I'm amazed no-one seems to have commented on this thread.  I'm currently with (my ADs support - good for her!) helping 14yr olds at local schools with job interview practice and other preparations for the world they are due to meet before long.  I was persuaded into doing it by our local Equality and Diversity Team and I'm happy I was.  After the initial fright, I find the experience rewarding (and not too taxing).  I feel much better for having done something that could 'make a difference', and the pupils are really grateful to have someone take an interest in them and their future (and I think the importance of the young being able to see that adult society is not abandoning them in tthe current climate cannot be over-emphasised).

I chuckled at HRH remark about a 'skeleton staff' back at the office.  It resonated with me, as someone who came here after years in a small business environment where there was no time to attend 'wider interest' events of any sort.  But I've always felt that 'time to stand and stare' (see http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/leisure/  for the full words of this short but beautiful and oft quoted short poem) was an essential part of bringing forward the best new ideas, so I am glad that as a civil servant I now have a chance to express those thoughts, hopefully to the benefit of the wider public.

Michael ONeill 968 days ago