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30 years of the Rights of the Child
Today is the 30th anniversary of the signing of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. 30 years ago, I was a young and idealistic teacher, working in a primary school in Lichfield, Staffordshire. I remember reading about the Convention at the time and thinking how surprising it was that no-one had considered…
International Youth Day – Safe spaces for youth…
This year’s theme for International Youth Day is “Safe Spaces for Youth”. It’s a timely reminder to us all in the education and youth sectors worldwide that we have a responsibility to work in partnership with young people to ensure that they can develop and thrive in environments that are free from discrimination, harassment, or…
Giving Children Their Childhood Back
Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to ban social media platforms from offering services to under-16s is one of the boldest interventions in childhood and adolescence that we have seen from any UK government in recent years. On balance, I support it. That may surprise some people. I have spent much of my professional life championing young…
A Day at Thames Valley Police HQ
Today, alongside Pippa and Sean—the High Sheriffs of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire—I had the privilege of visiting Thames Valley Police Headquarters in Kidlington. Together, we represent the three counties served by the force, and this visit offered a comprehensive insight into the operations and challenges faced by Thames Valley Police. A Warm Welcome Our day began…
Why Sport Matters – For Young People and for Oxfordshire
It was a real pleasure to spend time this week exploring the importance of sport in equipping young people for life, at the launch of Oxfordshire Cricket’s new and ambitious strategy. Held at St Edward’s School – an important and much-valued partner – the event brought together people who care deeply about cricket not simply…
The Joy of Opening Doors
One of the quiet joys of being High Sheriff is being asked to open things. This evening I had the pleasure of doing just that at Wesley Memorial Church in Oxford – though there was no ribbon to cut, only the rather more meaningful opportunity to open a door and welcome everyone present into the…
