News22nd February 2021
Ark Sixth Formers are to be given the chance to influence future government policy and win prizes of up to £25,000 as part of an initiative by the Heywood Foundation to promote innovation within the civil service.
The foundation – set up last year in memory of the former head of the civil service, Sir Jeremy Heywood – has established a Public Policy Prize to encourage innovative policy proposals resulting from the Covid-19 crisis. It is now working with Ark Schools to promote the prize to six formers across our network.
Suzanne Heywood, chair of the foundation, said: “Jeremy was extremely open to new ideas, and actively sought out different perspectives. He was much more interested in the quality of the idea than the rank or seniority of the person who proposed it.
“The fact that young people’s lives have been so affected by the pandemic means that their ideas have particular relevance and value at this time. So, we are delighted to be promoting the prize to Ark sixth forms and hope we can encourage some of the next generation of public servants in doing so.”
The prize winners will be selected by a panel of judges including Rt Hon Michael Gove and Lord O’Donnell.
James Lovell, Ark’s Director of Sixth Form said: “We are delighted to be working with the Heywood Foundation on this initiative. Our sixth forms pride themselves on enabling their students to think and learn creatively, and this prize is a fun way that they can apply their skills with the prospect of making real impact.”
Sir Jeremy was Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service between 2012 and 2018 and served four Prime Ministers. The Heywood Foundation supports charitable causes including the promotion of diversity and innovative thinking within the civil service and broader public service in the UK.
You can find out about the prize at https://heywoodfoundation.com/contest/