Well we can’t let the G7 pass without mentioning all the civil servants from the South West and elsewhere in the UK who got involved in supporting this huge event in our region. Supporting the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) I worked on the Event Security and Police Liaison Team, welcoming delegates and working with other teams to ensure the safety and smooth running of the event. There were a variety of roles available to volunteers such as Delegation Liaison Officers who were responsible for making sure delegates had everything they needed, to Media Liaison Officers who assisted media getting to the right places on time for ‘media moments’.
The majority of us have never worked in such close proximity to world leaders and those who support and protect them. Law enforcement, private security, military, local staff and civil servants all worked so well together to make the event a success. I have to thank the security team and the police officers I worked with. Despite working very long hours they were incredibly helpful, friendly and professional, which made the event for me. That and being back home in Cornwall with some great weather to showcase our beautiful county.
Working face to face with people again, after such a long time working at home, was fantastic. I have missed the human interaction, the stories and the humour. The role was far different to anything I have done in a long time and really gave me an insight into working at pace, solving problems, managing queries and thinking on your feet whilst dealing with ‘customers’.
So, I would encourage civil servants to consider volunteering, look at your departmental policy, see what’s on offer. You may gain some new skills, it might just give you a renewed energy for the day job….
5 comments
Comment by Ruth Gilfillan posted on
Great blog. It really was an amazing and unique experience! Everyone was so friendly and helpful - it was great collaborating with fellow Civil Servants.
Comment by Alex Summers posted on
Wonderful experience, I know Jeff Turner on my team enjoyed his time on the "media" team. Fantastic opportunity...
Comment by Kelly Zammit posted on
It was a fabulous opportunity and I enjoyed every minute of it. I also made some new friends too. Still buzzing this week.
Comment by Nikki Smith posted on
So pleased I went for this opportunity. I loved every minute of it, even the ones I hated! Met some great people who I would otherwise have never met as our Civil Service paths are unlikely to have ever crossed. Would have no hesitation in recommending this sort of opportunity to anyone.
Comment by Sam Mountain posted on
I'm really grateful to have been given the chance to volunteer for the G7 summit. It was a unique opportunity for me to be part of an historic event for the country and the county where I live (3 of the main venues were all within a 5 mile radius of where I live). Pockets, of what is usually familiar landscape, changed in the weeks leading up to the event. I now have some amazing memories and it really was a great experience working with colleagues from external organisations and other departments of the Civil Service.