This week, I had the privilege of welcoming a group of sixth form students to Milton Keynes City Council as part of their work placements. It was a chance for them to gain a real understanding of how local government works — and for us to invest time in the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers.
I believe in creating opportunities for young people to see beyond the classroom — so it was a privilege to be able to accommodate students from local schools, giving them the chance to see the work we do at the Council, meet us as councillors, step into spaces where decisions are made, and connect the dots between what they learn and the world around them.
As part of their placement, I arranged a visit to the Thames Valley Police CCTV and control room. I’m hugely grateful to Jason Owens, Andrea, and the entire team for giving the students such an insightful look at how public safety is managed across Milton Keynes.
The students saw the CCTV suite in action and began to understand how the work done there feeds into everything from crime prevention to emergency response. But more than that, they gained a deeper appreciation of how different authorities work together — from councils and police, to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Many didn’t realise just how wide the remit of the PCC is — covering not only Milton Keynes, but all of Thames Valley, including Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. It’s the largest police area outside of London’s Met. Seeing how all these pieces fit together gave them valuable insight into the scale and importance of partnership working.
What stood out most, though, was simply listening. Hearing their interests, their questions, and the way they saw the world reminded me exactly why this work matters. It’s not just about exposing them to future careers — it’s about showing them that they belong in these spaces. That their voices are valued. That they have a future worth shaping.
Supporting young people is at the heart of what I do. Whether it’s through work placements, mentoring, or simply taking the time to engage — I’ll always do what I can to give them the confidence, tools, and access they need to succeed.
I was more than happy to support these students and proud that our Council and local partners stepped up to give them such a meaningful experience.
I hope this week helped them see what’s possible. I know it reminded me why I care so deeply about the work I do — and who I do it for.
