I have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed a week’s work experience in my local MPs office. I am currently studying for a law degree and hope to have a career in the civil service and so wrote to Huw to asking if it were possible to spend some time in the constituency office.
Over the past week I have worked with Huw and his team to gain an insight into the work that an MP undertakes in supporting their constituents. During the week I was fortunate enough to accompany Huw on visits within the constituency and see the direct work he does and interaction he has with members of the constituency. I also spent time in the office with members of Huws team, Frances, Greg, Craig and Penny, to see the important work that they do also.
On my first day I went to the launch of the no cold calling zone in Bexhill with Huw and the Rother Neighbourhood Watch. I also had the opportunity to meet Sussex Police Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne. After this Huw, Frances and I went to the New Inn Pub in Sidley for a meeting with constituents who were discussing some of the challenges they were facing. It was very interesting to see how an MP such as Huw interacted with the constituents and aided the meeting so that those present had a better idea of how to approach their problems.
Over the next couple of days I spent in the office, I worked with Frances in looking at some case work. This was extremely eye-opening to see how constituents contact their MP to ask for help, advice or information and see them get given this help, or pointed in the right direction as to where they may receive it.
We also enjoyed a visit to Bexhill Community Fire Station where we had been invited following the meeting on Monday. Frances, Greg and I enjoyed a tour of the emergency vehicles being shown their capabilities and then took part in some activities highlighting the difficulties fire fighters face when carrying out their job.
On the Thursday of my week with Huw and his team, we visited a constituent in Burwash who had written to Huw and wished to discuss an issue he was having and another matter which he, and Huw, are passionate about. It was captivating to see how having these types of meetings with their MP can lift a constituents and a community’s spirits. Following this meeting we took a trip to Batemans, the National Trust run former home of Rudyard Kipling, for a tour of the house and to see the work taking place on the old watermill. We then attended a Community Speed Watch event in Etchingham. It was interesting to see how passionate and focused the individuals taking part were in their cause, and how much it meant to them that Huw stopped by to support them in their work.
On my last day in Huw’s office I helped compile a lists of MPs to be contacted regarding Huw’s hopeful re-election to the Transport Select Committee. We then attended a meeting with the NCS, where we met teams of young people who had just completed, or were in the process of completing their projects. Following this we attended the Heart of Sidley Family Fun Day where Huw interacted with many constituents and charity workers.
Following my week with Huw, which if could do again I definitely would, my desire to continue my studies and enter the civil service has been reinvigorated and I find myself completely re-motivated to accomplish these to the best of my ability. If I could recommend completing a work experience week like this to anyone, I most certainly would, observing the work of an MP and their team was an invaluable, eye-opening experience.