools and provide schools with talks from expert speakers.
Speakers for Schools is an independent charity launched in 2011 that aims to help state secondary schools across the UK access the very best network of leaders today, free of charge. Founded by the journalist Robert Peston, we do this by helping today’s most influential figures across industries give their time directly through inspiring school talks each year, as well as open-up access to work experience at their firms and organisations to help level the playing field between state school students those at fee-paying schools. The charity has facilitated over 5,500 school events to date and works with a network of over 1,700 state secondary schools and colleges nationwide. Speakers in the network range from political figures to CEOs of major companies, notable national journalists, arts figures, scientists, leading entrepreneurs and renowned academics, all donating their time.
PARLIAMENTARY OUTREACH TRUST 