The Children’s Commissioner for England, Maggie Atkinson, organized a national ‘Takeover Day’ to celebrate young people, and to highlight their varied skills. Eleven learners from across the county schools took part in the event, where they shadowed a senior member of staff at County Hall for one day!

Eleven pupils from the Bewdley School Eco Team visited County Hall in Worcester to take part in this innovative event. Six of the learners were given the daunting task of shadowing the District Chief Executives, and one of our learners was assigned the task of working alongside Ian Miller, the Wyre Forest Chief Executive.

During the first session, learners were briefed about the ‘Hear by Right’ initiative, which aims to get young people more involved in the decisions that are being made at local council levels. During the meeting, our learners gave presentations and shared their opinions regarding many aspects of the policy, and also went on to discuss the ‘Next Generation’, which is another new county policy regarding the environment, economy and community. This policy will be implemented over the next 40 years!

During the day learners also had a tour of County Hall, and spoke to some of the staff from each area. At the end of the day, the Eco Team felt that they had gained a deeper understanding of how Worcestershire County Council implement policies, and how they will affect everyone in Worcestershire for many years to come. Learners also experienced how the hundreds of staff in the different departments work together, to make the policies happen. The Eco Team hope they will have the opportunity to attend a similar day next year!