Issue 2 October 2020

Bill Gates Find the Cure £5.99 ISSN 2732-5180

5 060778 770005 The Bureau, 90 Fetter Lane London EC4A 1EN +44 20 7353 5005 www.carter-ruck.com Introduction

Founder's Letter Editor: Claire Coe colleges, universities, business, politics and nation states. The power of his voice Contributing Editors: never leaves us, and the discoveries and Liz Brewer, Fred Finn, Stephen James, Emily Prescott, Lord Ranger CBE, Christopher Jackson lessons reverberated long after our conversation ended. Communities Editor: Myles Stacey I cannot express my gratitude more sincerely to Sir David, who has almost Advisory Board: single-handedly changed the way we look John Griffin (Chairman), Dame Mary Richardson, Sir Anthony Seldon, Elizabeth Diaferia, at and appreciate our planet, teaches and Ty Goddard, Neil Carmichael inspires a generation of followers, and legions of youths, who are as much at home Management Team: with him, as they are with the latest rock Ronel Lehmann (Founder & CEO), Colin band, believing that our climate can be Hudson, Derek Walker, Professor Robert Campbell saved from destruction. Business Mentors: Andrew Inman, Chloe Garland, Alejandra Arteta, The second edition of Finito World tackles Angelina Giovani, Christopher Clark, Robin You know that brief moment before the another legend, Bill Gates, and the search Rose, Sophia Petrides, Dana James-Edwards, shutter of your camera captures the for a pandemic cure. If contacting Sir David Elizabeth Marmur, Iain Smith, Jeremy Cordrey, orangutan in the shot? Well it was a bit like was a challenge, I will not regale you with Martin Israel, Iandra Tchoudnowsky, Tim Levy, Peter Ibbetson, Claire Orlic, Judith Cocking, that making a call to another primate, the full tale about engaging with another Sandra Hermitage, Isla Baliszewska, Claire Ashley, Sir David Attenborough, not the King incredible force for good. Dr Richard Davis, Sir David Lidington, Coco of the jungle in far off land, but closer Stevenson, Angelina Giovani to home, in his wild natural habitat of We pay tribute to Ian Taylor, a titan of Richmond, London. business at Vitol, and chair of the Royal Digital Director: Opera House. Taylor famously rescued David Angell The last time we worked together was in Harris Tweed from bankruptcy, and was Business Development: 1992 when I acted for David Laing and also known for his incredible philanthropy Rara Plumptre Ronald Harris in their bid to build a world and charitable support. He was an class aquarium at London Zoo. Being still inspiration and from the recollections Public Relations: an affable sort of junior primate even today, expressed by former Prime Ministers and Pedroza Communications I thought it best to send a telegram to him other business leaders, it was an honour Advertisement Director: explaining the purpose, before telephoning. to have known him. James Ferrin It did seem a little ironic to be transmitting my request during the pandemic the day The professionalism demonstrated by Advertisement Sales: after the news broke that our zoos were our business mentors has been a source Virtual Campaign Management once again allowed to re-open. of considerable encouragement to all our students and career change mentoring Creative Director: Andrew Charalambous A week had passed, and I decided to place candidates. I praise them for their fortitude the receiver next to my ear. It had just when it has most been needed and for Designer: passed 2.00pm on a Friday and I thought contributing to this publication. Jonathan Stewart that it was a good time, just after lunch and before a nap. I thought for a moment of There is currently a lot of anxiety for Photography: students, their parents and prospective Sam Pearce his Wyggeston Grammar School Leicester classmate, Gordon Taylor, my father-in- employers. We are about to see the end of Print Production: law who sadly died in March, and the many the furlough scheme, and people’s patience Tim Solway tales he regaled from their youth. in some cases has already been tested to the limit, and will likely be tested further as we Printed in the UK by: Sir David answered immediately, no lurch towards winter. Printlogic incorporating Solways Printers, Kent, DA17 6AH Executive Assistant. He mentioned that it was only 48 hours after emerging from However, there are also incredible stories Website Development: self-isolation and lockdown and that of young people demonstrably overcoming Wordsmith Digital he regularly receives 40 to 50 items of adversity. We focus our optimism on correspondence a day. It was a brusque yet encouraging success through the lens Registered Address: professional exchange, a quick moment for of those who began with nothing and Finito Education Limited, 7/10 Chandos Street, achieved greatness. I hope you will enjoy London, United Kingdom W1G 9DQ reminiscences and yet with purpose. He left an impression of being on top of his game, reading this issue as much as we enjoyed Finito and Finito World are trade marks of the owner. not suffering fools and perhaps preserving preparing it during lockdown. Once you We cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited the strength of his dulcet tones for the next have completed reading, I hope you will submissions, manuscripts and photographs. All prices get in touch and share your own stories. The Bureau, 90 Fetter Lane and details are correct at time of going to press, but film excerpt. subject to change. We take no responsibility for Our many loyal readers would like that. London EC4A 1EN omissions or errors. Reproduction in whole or in part He was happy to speak to readers of our without the publisher’s written permission is strictly magazine as his mission to save us +44 20 7353 5005 prohibited. All rights reserved. encompasses early years to pupils, schools, www.carter-ruck.com Leader Is it Time for Generation Entrepreneur? 3 LLOYD’S AVENUE, LONDON, EC3N 3DS · WWW.FINITO.ORG.UK

The American novelist John Updike once environment that will increasingly less wiggle-room to assist than at any wrote: ‘When you’re young you prepare benefit the entrepreneurial spirit. point since the Great Depression. It is yourself for a world which is gone by the This optimistic can-do approach should this that has given an air of fantasy to time you get there.’ The life we dreamed also animate our education sector. The the Johnson government’s well-meaning of growing up, turns out to be not so virus halted our schooling, yes, but it has talk of ‘guaranteed apprenticeships’. Some much unobtainable as irrelevant: the sped up our thinking about virtual learning. businesses will feel that their priorities are world is always moving too fast, and it’s geared not towards reform but survival. our job not to let it outmanoeuvre us. It has also made students, at home and abroad, question the value of university We can talk forever about the delicate Now and then, the world changes so courses in ways that may ultimately help line between the offer of assistance to markedly that a generation will enter the their careers – in addition to accelerating minorities and the creation of unjust workplace amid a greater than usual sense the national conversation around the quota systems. Or we can become of uncertainty. This year has seen two major curriculum, tutoring and apprenticeships. mired all over again in the traditional changes – in addition to the usual welter of right-left debate about the importance mini-crises, some real and others media- And what about Black Lives Matter? There of character versus the importance of driven. The pandemic shrank the economy is no question that this has already made citizenship, when clearly both are essential. by a quarter, causing untold anxiety and commercial and education institutions confining us indoors. Meanwhile, the re-examine the story of minorities in Instead, the real divide in education and shocking murder of George Floyd on this country. Corporations can no longer business – and it’s a line found at the level 25th May in Minneapolis sent many out afford to be flat-footed on the issue. of the employee and job-seeker too – is onto the streets to protest racial inequality. Soon after Floyd’s murder, the head of between the dynamic and the flat-footed. the City of London School Alan Bird This raises two questions of equal At times of societal upheaval, it is right wrote to parents to express himself importance. Firstly, how do we help that we look for attitudes and examples shocked: ‘Events of the last two weeks young people prosper within this new to console and instruct. It was Martin have demanded that institutions... Covid-19 environment? Secondly, how Luther King - in a line often quoted by consider what they really mean.’ do we make sure these young people former President Barack Obama - who Universities reacted similarly. Over at the are a fair reflection of the diversity referred to ‘the fierce urgency of now’. University of Buckingham, Sir Anthony of upbringings people experience in In 2020, this is the only respectable form Seldon, the organisation’s outgoing Vice- this country? In truth, these questions of ferocity. Young people now have an Chancellor, issued a comparable bulletin: should never have been separated out. opportunity to learn things they would ‘We want to nurture an environment otherwise not have learned. They can also where every person has an opportunity to Interestingly, the ideas that seem take the kinds of risks that would previously speak out about issues impacting them.’ particularly attractive don’t fit easily have been unthinkable, and do so in an into traditional political boxes. environment that will be sympathetic to In neither instance was this mere talk. Bird From one-to-one tutoring, to the failure, and especially admiring of success. explained that the school was consulting apprenticeships question, the issue of with its pupil-led Afro-Caribbean Society. broadening our curriculum to include better The mood is clear. Well-known businesses He added that he had established a representation for financial education, the – from British Airways to Prêt-à-Manger Diversity Group within the staff bodies, arts and gardening (see our campaign on – are making swingeing cuts to staff. and was promoting BAME authors page 37), and the sudden importance of Training programmes at the traditional in library displays. Seldon meanwhile digital poverty, it isn’t clear where these blue chip firms now seem to be in doubt, announced the appointment of two ideas belong on the political spectrum. and where they are not in doubt it is new Equality and Inclusion Officers. sometimes difficult to imagine how they That’s normally the sign of a good idea. will be as fulfilling and as international These examples show that the murder It’s time to promote nuanced thinking as they once were. Why not use this as of Floyd has created in those in power since it is only this that promotes the a moment to start out on your own? a laudable desire to help. This is to the resilience needed in young people good, but does it sit uneasily alongside to be of value to businesses. This call This shift is already to some extent ratified what employers are now saying they want? for nuance mustn’t be a reason for by the Treasury. The Future Fund will see This, as is made clear from the findings of delay; it must sit alongside urgency. the government issue convertible loans our inaugural employability survey on page between £125,000 and £5 million to 79, is resourcefulness, adaptability, flexibility But starting a business is a route open to innovative companies. It’s true that the and self-reliance. From those we surveyed anyone with a good idea, and with the conditions won’t make every young person there was little talk of diversity or the drive to implement it. That's why this a shoo-in for eligibility – especially the need for a more socially diverse workforce. will be generation entrepreneur. The most requirement to have raised £250,000 from important lesson of the last months is that third-party investors in the last five years The next years will likely see a difficult you don’t need to sit at home waiting for – but this, together with the moves the dance between voices calling for equality the response to that 200th job application; government has made on the social mobility and reform, and the weary complaints of you can start a business yourself, and agenda, signals a change. This is a legislative cash-strapped business leaders who have watch the applications roll in to you.

2 Leader The Friend of Prime Ministers

Envy can sometimes seem so rife in our Why this rush to judgement? It was Gore protests, Norman Mailer remarked: society that we fail to root it out. The chair Vidal who said: ‘Every time someone ‘Who would have thought that LBJ couldn’t of the Vitol group Ian Taylor (see page 38), else succeeds a little part of me dies.’ take it?’ He couldn’t – because no one can. who died on 8th June 2020 after a battle It’s a cathartic joke, because we feel with cancer, was admired by many. But this in ourselves. It’s a rare person This doesn’t mean that we should overdo it is fair to say that Taylor didn’t always who looks on another’s achievement it and overpraise the successful, or forget receive a fair press, either in life when he without any trace of grudge. those who helped them on their way. was forced to withdraw his name from But there is growing evidence that we consideration for a knighthood – or sadly But in Taylor’s case it might also be to too easily mock success without thinking in the obituaries published after his death. do with a desire to simplify. We know how it came about. Think of how Theresa that the world needs to turn greener, so May, who contributes to our tribute, was In our exclusive tribute, we have sought to aren’t all oil executives therefore evil? mocked throughout her premiership. correct that imbalance. The oil industry is In making these judgements, we often fail intricate and intellectually demanding: it to learn from those who have achieved Few who read our Ian Taylor tribute will requires knowledge of geopolitical trends, great things. In our tribute, readers will finish it unmoved by the range of his fierce energy and a rare hard-headedness. learn, above all, the value of creating interests, or the scope of his benevolence. friendship as we go through our careers. We aim to draw a wider lesson. To be Taylor had all these things. But partly because successful one must first dispense with envy of the understandable need to rethink our It’s easy to forget that the rich and the regarding those who have already succeeded energy mix, the industry has acquired a powerful are, to use Nietzsche’s phrase, – and take the time to ask oneself what bad reputation. With regard to Taylor, ‘human, all too human’. During his personal qualities led to that success, and the mainstream media sometimes turned premiership, Sir John Major took every whether they might be fostered in oneself. a blind eye to his legendary philanthropy jibe thrown at him by Alastair Campbell Now, more than ever, is the time to cheer and kind personality, and sought to show personally, likewise, when Lyndon Baines success. Perhaps the part of us that dies when instead a cliché: the friend of dictators. Johnson resigned over the Vietnam we do is the part we’d be better off without.

Towards a More Perfect Union Finito World has no political allegiance, left of the Party, he has instead hedged. types’. As an organisation committed to the and it’s precisely for this reason that dignity that comes with work, Finito World the efforts of Edapt and former teacher The Labour leader may eventually pay considers it a source of concern that the Stephen James to promote a model of a penalty at the ballot-box for this. The influence of the unions is creating a sense support and representation for teachers teaching unions’ refusal to countenance even of torpor at the very heart of our education that isn’t allied to any particular side of a phased return to school effects particularly system. Who can measure the extent to the political spectrum caught our eye. the mental health of those children who which the presence of a ‘statist’ ethos might come from impoverished backgrounds. be impacting the values of teachers, and These times are out of joint, and to therefore the values passed onto children? mend ourselves we believe that the times In truth, the return of schools should never demand not divisiveness but togetherness. have been a political question. All along, it It is possible to have these misgivings Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the was a moral one. One might also wonder – while also – as Morris does – celebrating unions have been repeatedly unhelpful both at a time when the unions are calling for an the likes of Sir Michael Barber (see page in the workplace and in the vital question extension to the furlough scheme - whether 7) who came up through the unions. of returning our children to school. the unions themselves are playing their part. One looks in vain for evidence of the The relevance of this topic could hardly British Airways CEO Alex Cruz has unions freezing contributions from their be stated enough as Sir Keir Starmer stated that it took months of trying members, or making return of contributions leads the Labour Party into the winter and 500 invitations to meetings before to those in severe financial hardship. and beyond conference season. As shown the unions agreed to negotiate. This by our feature on page 44, the left has an is unacceptable at a time of crisis. When we caught up with former opportunity which must now be seized education secretary Estelle Morris over to reimagine its approach to education. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer – though the summer, she was blunt: ‘The unions a figure of promise – has so far indulged have got a role, but I don’t think they’re It was W.B. Yeats who wrote that the unions in prioritising their own always their own best friends. I would call ‘The best lack all conviction/while the membership ahead of the welfare of sometimes for a more conciliatory tone.’ worst are full of passionate intensity’. children. At a time when he might have But for Starmer, to be as good as he can moved memorably – as he has done on anti- Morris also agrees that unions create a be, he must discover conviction on this Semitism – to distinguish himself from the bias towards ‘non-entrepreneurial, statist question – and he hasn’t a moment to lose.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 3 Contents This Issue

1 FOUNDER’S LETTER 54 SUCH A JOKE How much funny is too much? 2 LEADERS 59 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE DIARY 7 Reports from the Sir Michael Barber Covid-19 frontline

8 LETTERS 64 PHOTOGRAPHS FROM A PANDEMIC Our experts on your career problems Sam Pearce photographs our p14 new normal

71 DON’T DREAM, IT’S OVER "Before all this 23 10,000 HOURS Emily Prescott on when to settle happened, people didn’t Designer Thomas Heatherwick’s think they needed an tips for would-be architects 75 BARD TIMES office in their home – the 25 TOMORROW’S LEADERS How Shakespeare managed the plague idea of having a study ARE BUSY TONIGHT Euan Blair is taking sounded so Victorian." on the universities Thomas Heatherwick "We look at the whole idea of an elite 27universityTHOSE the ARE wrong MY way PRINCIPLES round: an Briefings elite universitySharon Hodgson to me on should arts education have 79 SPECIAL EMPLOYABILITY Columns a lot of people from disavantaged REPORT backgrounds, brilliant graduate 28 WATERFLY From productivity to the crisis 13 THE CHAIR outcomes, and should embed work experienceOur gossipy in the view curriculum." of the changing after Covid-19 Robert Halfon MP waters of education on apprenticeships 89 HOW TO ZOOM Liz Brewer gives her etiquette tips 14 MADAME SECRETARY Estelle Morris on the Blair years Features 90 LINKING UP Clair Marr on your online presence 15 THE PROFESSOR Lee Elliot Major describes his 92 IT’S TIME latest crusade Andy Inman on filling your day 17 THE DOYENNE 93 RECESSION PROOF Carol Leonard on the gentle art of leapfrogging Guy Fowles on his corona job hunt p44 18 THE HISTORIAN 94 TECHNICALLY BRILLIANT ROAD NOT TAKEN Sir Anthony Seldon recalls 32 Ty Goddard on the businesses making the running the Coalition a decade on Sir David Attenborough on how to avoid species extinction 20 A QUESTION OF DEGREE 95 BACK TO CHARACTER "We've all got to look to our 38 AN INDELIBLE MARK Akosua Bonsu on that extra edge Sir David Lidington on the study consciences. Inevitably, some of history The great and the good remember will do more than others." BEHIND THE RED WALL Ian Taylor 96 22 RELATIVELY SPEAKING Our Woman in China gives CORBYN’S LEFTOVERS Michel Roux Jr on keeping 44 her view from Shanghai it in the family Where does the Labour Party go LETTER FROM AN from here? 97 AMERICAN Jeffrey Katz on Trump and protest

4 Contents

King David's qualms: is our species headed for extinction?

98 BEING CHARITABLE 122 THOSE EMPTY OFFICES 142 YOUNG, GIFTED AND GOURMET Our deep dive into Architecture in a pandemic a troubled sector Jeremy King’s advice on the 127 MARK PADMORE restaurant sector

The great tenor at bay 143 QUENCHED THIRST 130 BOOK REVIEWS Is the boozy lunch dead?

A round-up of the latest 148 DAD’S ARMY education tomes Stanley Johnson on Boris 134 THE FLYING DUTCHMAN and pandemics Piet Oudolf ’s tips to young landscape architects

p104

104 GATES ALIVE The billionaire who keeps saving the world

110 SHOW ME THE MONEY! Emily Prescott on the strapped film sector p134 p148 115 THE ART OF THE PROBLEM Will culture find a way back? 138 HOTEL PESTILENCE If you would like to contribute or Where next for the travel sector? be interviewed, please get in touch.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 5 In unknown times, know your times.

Stay well informed every day on the nation’s health, the economy, and all the stories that matter with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe now at thetimes.co.uk/ inito Diary

Sir Michael Barber THE GREAT EDUCATIONALIST ON BLAIR, THE NEW OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STUDENTS AND LESSONS LEARNED IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

ecretary of State for the Department up on underprivileged children, especially and state teams on YouTube. That worked for Education Gavin Williamson those from minority backgrounds. well, as it was a wholly transparent process. Srecently asked me to chair a review on digital poverty. We’ll publish in February akistan is a country I’ve grown to love. he turnover in our civil service is too and we’ll look at what universities have I’ve been there 50-something times. high. When I was working in the Blair been doing in this area and we’ll make PIt’s a tough place to work and I've grown administration,T I would typically say to some recommendations both for the next to love the people. Delivery Associates, the the permanent secretary in the education academic year 2021-2 and for the long term. firm I chair, focused on primary elementary department, on an important issue: school and on getting kids into school and ‘This is an important priority of the prime lot of people think that ‘digital poverty’ making sure they’re learning. We made some minister. Would you please make sure means ‘I haven’t got a laptop’ but significant progress. There are 100 million this person is a) good at their job and b) there’sA a lot more to it than that. It’s also: people including 13 million children, likely to be in it for a while. Otherwise, ‘Have you got the hardware? Have you and we had a wide range of initiatives, I knew nothing would get done.’ got appropriate software? Have you got a including vouchers for lower income teacher trained to teach online? Have you families getting their kids into school. here’s another perhaps deeper issue, got connectivity and reliability and rapid Twhich is institutional memory over repair if needed? If any one of them isn’t "It's not their fault but the a long period. People forget the history. functional, you’ll be losing out digitally’. Nobody forgets the 70th anniversary of new government has been the NHS; in 2018 everyone celebrated. hen I was working with Tony Now we have the 150th anniversary of Blair, he always used to say about completely overwhelmed by state education in this country, as a result education:W ‘This is much more important the coronavirus crisis." of the Education Reform Act passed in than anything, even than the Middle the first Gladstone administration, and East.’ Most prime ministers don’t care no one knows about it. But in September, enough about education and it was great after some pressure from me, the to know when the spending review ravelling around the world I’ve had Foundation for Education Development the opportunity to work with some came round that the PM would want to [FED] was persuaded put on an event. brilliantT people. For instance, Barack increase the education budget. And to be Obama had a Secretary of State for fair to Gordon Brown he was also a big mployability is a big issue universities Education called Arne Duncan. The US fan of education. It’s not their fault but need to look at. Too often the careers federal government is a relatively minor the new government has been completely Edepartment is tucked away in some player in the US, as most is funded at local overwhelmed by the coronavirus crisis. backwater of the university and nobody and state level. But Duncan got a big pot of knows to go there. We need to take money as a result of the legislation passed a leaf out of Exeter University’s book "Most Prime Ministers in the aftermath of the financial crisis. where the careers department is this very don't care enough Another person might have just shared out visible building in the centre of campus. the money by state according to population about education." but he didn’t do that. He did a Race to the don’t know truthfully what will happen Top competition whereby any state lifting as a result of coronavirus, but I hope the cap on the number of charter schools Isome surprising and positive things will n my most recent role as head of the and introducing an individual student level come out of it. One thing will be the use Office for Students, I’m always aware data system could play. The traditional of digital techniques including not just Iwhen I’m dealing with universities that thing would have been for the education lectures and individual tuition online - these are institutions under immense department in Washington to pick and all of which happened very rapidly once strain because of the coronavirus situation. choose among state proposals and be lockdown occurred - but also things But because of what’s been happening lobbied endlessly by senators from states. like virtual reality. For instance, if you’re with Black Lives Matter, we’ve been very Duncan got panels of experts to interview training to be a pilot, you’re not in a plane careful to make sure we hold their feet to state teams. They reported back to him and most of the time; you’re in a simulator. the fire on making sure the numbers stack he placed the interviews between experts Things like that will be accelerated.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 7 READER Enquiries In our pilot issue of Finito World, we shared with readers our first set of questions from students. Over the summer we sent these to experienced Finito mentors Andy Inman, Dana James-Edwards, Sophia Petrides, and Robin Rose, who have provided us with the answers.

am holding graduate scheme offers have been forced to return y father has told me to forget from two top accountancy firms, home from university and don't about seeking a career in the beginning in September. One offer is know whether I can return to professions and to re-align I Icontinue my studies. Although I Mmy sights on logistics. The sound of the dependent on my degree result; the other love my family, things are becoming role really puts me off, despite being an is not. I am worried that my final result intolerable. My studies keep getting ASOS customer and buying all my shoes awarded might not satisfy the conditional interrupted by home life. I cannot and cosmetics online. It fills me with entry requirements and if that is not concentrate, miss the peace of my horror, the thought of spending my next worrying enough, both firms are library and worry about my future. few years dealing with fashion brands reviewing whether to simply postpone Do you have any advice? online. What shall I do? the scheme by a year. Which offer should Mia, 21 Leeds Ava, 23 Bath I accept and, if they postpone, what should I do for the next 12 months? Andy Robin It sounds like you need a I’m sure your father has your best Christopher, 24 Manchester family discussion about boundaries. interests at heart. He is not wrong to point They may be making demands on you you towards a growing sector. However, Sophia but probably also want to do the best there is no point in pursuing a career that As they are both top does not excite you. Sir James M. Barrie accountancy firms, either company will they can to support your studies. Try to get them to agree to a set is quoted as saying: “Nothing is really give you the opportunity to develop work unless you would rather be doing yourself and gain the right experience to number of hours a day when you grow in your role. In life, we can’t worry are not available, as that is your something else.” about things beyond our control. You have study time. If you envisage this Sophia situation existing for the foreseeable Start by carving some time out done your best with your exams and that’s for future planning, which is something all you can do for now. If neither firm future, maybe you should consider transferring your studies to the that we at Finito always encourage. has given you a timeline when you need Think about your key strengths and to sign the contract, wait until you get Open University. It may take you longer than you initially planned competencies alongside the things you your exam results and then decide which would ideally like to be able to do in your company to go with. However, if the other but an OU degree is well respected by the business world. future role and what is most important to company is putting pressure on you to sign you about the work you do. Then, research the contract, as this role is not dependent Andy and brainstorm roles and career paths that on your grades, then go ahead and sign. In As far as worrying about your future is concerned, it’s true to say don’t fill you with horror, but allow you the meantime, I would continue searching to maximise your skills and include for other job opportunities in order to have we are entering a period of economic options available, in case they decide to uncertainty, however that means there elements that you would enjoy. postpone the scheme until 2021. will be opportunities for individuals who have drive and passion and are Dana Think back to when you were able to employ lateral thinking. I going through the interview process at would work out the best way to find both firms. Consider your experience, the some peace and quiet while studying people you met and the feelings you had and then take one day at a time in a throughout. Which firm could you see confident and determined manner. yourself fitting into and working at better? Then, think back to the day when you found out you had an offer. Was there an offer that made you more excited than the other? Ultimately, where would you prefer to work? Once you know the answer to that question, consider whether that place is worth waiting a year for.

8 have been attracted to a career have always wanted to start a am a creative soul. I like to touch, focused on addressing the climate business. Now that the economy feel and appreciate the aesthetics Iemergency. My parents find me very Iis going through an extended Iof fabric. I have always seen myself difficult and threatened to stop giving downturn, how am I going to raise the working in a creative environment, maybe in the arts. My careers adviser at me financial support when they saw that start-up funding to make a success of I have been taking part in Extinction this project? My parents are yelling at me school tells me that there is no money in Rebellion demonstrations. Given to get experience first. I am looking for the arts, especially now. Where can that coronavirus has in one fell swoop opportunities but there are none. I find some alternative inspiration so changed the world immeasurably, will This is really frightening but I sense as to connect me with the beauty within there be any roles for someone like me, an opportunity. and give me a chance to express now that the aircraft are grounded, myself in a meaningful career? pollution levels are falling and solar ice Chloe, 22 Bristol Olivia, 18 London caps might stop melting? Robin Do not worry about the Robin Aarti, 19 Edinburgh economy: that’s the government’s problem, If you have a passion for the and there is always room for someone touch and feel for fabric, I suggest you Sophia Don't lose your passion. With like you with drive and conviction. The contact The Shirley Institute. Though everything in life, open communication success of any start-up depends on three they are possibly not currently recruiting, is vital, and we have to see things from critical factors. You must ask yourself they are good people to know and will everyone's perspective. I have no doubt firstly, if you have a product or service for point you in the right direction. They are that your parents respect your views: which there is a demand. Secondly, do you extremely well connected with fashion however, they worry about your well-being have sufficient resilience to overcome the houses throughout the world. If this is when involved with widespread activism. numerous obstacles all start-ups have to what you want for your career, then take Have you considered sitting down with face? Finally, are you able to provide – or control and follow your heart. your parents, explaining the purpose can you partner with someone - who has of these events, and providing positive the business skills you have yet to acquire? outcomes? If you can answer “yes” to these questions, then there are numerous loans and grants Dana You are right that Covid-19 has available for people like you. changed the world immeasurably, but we have no assurance that the beneficial changes in relation to climate change and the environment will be sustained into the future. The lockdown certainly hasn’t proven that we can reduce emissions in the longer term, as we need to in order to promote real environmental change and prevent global warming from becoming worse. In fact, what the pandemic has shown us is that even in a crisis, there will always be people who decide against taking positive required action, even when those actions are in everyone’s best interest. As a result, there is much work still to be done in the space you have chosen and the movement can surely benefit from an activist as passionate as you are.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 9 Rejected by your insurer when you thought you were covered?

WE CHAMPION YOUR CLAIMS

www.flaxmanpartners.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 3972 6440 10 First Thoughts

P 23 —The Heatherwick Papers: How to be a designer under Covid-19

15 MADAME SECRETARY 21 SIR DAVID LIDINGTON 22 MASTER CHEF Baroness Morris of Yardley on what How a history degree helped the Michel Roux Jr. on following Johnson could learn from Blair former deputy PM at No. 10 in the family footsteps

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 11 aquila_advert_privateeye_210mmx297mm_sept_2020 indust revolution_outlined 14/08/2020 12:27 Page 1

12 aquila_advert_privateeye_210mmx297mm_sept_2020 indust revolution_outlined 14/08/2020 12:27 Page 1

Columns THE CHAIR Robert Halfon THE CHAIR OF THE EDUCATION SELECT COMMITTEE TELLS US ABOUT HIS LATEST FIGHT FOR GUARANTEED APPRENTICESHIPS AND WHY UNIVERSITIES NEED TO UP THEIR GAME TO SURVIVE

t doesn’t matter how good policy is, You do your degree and get academic budget. But I think at some stage, we’ll unless there’s genuine evangelisation it experience. You go to the student bars, but need to consider skills credits for businesses. Idoesn’t make any difference. When I die – you also learn about office work and about We might structure a policy whereby the more which hopefully will be a long way away – teamwork. And of course, if you do a career disadvantaged and younger people a business I’d like it on my grave that I was a campaigner. apprenticeship you get paid, so there’s has taken on, the bigger their skills credit. The big thing in politics is elentlessr I’m sometimes asked how to stop repetition: it takes about ten years the golf club mentality of people to get people to notice what you’re giving jobs to their friends – or saying. I liken it to pizza delivery. How more likely their friend’s children. many times do you get a Domino’s That’s human nature. But businesses leaflet through your letterbox? 99 will have to change because the times out of 100, you’ll throw it world has changed. We’ve got the away. But it’s when you have no 4th Industrial Revolution and jobs food, and you’re knackered, and you will be affected by it. That trend has have no food in the fridge, that you suddenly remember that pizza leaflet. only been exacerbated by coronavirus. We’ll have lots of redundancies, but In politics it’s the same. I push my ideas if people have the right skills and get in every forum I can: in committees, good qualifications and on-the-job in articles, speeches and interviews. training, it will make a huge difference. I’ll raise things in parliament in questions, debates, and Commons That’s why I want government motions, and try and keep what incentivising every company in the I’m working on at the time in country to work with universities. the prime minister’s mind, and I also think grants to universities in the minds of his advisers. should be conditional on whether they have a significant number of degree This year, it looks like they’ve picked apprenticeships. It depresses me that up my pizza leaflet. It’s been an Oxford has closed its doors to any kind exciting time. In June, I met with of apprenticeship at all. I think they’re Prime Minister Boris Johnson before snooty, and seem to think university the Liaison Committee, and I used is about research and nothing else. the phrase ‘apprenticeship guarantee’. Meanwhile, Cambridge to their A week later, he repeated the whole credit at least kept the door open. phrase in a speech. What that signifies is that policy-makers in 10 Fortunately, there are amazing Downing Street are clearly looking universities – Warwick especially at this, and I hope as Chair of the springs to mind – doing wonderful Education Select Committee, I can work. We look at the whole idea move the policy forward. It’s the best of an elite university the wrong offer we can make to young people. "We look at the whole idea of an way round: an elite university to My hope is that one day 50 percent of elite university the wrong way me should have a lot of people students will be doing apprenticeships. from disadvantaged backgrounds, So, for instance, if you are doing round: an elite university to me brilliant graduate outcomes, and English you should be working should embed work experience should embed work experience in during your degree in a publishing the curriculum. Many universities house or alongside an editor – and in the curriculum." are trading on their marketing. that should be part of your degree. A history graduate should be working It’s a long road, but we have a PM who’s in a museum or alongside an archaeologist. no loan. It’s a no-brainer to me and now's a vision person. The doom-mongers will I also think work experience should be the time for the government to act... say it can’t be done but one of my favourite compulsory, or at least be encouraged quotations is from Sir Nicholas Winton: ‘If it’s as much as possible by government. We’re hopeful we won’t have the usual not impossible, there must be a way to do it.’ battle with the Treasury on this. There’s I had the best time of my life at university. a £3 billion skills fund in the manifesto, The Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP for Harlow But I’ve always worked doing summer jobs which has now been confirmed by the and political director of Conservative – and that’s the advantage of apprenticeships. Chancellor Rishi Sunak in his most recent Friends of Israel.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 13 Columns MADAME SECRETARY Estelle Morris BARONESS MORRIS OF YARDLEY UNDER TONY BLAIR TALKS ABOUT HOW THE LESSONS OF 1997-2007 CAN BE APPLIED TO THE CURRENT MOMENT

hese are difficult times forNo one wants to say that the education system If you go to the health service, you can education. It didn’t come up much is a political tool, but it is. Whatever you dream see relationships changing. One example inT the election or the leadership campaign. your society to be, you need to see it worked I’ve heard about involved a nurse on out in school – otherwise you won’t see that a Covid-19 ward. Senior consultants I’m not critical of Keir Starmer – he’s done vision of society in the next generation either. from outside that discipline were filling outstandingly well so far. But I’m not syringes for nurses. A huge amount of entirely happy with where the party goodwill is generated by those sorts is on education at the moment. It needs of things. But where is that spirit in to get back to the top of our agenda. education? There’s been no sense of the government, the unions, and the Under Tony Blair, we used to say to local authorities sowing the seeds teachers: ‘If you want, you can teach of a new relationship for the future. when education isn’t a priority of the government.’ It’s true that when So education hasn’t had a good crisis. education is a focus of government, The government has done well to get there’s a lot of pressure, and that the Whitehall machinery moving perhaps goes away when education quickly and been imaginative in ceases to be the main talking point. general, but it dismays me that No one will be on your back; the we haven’t come together more. government won’t be passing laws or monitoring you – but they won’t Universities have a responsibility be giving you money or leadership. on the quality of provision. If you are at a university or a school in this Under Blair, if teachers were under period of online learning, not all the cosh, so were ministers: he was students have had the same high monitoring every detail. He was quality. That really bothers me. a consummate politician – and human being. He would admit if he When you have a child of five didn’t know something. If we had you’re always trying to catch a catch-up meeting and we raised up on in-built disadvantage. something quite detailed – on literacy, It’s not a party political point. for example – he would turn to Michael Barber (his chief education Each government has tried to make adviser) and say, ‘Michael, what new initiatives on this, and that’s does that sound like to you?’ And the reason we’ve closed the gap. if we had a big initiative, he would But now in the last few months, make time. He never once said no. we’ve built a new gap in terms of social class and deprivation. I hope That kind of leadership matters. the virus will push us to do better. It’s sometimes not what the leader does; it’s what the leader gives cause to do In terms of Boris Johnson, I don’t see that counts. Everyone thinks: ‘This is anything in his background that will the bus to be on; this bus is going places.’ "Whatever you dream your society turn him onto education intellectually. What we don’t want is another argument But I was never sure where his motivation to be, you need to see it worked about academies, and we don’t want 50 on education came from. When I worked out in school." years arguing about whether a school for David Blunkett you could see it should be an academy or local authority. was all to do with his background. But Tony’s not got that. His socialism was A good leader frees up something in all about social justice because he’d had those society that’s already there. Blair used to do a lot advantages. He knew the value of education. It’s been a period of great loss – certainly of speeches about sport. He didn’t personally in education. It’s not a bad thing that we’ve then go and teach sport. But if you were a It comes down to this: there really isn’t an not had fumes going into the air; but it’s PE teacher in that room, metaphorically easy route out of poverty besides education. definitely not a good thing not having kids you grew. It’s the power of the office. If you have a dictator, what do they do in school. We need to get it right from first? They go and fiddle with the education here, but I wouldn’t go through this again Estelle Morris was Secretary of State for system. It’s the institution by which we lay to learn the lessons we’re learning now: Education and Skills from 2001-2002. She down our values regarding the society we they were learnable before. Once again discusses the idea of a National Education are, and the sort of world we want to inhabit. we've been much too slow on the uptake. Service on p. 41

14 Columns THE PROFESSOR Lee Elliot Major THE UK’S FIRST SOCIAL MOBILITY PROFESSOR SPOKE TO FINITO WORLD ON THE EVE OF SECURING VITAL PUBLIC MONIES FOR TUTORING

am very careful to be apolitical with my there’s some sort of familial connection. But as ever you come up against the views on social mobility as I think it’s a practicalities. The question is, how idealistic Icross party issue. This might be a naïve belief It could be possible to create a more formal do we want to be about this? It would be but my view is that you have to present mentoring programme that could be part difficult to deliver a national mentoring evidence behind what you’re proposing. of a national service, whereby senior people programme. Another critique would be that a could champion people from disadvantaged mentoring service would assume that in-built There are huge questions around why we backgrounds. At the moment, they feel lost cultures and inequalities in industries have a social mobility problem, but would remain. We can so easily get what I’ve been trying to do is come caught between ideologues on left and up with pragmatic solutions to right. On the one hand, those who problems. When I was a trustee at the say: ‘All we need is to make things Education Endowment Foundation, we looked at what works in the equal.’ And on the other, those who classroom in terms of improving say: ‘All we need is economic growth.’ learning for disadvantaged pupils. One of the reasons government What’s hard is to find approaches looks at education even though that can be consistently scaled up. We’ve done hundreds of trials and it’s become a market-led sector, is reviewed literally thousands of studies that in this area you can at least try on what we think are our best bets and do something: the taxpayer is for learning. One thing that surfaced paying a lot for that delivery. Once was classroom-teacher feedback, you look at labour and economy the core of all good schooling. policy you’re suddenly dealing with private companies and the levers Alongside that, we found strong that government have are less direct. evidence of the effectiveness of one- to-one tutoring. I’ve always felt that But what’s interesting is that during that was something we could utilise the coronavirus crisis, that has more to help the disadvantaged changed. The government is now learn. Tutoring is simple to scale up. paying the salaries of a lot of people. The idea is that wherever people live So although this time is tragic, they have access to tutoring support. it’s very exciting from the policy We found the existence of this patchy; perspective. It’s challenged the old in some areas there are charities - as in stereotypes and preconceptions about some areas of London - but there are what’s left and what’s right. This is other areas where there’s no support the most interventionist government at all. Then, when we turned to the I can remember. And the question question of addressing inequalities for someone like me is: ‘Do some during the Covid-19 crisis, we talked of these things remain in five years’ about establishing a National Tutoring time? Is it a permanent readjustment Service. I began observing a boom about profound social issues? Or do in private tutoring – surely now was "The problem is that this tends we slip back into the assumptions the time to level up the playing-field. to happen predominantly to people of neoliberal global politics?’ It feeds into something else I’ve from privileged backgrounds: I hope it’s the former. I think we can find a noticed: there’s a real volunteering better balance and a fairer system. I think spirit among the younger generation. if you've gone to the same These are people who like to give back school, or if there's some sort we were heading for a reckoning before and have a strong sense of social justice. this crisis. When society doesn’t give It was fantastic when the Johnson of familial connection." people a fair go over several generations administration gave money to the idea. then at some point down the pecking order, people will think there’s no way to There’s also, of course, huge inequality in the in the culture of the industry. For instance, change society other than by revolt. I don’t workplace. When you look at studies about I know a lot of people around the creative know whether we’re there yet, but I hope who gets on in work, you often find that industries. At the moment, it doesn’t matter the government grabs this moment. It’s time someone senior and experienced champions how talented you are, you’re struggling for a branded national tutoring service. someone junior in the organisation. to progress in the early career phase. The This tends to happen predominantly to cultural assumptions can be quite alienating Professor Lee Elliot Major’s new book is What people from privileged backgrounds: if you’re not a part of that: if you’re outside Do We Know and What Should We Do if you’ve gone to the same school, or if London, it can be hard to get into London. About Social Mobility?, published by SAGE

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 15 History shows us, companies which advertise through a crisis, whilst their competitors cut back, will gain market share. We seem to be the only advertising agency taking this advice.

This is an advert for LONDON Advertising 16 Columns THE DOYENNE Carol Leonard LONDON’S TOP HEADHUNTER AND FORMER TIMES JOURNALIST TELLS FINITO WORLD ABOUT THE GENTLE ART OF CAREER LEAPFROGGING

’d recommend a career in journalism grows up thinking of becoming a headhunter! of the phone can panic; as a headhunter to anyone but it’s not a career many you’re talking about a role and that makes Ipeople get to retire in. You do it for a He said, ‘Have a think about it. If I haven’t it easier. The wider skillset is also similar to decade – maybe even for two or three heard from you in three months, I’ll call financial journalism. It’s all based on long- – but then you do something else. and ask you again.’ Afterwards, my then term relationships, trust, listening to people, father-in-law said: “Why didn’t you bite interviewing people, reading between the At The Times, when I was leaving in lines, note-taking – and recording data. the 1980s, there was a retirement notice posted to the door of one of the What fascinates me now in my work longest-serving editors. I remember is the question of what makes people thinking that it was the first time tick. There’s usually something in I’d seen someone at the paper reach childhood that gives the successful retirement age. Of course, there is a that extra piece of drive – an insecurity career path in journalism – from local which makes people work harder than newspaper to national newspaper, then those who didn’t have the kinks. Most on to columnist, or into broadcasting people who do very well have sacrificed and editor. None of those appealed to a lot both personally and health-wise. me. I’d have paid to do my job, and that’s These people will get Alzheimer’s when the trouble with those sorts of jobs – as they’re older – it all comes at a price. a consequence you tend not to be paid very much doing that kind of work. Now, with Covid-19 the world has changed all over again. Video But if you work in journalism, you interviewing is pretty good actually acquire important skills, and then – perhaps 90 percent as good as you can progress and earn something face-to-face. Obviously where you have a bit more liveable-with. As the a FTSE 100 CEO down to the final Times City diarist, I was my own preferred candidate stage then you’ll boss. As a representative of an august want to meet, and the offer is unlikely organisation, I had a lot of access. to be on anything other than a draft I did about 150 profiles of captains basis otherwise. But I’ve seen non-exec of industry over three or four years. roles offered and accepted without the It was hugely demanding physically and parties having met one another. This emotionally; each was a kind of mini- time is brutal for people out of work, novel. I started to wonder whether I had but actually the businesses which do the energy to go around the block again. emerge will be stronger, leaner, fitter.

I asked myself what I liked. I liked To young people looking for a job meeting people, and I knew how the now I’d say that personal relationships business world interconnected. Then are more important than ever. And I it happened. I had profiled a man in would remember always to be open to the headhunting world called Roddy "I asked myself what I liked. I liked new experiences. When I think of my Gow. Miles Broadbent – a competitor decision to leapfrog careers, I think it of his – was incensed that I’d portrayed meeting people, and I knew how the came from a confidence given to me Gow as being the top of the profession. business world interconnected" by those teachers who believed in me. Miles asked me to come meet him. Even then, I made the effort to meet There’s something special in all of us, with people face to face. It’s important but you don’t have to limit your career to to look people in the whites of the eyes. his hand off? This is the main chance. You that special quality: it can be a springboard to only get two or three. Make the most of it.” believing in yourself more generally, and then Three months after our first meeting, he rang someone in a position of power will notice me and said, ‘Can you have lunch with me When I began headhunting, I found I’d it. That can lead you to different spheres – it at the Savoy Grill?’ In the 1980s, that was picked up so many skills at The Times. can make a headhunter out of a journalist. the power-broking dining room. When we I’d learned to become self-sufficient, sat down, he said rightaway: ‘When are you and I’d long since stopped being nervous Carol Leonard is the CEO of the Inzito going to become a headhunter?’ I replied that cold-calling people. When you ring up as Partnership, an ex-Times journalist and a it’s not something I’d ever thought of. No-one a journalist, the person on the other end visiting fellow of the Said Business School.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 17 Columns THE HISTORIAN Sir Anthony Seldon TEN YEARS ON FROM A GENERAL ELECTION WHICH PITTED DAVID CAMERON AGAINST GORDON BROWN, SIR ANTHONY SELDON LOOKS BACK ON WHAT COALITION GOVERNMENT MEANT FOR EDUCATION

is very quickly overhauled. In any interested in foreign policy, leaving cabinet, Gove is always one of the most economic and domestic policy to George erudite. Peter Mandelson held a similar Osborne. Johnson tends the other way: he’s distinction during the Tony Blair years. not interested in foreign policy, but in the domestic side. He has a far shorter attention As education secretary, Gove accelerated span, not the same work ethic, and is still free schools and continued with relatively new to Westminster politics. academisation, building on the Andrew Adonis years. Adonis and Gove are How it plays out remains to be seen, but comparable: each had the same ambition I certainly wouldn’t give Labour high for schools, and a similar desire to bring marks for their handling of coronavirus in external energy and remove schools so far. Starmer didn’t do enough to stand from local authority control. But I up to the unions, and the party gave the would say Gove arguably had a clearer impression that it was far less interested agenda around school standards. in children – including the socially disadvantaged and those with mental Cameron deserves some of the credit health challenges – than in their own for the achievements of those years. membership. Accordingly, they have lost Margaret Thatcher was probably the last moral authority, and shown intellectual "A comparison of Brown prime minister who didn’t see education weakness. They had an opportunity to as a major part of her job. All prime seize the high ground but they blew it. and Starmer yields intriguing ministers since Tony Blair have had a thoughts: both very bright major interest in education, and Cameron The quality of the opposition always was no different, though it’s probably true matters but especially so now. The next people, and both have to say he didn’t involve himself greatly. years will see real difficulties for universities. legalistic minds and a superb I certainly don’t subscribe to the belief One thing Cameron did do was to invite some on the right hold, which is to let grasp of detail." the heads of independent schools into the the poor universities and those that don’t Cabinet room, and seek to persuade them compete internationally go to the wall. to start academies. It wasn’t very successful, t’s ten years since David Cameron but he was always supportive of Michael That position is about as intelligent as and Nick Clegg stood in the Gove. He knew when to leave someone to it. saying, ‘Let schools that don’t come top IDowning Street Rose Garden of the league tables collapse.’ In reality, at the beginning of the Coalition. A decade later, there are remarkable it’s those in the middle and at the bottom continuities. In Keir Starmer, we have a that are adding most to the attainment of But from the perspective of universities, leader with deep roots right down to his young people. It’s simply that the quality and our wider education system, Christian name in the left movement, as of the raw material they proceed with is it was a man who wasn’t at that press Brown had. And it hardly needs saying much less high academically. Besides, if conference who would really go on that we have an old Etonian in Number 10. you let the universities in the middle or to change our education system. bottom disappear, you will be stripping A comparison of Brown and Starmer yields northern cities, as well as cathedral and Michael Gove arrived in Great Smith intriguing thoughts: both are very bright rural cities of their economic dynamism Street with a strong agenda. Assisted by people, and both have legalistic minds and vitality, and doing irreparable damage Dominic Cummings, he would have an and a superb grasp of detail. But their to the social cohesion of the country. extraordinary impact on how schools disparities may in the end prove crucial. conducted themselves: his was a tenure Starmer is untested as a leader. Brown, So ten years on from the outset of the ambitious for all students regardless of when he came to become prime minister, Coalition, some themes are recurring. background. It’s hard to point to many had been for ten years the longest- But as Heraclitus knew, we never step other education secretaries who have serving Chancellor of the Exchequer, into the same river twice. The success made such a significant difference – and had a formidable knowledge of how of this administration will be in Tony Crossland perhaps, who served government operates. Whereas Starmer identifying what a crucial moment under Harold Wilson, and launched today is the younger man on the rise; this is and not just for universities but a campaign for comprehensive schools. Brown, in 2007-10 was arguably at the for our entire education system. peak, or beyond the peak, of his energy. Whether he’s at DEFRA or heading Sir Anthony Seldon is a historian and up the Cabinet Office as he does today, As for David Cameron and Boris Johnson, biographer who recently stepped down Gove’s energy remains remarkable: they’re very different. Cameron had a vast as the vice-chancellor of the University any department that he comes into appetite for detail, but he was primarily of Buckingham

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www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 19 Columns A Question of Degree

going to be this industrial revolution, and in the 19th century because it was weak transformative migration of people to and the European powers had exploited cities, and a growth of urban conurbations her. Hearing that, I began to understand – that's something which some might why they see the world as they do today. have predicted, but by no means everyone. They feel a need to put right the century Training of the imagination is important. of humiliation and to restore China’s place as a global power. One needn’t necessarily agree with that – but you have "Politics involves a willingness to understand how the other side thinks. to stand on the stage at the So history is a real asset in politics because you learn how human beings interact end, and not know whether with each other, how relationships and you'll have a standing ovation power is mediated through institutions, or a bag or rotten tomatoes and what lies behind the motivation of countries and individuals. How a Tudor With Sir David Lidington slung at you." court operates is good for understanding all about access in No.10 Downing Street. Now you have your special History also teaches you how to use advisers rather than Grooms of the Stole and assess evidence. Particularly in or royal pages. Think about Elizabeth I. The former de facto No. 2 in the May Who was it who could actually get in to administration talks about how a postgraduate study, you have to go back to original source material and see the monarch and be sure you got your history degree has helped him in his bit of paper in front of her? Likewise, political career assess the reliability of it. You look at state papers, which by and large deal today – who can get something in the Certain traits define an aptitude for with high politics and the people at prime minister’s box? Patterns reproduce. the top. But if you go to legal records, elected politics, and I’ve tended to find One of the most difficult things for they can be aided by a study of history. One there you find out about yeomen and merchants – the people who went on government or for the man or woman useful aptitude would be fascination with who’s prime minister is finding time to Chaucer’s pilgrimage to Canterbury human beings - what makes them tick, regenerate yourself and your government all crop up as plaintiffs or defendants. and how power is exercised. Secondly – while in office. There are always things regardless of whether you come from the pressing in. For me the great prime left, right, or centre – almost everyone I’ve Another applicable aspect of history was borne in on me when I was Europe minister of the 19th century was Robert met in politics starts with a commitment Peel: he was prepared to change his to changing things for the better in their Minister. I visited about 40 countries from Russia and Turkey, to the South mind when the facts had changed. country. To do that, it helps to know If you look at how he moved on Catholic what injustices have existed in the past. Caucasus and Iceland. If you want to understand today’s political outlook you Emancipation and on the Corn Laws and There’s a third thing, and I would say it have to understand what happened in the trade you can see that he took decisions also separates the natural politician from past. What are the demons they still fear? based on what he thought was right for the civil servant: a certain zest for the What are the experiences that have shaped the country even at the fatal cost to his theatre. Politics involves a willingness to the outlook of a particular society today? own political fortunes. Disraeli was vastly take risk, and to be prepared to stand on entertaining, but Peel was the greater the stage at the end, and not know whether For instance, I have long felt that man and the greater prime minister. the tension that has always existed you’ll have a standing ovation or a bag of David Lidington was deputy prime rotten tomatoes slung at you. The natural between the UK and the EU derived in large measure from contrasting minister under Theresa May and is now civil servants shy away from that but Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath what’s interesting is you sometimes see a experiences and lessons in the mid- politician who’s really a civil servant – and 20th century. For most of Europe this then a mandarin who’s really a politician. was a period of disaster when national The thespian is striving to get out there. institutions all failed in the face of tyranny, invasion and ethnic hatred. The wonderful thing about history is that From the EU perspective, therefore it trains the imagination: when you start you have to build up those institutions to really delve into history – and read to stop anything happening again. deeply as well as widely in a particular era – you find people in the past had various Another example would be China. I assumptions and moral codes that can remember a few years ago, I met Xi be very different from how we operate Jinping’s number two, and he started today. For example, for people living in out with this recital about the Opium 1800 or 1850 the idea that there was Wars and how China had been attacked

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to maintaining the Roux flame, whether Interestingly, the Roux tradition is already in the restaurants or through our Roux being continued in the next generation. Scholarship competition.’ Emily Roux and her husband Diego Ferrari have their own restaurant Caractère One often feels for the children of famous in Notting Hill. So what would Roux parents: it must be hard to achieve anything say to young people mulling a hospitality in your own right. Martin Amis frequently career? ‘Front of house and in the kitchen, complains about the Kingsley comparisons, hospitality can offer an amazing career. and Euan Blair cannot discuss his own You’re always learning, you have the original (and unBlairite) views on education opportunity to experiment and be creative, without having ‘education, education, and it’s incredibly satisfying to provide education’ returned to him. good service. But it is hard work, and you need to put in the time to learn the craft.’ So did it take a while for Michel Jr. to arrive at his own identity as a chef? Roux explains And how has lockdown been for that he’s moved with the times: ‘Over the Le Gavroche? ‘The most important thing years, the food at Le Gavroche has evolved for me is to make sure our staff are doing as to embrace the requirements of modern well as they can. It was frustrating waiting diners, so a meal at Le Gavroche will be for the government to come up with their Interview with chef Michel a lighter one than when the restaurant guidelines for the hospitality industry.’ Roux Jr. first opened, but the essence of French classicism is very much there.’ Roux chose not to home deliver (‘Le Gavroche is more than the food’) and It’s a good point: we might sometimes instead kept in touch with regulars through As part of our regular series examining strive to differentiate ourselves from our newsletters ‘to keep everyone engaged.’ the impact of family relationships on parents’ achievements in the workplace, but careers, we spoke to the La Gavroche chef usually time will do that for us anyway, and Despite his obvious love of his work, about keeping the family flame. ensure that we inhabit a different moment the question persists. One can’t help but in history. One example where that’s wonder whether the family name hampers If ever you’re lucky enough to eat at proven the case with Michel Jr. is in his people like Roux, and whether some other Le Gavroche, your good fortune is likely to highly visible TV career. career might have been possible had there be compounded once you’ve had your food. not been the need to keep it in the family. It’s Michel Roux Jr.’s habit to do the rounds So how does he think shooting will be in after lunch, and perform a friendly tour of the post-lockdown era? ‘I was lucky to be But Roux doesn’t feel this way. ‘I never the room. Roux will pose for photographs involved in the production of ‘Hitched at considered anything else. Food is in my and laugh genially as the complements Home, Our wedding in Lockdown’ for DNA, and I love working in the industry.’ accrue. ‘I love being able to provide a total Channel 4, which was definitely TV for Parfait and bon appetit. experience for our guests,’ he tells us. ‘I love lockdown. It was very different to the usual meeting out guests, whether regulars or filming set-up.’ How so? ‘It’s going to be new.’ incredibly difficult to make the same sorts of shows as before, even with one metre As a result of this tactile approach to the social distancing.’ But Roux adds that he’s business, you’d think lockdown might ‘seen a lot of creativity: talking heads, and have been difficult. Roux strikes a cheerful getting family members to film over longer note. ‘I’ve been incredibly busy during periods using professional equipment lockdown, not least with the arrival of our at home.’ first grandchild, which is really wonderful.’ So another Roux enters the world, no doubt stocked with the genes of a masterchef. Roux has followed in the footsteps of not just one but two famous relatives. You might think that his father might have been Michel Roux Sr., who died in March of this year, but you’d be wrong: in fact, his father is Albert Roux, and Michel Jr. was named after his uncle. Le Gavroche – which opened in 1967 - was the first UK restaurant to obtain three Michelin stars, and Michel took it over in 1993. How did it feel to be following in the footsteps of famous relatives? Roux recalls: ‘Of course, it was a massive responsibility when I took over the reins at Le Gavroche, nearly 30 years ago now. But if my father hadn’t thought I was ready, he wouldn’t have handed them to me. There is no question I feel a commitment Interior, La Gavroche

22 Columns Ten Thousand Hours

do that. Of course, it was a partial envy – But light falling across more complex detail I’m so lucky to have the diverse rollercoaster and texture is something that you absorb. of impressions I have. My studio is about If you’re in the mountains you can’t touch embracing change and finding ways to them, but you can still feel their form. adjust. That’s what excites me. The most interesting thing has been reflecting on We’ve got 200 people here, and I’m thankful what the virus means – and how it’s going for being an older organisation. Many of to change our lives. Before the pandemic, us have worked together for a long time, there was more and more sharing – and we can sustain that over digital cars, workspaces and living spaces were communication. There are unexpected becoming more efficient because people benefits. The world’s been conspiring might live together in different ways. I was for the last two decades to get us to saddened at the outset of coronavirus: it felt this point. The digital revolution like a kind of retreat into an understandable has been setting us up to do this; it’s self-preservation and selfishness. astonishing how effective we’ve managed to be at home. Before all this happened, people didn’t think they needed an office in their home But I don’t think in aggregate it’s better. – the idea of having a study sounded so There’s no real substitute for being in the With designer Thomas Victorian. Throughout lockdown, people studio. Our studio is full of models and Heatherwick have been cowering in their bedrooms and memorabilia: it’s our collective memory. trying to pretend it’s not their bedroom: so It’s important to see your failures, your people will be making their homes better test pieces, your experiments, and your in advance of a possible second wave, and thought-triggers. We all think we have a How do you get to be really good investing in any eventuality. Post-Covid flawless memory – but we don’t. at something? In this first instalment homes will be better homes. of a regular series Finito World spoke We’re working with one new organisation, to designer Thomas Heatherwick about But public togetherness is what motivates rethinking large amounts of workspace. his illustrious career me in the different projects we work on. I think people are aware this has long Take our shopping centre Coal Drop’s ramifications for everybody. It spreads At the Heatherwick Studio, we’re trying Yard for example. What motivates me isn’t across everything. We just finished a to be growers of more human place- getting people to shop. What’s exciting Maggie’s cancer care centre in Leeds. making: what’s crucial is the experience is that it’s an excuse at a time when It’s a relatively small project but it’s dimension of the person using the governments don’t invest in public place- trying to engage with the issues someone building. That might sound obvious, but making to create an interesting space. with a cancer diagnosis might face. I sensed even as a kid that we’re too often I wish the government would do more: How do you support that health journey? led astray by other forces and not by the they had their fingers badly burned in the If you look at hospitals today it’s as if the needs of the person using a structure. 1960s and 1970s by terrible architecture, emotional condition doesn’t impact their and so they retreated and let the private physical journey. Some big positives can come out of this sector come in. strange and tragic situation we’ve all been Looking back at the Garden Bridge, it living through. There’s been a chance to I’ve always made very tactile buildings and was a manifestation of this urge to try and think from new angles. That’s partly because though obviously Covid-19 will change make everything connect more to people. you need to, given the new context. But it’s the extent to which we touch things, A bridge doesn’t just need to be getting also welcome: I always thought it would I think you also touch things with your eyes. from one side to the other: the middle of a be very hard for me to take a sabbatical, The way light falls off a computer screen, bridge is one of the most incredible places and I envied those around me who could for instance, is very dead and simplistic. you can be. Maybe one day the politics will support our intention to create a new garden for Londoners. Thomas Heatherwick is the founder of the Heatherwick Studio. He discusses the future of office architecture on page 122

Exterior, Glasshouses for the Bombay Sapphire Distillery

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 23 Global Family Office Community is delighted that Finito is an approved partner for its community, helping the next generation of family members transition from education to employment.

A membership organisation for family offices and The first place to visit for Family Office Careers, their Principals, Next-Gens and Executives. News & Directories. www.globalfamilyofficecommunity.com www.familyofficerecruitment.com Columns Global Family Office Community is delighted that Finito is an approved partner for its community, helping the next generation of Tomorrow's Leaders family members transition from education to employment. Are Busy Tonight

All this has made it clear how valuable our apprenticeships programme is. We aim "There are many individuals to create a frictionless barrier for diverse within organisations with talent. We’ve been growing really quickly over the past few months. We had to amazing residual knowledge transition everything online almost of that organisation and deep overnight. There’s a big difference between remote learning, which is taking loyality to it... After doing something you deliver in person and the same job for 5-10 years, lifting and shifting it online, and actual they want to do something online learning, which is in a different cadence and requires a different style different and take on of instruction. We invested early in a new challenge." making sure our curriculum is suitable for online learning. Reskilling is a major area. There are With Euan Blair I appreciate the government’s sentiment many individuals within organisations regarding the recent movement on with amazing residual knowledge of apprenticeships guarantees. It’s top of the that organisation and deep loyalty to agenda for government worldwide. The it. They’ve worked somewhere for a The tech entrepreneur on White Hat’s Singaporean government is subsidising significant period of time, but their role new approach to getting young people 80 percent of apprenticeship wages. In is changing. After doing the same job into work for five to ten years, they want to do the US, the federal government just something different and take on a new announced they’re going to ban the use As a business looking to build challenge. We’re about giving those of college degrees for the hiring process people a route. an outstanding alternative to university and instead hire people based on skills. and create a diverse group of future This is a gradual global groundswell Companies are very aware that leaders, the coronavirus has made our and there’s a lot to be said for making Generation Z have a host of skills that offer front of mind for schools and apprenticeships a priority: it lays the they know they need to address. What companies. The pandemic has shown the gauntlet down to schools and parents to they're increasingly realising is that there is very little difference between the skill need for digital skills accelerate by two be seriously exploring these alternatives. to five years over the last few months. level of a graduate and the skill level of Meanwhile, universities have been in a Having said that, you can’t do this someone they can hire as an apprentice. crisis defined by lack of capability and If you're relying on elite universities to without employers. And the bigger piece fulfil your hiring needs, you're going to lack of will: they’ve been unable to deal is we need employers to think: “We get very similar people. with this new reality. Some are doing don’t need a graduate because although remote courses that are not particularly they might come with a degree, they With the virus, all this has become great and with no social experience, don’t come with any of the skills I need absolutely urgent and critical. As often which is one of the main reasons why and I want someone who has the right happens when you have huge shocks to people go to university. mindset to learn.” At White Hat, we also the economy, it brings into sharper focus understand that over a 50-year career, a lot of things that people had already realised to some extent, but they didn't Meanwhile, companies have massively a shot of learning at the start isn’t going growing digital skills needs and an necessarily have a burning platform on to be sufficient. You’re going to need which to act. Well, now they do. acceptance that they need to get skills to keep learning. from other sources. Through the work of Euan Blair is CEO and co-founder of Black Lives Matter, diversity has become Our programmes range across areas. White Hat, a tech startup which seeks to existential for them. What we have is an For instance, we did the first ever democratise access to the best careers. open discussion about racial inequality apprenticeship in legal project and structural barriers in society. CEOs management with Clifford Chance. are thinking: “Do I have the skills We also do programmes with KPMG mix to succeed over the coming years? where we reskill members of their teams And how do I make sure I’m doing in data analytics; this is driven by their my part on diversity and inclusion and clients but also by their internal needs. making my organisation accessible to At Google, they’re training digital people?” Perhaps the final piece in the marketers and software engineers. We’ve puzzle is that employers are asking also had a focus on military veterans themselves how they keep employees working with Citi Group and returning engaged at home. to work mothers.

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They’ll have no capacity for innovation The argument is clear – and if anything, or freedom of thought; they might only it’s been brought into sharper focus by have been told what’s right and what’s the pandemic. More and more children wrong. They lack the creative freedom under lockdown are having troubles and too often seek instruction from with their mental health – and we their employer. know that art is able to help with that. I’m not saying that Maths and English That’s why the Chinese have started don’t give joy, but our spare time as looking here for our creative education – and the same is true in Singapore adults is usually spent around the and South Korea. Those countries have arts but in school that seems to have tended to churn out people who are good been left to one side, by people like at passing exams. The irony is that just as Nick Gibb especially. they’re looking to learn creativity off us, The irony is that the creative industries are we’re leaving creative learning behind in our state sector. valued by the Treasury but not so much by the Department of Education. There’s no joined-up thinking across government. With Sharon Hodgson What’s really required is a broad and balanced curriculum. In Wales from We’ve had five education secretaries in September 2020 there’s been a new ten years, and unfortunately Nick Gibb curriculum with arts and well-being has been around for a lot longer than In the first in our series about the values taught as a mandatory part of the I would have liked. I don’t wish him ill we should bring to the workplace, The curriculum. The same is true in Scotland, – I just wish him into another job. He Shadow Minister for Veterans explains where the arts are also valued. What we doesn’t have a background in anything to how a broader arts-based curriculum are aiming for is for the arts to be elevated do with arts and education. He has could transform our economy. to that extent in England. fully bought into Michael Gove’s ideological stance. It was Jeremy Corbyn who first came up with the idea of an arts pupil premium "It's my belief that the It’s because of Gove that our APPG was that might be used to close the gap for arts are the best teacher of formed. The EBacc has been especially disadvantaged children. Myself and problematic in terms of its unintended Susan Coles – with whom I set up the resilience and confidence: in All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts consequences for the arts. Gibbs came to Education – were excited when we heard the arts, you tend to try and our APPG and we told him he needed the announcement. It seemed the right fail before you get it right. to acknowledge the effects of the EBacc. thing to do: if you grow up in households We had 80 experts in the room and Gibbs where the arts are appreciated that just That's definitely what you simply stated that he had an ‘alternative happens. Usually it’s poorer households need in an employee when set of facts’. that don’t get that cultural capacity. they get into a workplace, The trouble with academies is that they School is meant to be a leveller and no matter what work is create a system of ‘postcode luck’ with an equaliser. Lockdown has shown regards to whether you have access to the that when you take school out of the conducted in that place." arts. Sometimes the free school system equation it really does lay bare not just the inequality in economics but cultural allows schools to be innovative but at inequality. A whole generation of people others they detract from what should are then going to be the best part of a be a standard. We may have to look at year behind. Some will have had an Some people have criticised the idea governance again and consider getting amazing lockdown education, but overall of the arts pupil premium as being all schools back under local authority the cultural gap will have widened. about ephemeral away days – trips to control. the theatre and museums, and so on. You hear a lot from the Conservatives There’s nothing wrong with away days, about character in education, but it’s my but it needn’t be only that. Imaginative belief that the arts are the best teacher of resilience and confidence: in the arts, teachers could use it for a whole host of you tend to try and fail before you get things. Under Corbyn, we imagined that it right. That’s definitely what you need if we did have an arts pupil premium in an employee when they get into we might give guidance to make sure a workplace, no matter what work is teachers understood the range of things conducted in that place. If all you’ve got it might be used for: it could be used is someone filled with knowledge and to buy fantastic art materials, to recruit the ability to pass exams, then they’ve amazing teacher specialists, or to bring got no capacity to think outside the box. artists into the school setting.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 27 Gossip Waterfly

THE WATERFLY SEES THE REFLECTION IN THE WATER. IT TAKES NOTE AS THE WATER SHIFTS. HERE’S THE LATEST GOSSIP FROM THE EDUCATION AND EMPLOYABILITY SECTOR

two years working in the House of it. But to be fair I kept the pro plus Lords, I think I’m the right person to try company going. I was always high as to help save the Union, a well-meaning a kite well after my exams.” He hastened if slightly tired institution, from itself ”. to add: "On caffeine that is, by the way. Although he ran as a joke, the 29-year- old is taking the role seriously and is organising an exciting line up of speakers, but tells us Johnny Depp All Bar None is not on his hit list. ondering what it’ll be like to study virtually? Waterfly doesn’t wantW to put a downer on online courses, Vital Attraction but before accepting that virtual place it’s worth thinking on what you’ll ormer universities minister David be missing. Willetts is optimistic about the Fupcoming university year. 'I personally When we caught up with Liam Williams, the stand-up comedian Priced Out think we’ll see an increase in people occupying university places,’ he says. and author of debut novel Homes he former Tory special advisor ‘Overseas is the bigger risk,’ he admits, and Experiences, he recalled how at who is set to become the first but adds, ‘eventually students in China Cambridge he’d been nervous just graduateT president of the Oxford and India will want some sort of attending a show at the famous Union after he stood “for a laugh” tells experience in UK.’ If you book them, Footlights theatre. ‘It wouldn’t take us this placement is only his second they will come. much more guts to go on stage, most unlikely job. James Price says it I remember thinking,’ he told us. is pipped to the post by the time he And, of course he did – and in that lies a lesson. worked as Johnny Depp’s bodyguard Halfon's High during his student days. “He came to speak at the Union and I was tasked hair of the Education select with protecting him from swooning committee Robert Halfon, who Dido’s Woes fans. He was beautiful, like a bruised Cgraduated from the University of flower, but he kept mumbling. He asked Exeter with a BA in politics and MA in tudents are always asked to come if everyone could hear him, they said Russian and Eastern European politics, to interviews prepared but it’s not no but he just kept mumbling. It was has some familiar advice for students: Salways something achieved by our quite awkward.” Price, who graduated stay away from drugs. ”I always hated bosses. When Waterfly caught up with in 2013, will start his reign over the exams so I used to take like half a tonne Jeremy Hunt at a Conservative Health debating society in January, alongside of pro plus caffeine tablets to keep event just before the pandemic hit these his full time role as a senior account myself awake so I could revise through shores, we were struck by his confidence director at Hanover. He tells us: “After the night. I certainly don't recommend in the NHS as the virus loomed.

28 Gossip

separate issues,’ he tells Waterfly. ‘I’m Interesting, actually shocked by how well the international collaboration between biotech and ick of hearing about AI in general pharmaceuticals has gone. It’s not terms, Waterfly seeks specifics. As surprised me that the equity markets Straining contracts kick off in September have recovered since February; they’ve – or in some cases, don’t kick off – what been trading the infection curve.’ sort of training can graduates expect So what’s next? ‘There is a non-zero from the big accountancy firms? probability that we will get a vaccine some time before the year is over. Chris French of PwC tells us that Something which would have been AI has seen the firm ‘recruit several impossible six months ago.’ hundred fully-funded technology degree Hope springs. apprenticeships’ adding that ‘drones, blockchain, virtual and augmented reality, and the Internet of Things’ are being looked at. ‘There is no country on earth you’d But if, as he says, the future is arriving rather be at a time like this,’ he told a fast, then that may not mean we are lunch at Westminster. Months later, it entering some dystopia where the didn’t seem that way when Baroness robot rules. French also notes that Dido Harding (pictured, above), the ‘VR-trained staff - when compared to former TalkTalk CEO charged with classroom-trained staff - saw an increase implementing the NHS track-and- in confidence, were more emotionally- trace system, turned up before Hunt’s connected to the content, were more Select Committee without data: ‘Our frustration is that it is very hard for us to focused, and completed their training scrutinise what the government is doing four times faster.’ if we’re not given the data that allows us to do that,’ said an irritated Hunt. That sounds very ‘Big Four’ but it’s worth noting it’s also an aspect of Waterfly had been hoping to speak A Terminal Problem the training of smaller firms like with Harding the following week, but Moore Kingston Smith. An MKS through an intermediary she asked to gatha Christie’s Mousetrap at St. spokesperson tells us: ‘Our graduates delay. ‘I think she wants to keep her Martin’s Theatre is set to become are now overseeing digital processes oneA of the first shows to welcome back head down,’ a source tells us. Waterfly including robotic process automation, understood. There’s no shame in going audiences after Covid but its robustness has not always been good news for optical character recognition and natural back to the drawing-board – and language processing.’ perhaps Harding didn’t want to make all. In his book My Love Affair with the same mistake twice. a Theatre, late director Derek Salberg details the pessimism surrounding the Accountancy used to be pegged as dull show when it started in 1952. He wrote: but MKS seeks to ‘automate some of our “One who thought it might succeed (but more mundane and repetitive tasks such The Sky is not the Limit was not wildly enthusiastic about it) as data processing and bookkeeping.’ was my cousin Victor Saville, once one And the money’s good too – something hen Finito World founder Ronel of England’s top film producers with to chew on. Lehmann was interviewed on Sky such films as ‘Goodbye, Mr Chips’… NewsW by Ian King, it was only fitting He bought a half share of the film rights that our first cover, featuring Sir Martin for £5,000; there was, however, a proviso Sorrell, oversaw the conversation. The in the contract, namely that the film image of Sorrell took us back to the S4 could not be made until the play had Capital founder’s predictions regarding terminated its London run.” Victor died the economy: ‘Q4 will be a recovery,’ the in 1979, aged 83, ah. ad mogul told us. When we tested that prediction with Peter Oppenheimer, chief global equity strategist at Goldman The Bottom Line Sachs, he agreed: ‘This is the strangest crisis in history because it’s likely to be ather of the House Sir Peter very short.’ Bottomley tells us he has been Fstaying well during the pandemic. While Boris has been spotted showing off his fitness with press ups, the 76-year-old Lord Anti-Microbe boasts: “I have taken from my shelves every book; I have read enough to eople might not know that among know whether to keep it or to pass Lord Jim O’Neill’s (pictured, it to a person or to a charity. Each I Pabove right) numerous achievements, keep is replaced. You can see that as he chaired a review under David vertical rather than horizontal press ups. Cameron’s administration into When young, I did one arm horizontal antimicrobial resistance. ‘This pandemic ones. Now I have absorbed so much has completely destroyed this false information and I am heavier." Fit in perception that health and finance are body and brain.

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P 59 —The Wood from the Trees: How to stay sane during lockdown

32 FACING GOLIATH 44 LEFTWARDS HO 50 JOHN CLEESE Sir David Attenborough on Public Where will Sir Keir Starmer How the witty can prosper Enemy No. 1 land on education? in the workplace

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 31 Finito World Interview

THE LION ROARS FROM HIS RICHMOND GARDEN INTERVIEW BY ROBERT GOLDING

hen Finito World cast around for Perfectly Busy Generation Game a figure to endorse its second Wissue, it happened upon the great Though he has agreed to talk to us, the In his courteous but clipped tone, he asks TV personality and ecologist. tone is adversarial. It must immediately about Finito World and I explain that it be stated that there are strong mitigating goes out to 100,000 students. ‘I am often ‘This is a man who answers his phone,’ a circumstances. This is a man who is aware heartened when I meet the younger mutual friend has told me, and Sir David of his mortality: our conversation has generation,’ he volunteers. ‘Their attitude Attenborough doesn’t disappoint. He picks a not-a-moment-to-lose briskness to to the climate crisis is very responsible.’ up after just one ring. it. And if he could also be forgiven for sounding somewhat tired, then he can be This is the paradox of Attenborough: a The voice at the other end of the phone especially forgiven for having long since man of considerable years who has found is the one you know – but gravellier and grown weary of his National Treasuredom. himself aligned with the young. He’s that without quite that voiceover theatricality Throughout our call, he will refer to the rare thing: an elderly revolutionary. it carries on Blue Planet. Those are claims on his time, of which I am one of performances; this is real life. many. ‘I get around 40 to 50 requests a Perhaps we underestimate the sheer day,’ he explains, adding that he seeks to importance of his presence within the This is Attenborough on down time, hand-write a response to each. ‘I have been landscape. He is the benevolent sage conserving energy for the next programme. shielding during lockdown and am just who it’s bad form to disagree with, and His work schedule might seem unexpected coming out of that.’ he's single-handedly made it harder for at his great age. But Attenborough, 94, anyone in power to pitch the climate exhibits more energy in his nineties than But there’s another reason he’s busy: change question as a quixotic obsession many of us do in our forties. ‘I’ve been in habit. The stratospherically successful of the young. lockdown, and it does mean I’ve been a bit enjoy a pre-established momentum, and behind on things. But I keep myself busy.’ continue to achieve just by keeping up But he’s a revolutionary only in the face with their commitments. So what has of drastic necessity, and refuses to be To interview Attenborough is to come he been up to? ‘I decided to take this as drawn on the question of our sometimes pre-armed with a range of pre-conceived a moment to write a book on ecological underwhelming political class. ‘I wouldn’t images. Part-benevolent sage, part-prophet matters and I continue to make television necessarily say that: we actually have of doom, is this not the unimpeachable programmes,’ he says, referring to A Life some very good politicians.’ He declines grandfather of the nation? Perhaps only on Our Planet: My Witness Statement, but to mention who these might be – but it Nelson Mandela towards the end of his not in such a way that makes you think suggests that Attenborough doesn’t want life had comparable standing within his he wishes to elaborate on either. He refers to ruffle unnecessary feathers. own country. to a ‘stressful deadline’ and when I ask for Instead, he wants progress. more information about the book, he shuts In 2016, when the Natural Environment it down: ‘Just ecological matters.’ There is Research Council ran a competition to a hush down the phone where one might name a research vessel, a very British fiasco have hoped for elaboration. ensued whereby the unfunny name Boaty McBoatFace topped the poll. Nevertheless, Perfect Planet, one of his This was plainly unacceptable, and so upcoming programmes, is being filmed in time the competition reverted, with in his Richmond garden, and it has an almost wearisome inevitability, to the been reported that he is recording the RRS David Attenborough. show’s voiceovers from a room he made soundproof by taping a duvet to the walls. Which is to say they played it safe and chose the most popular person in the country. One therefore has some trepidation in saying that these assumptions don’t survive an encounter with the man. It is not that he is rude or unpleasant; it’s just that he’s not as one might have expected. ‘Yes, this is David. What would you like to ask me?’

32 Finito World Interview

"Television is very intimate... My job is to create transparency."

www.finito.org.ukwww.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 33 Finito World Interview ATTENBOROUGH EDUCATION TIMELINE

1926 Born in 1926, 1938 - 45 Educated at Attenborough is raised Wyggeston Grammar School in College House on for Boys in Leicester. the campus of the 1945 University College, Wins scholarship to Leicester, where his Clare College, Cambridge and father, Frederick, is studies geology and zoology. principal. Obtains a degree in Natural Sciences. 1947 Attenborough is called up for national service in the 1949 - Early 1960s After leaving Royal Navy and spends two the Navy, Attenborough takes a years stationed in North Wales position editing children's science 1936 Attends a and the Firth of Forth. textbooks for a publishing company. lecture by Archibald He soon becomes disillusioned with Belaney at De the work and in 1950 applies for a job Montfort Hall, as a radio talk producer with the BBC. Leicester, which Although he is rejected for this job, turns him and his his CV later attracts the interest of brother Richard Mary Adams, head of the Talks (factual onto conservation. broadcasting) department of the BBC's fledgling television service. This is his foot in the door.

1920 1930 1940 1950 1960

A Transparent Medium I’ve been lucky enough to meet,’ he says. ‘I say, “Look, if you saw my documentary ‘The thing about David is he prefers with Barack Obama then you know him "Overall, I'm optimistic. animals to humans,’ says another person as well as I do.” Television is very intimate All I can say is we have to who has worked with Attenborough for like that. My job is to create transparency.’ years. I ask him if the coronavirus situation to encourage our political will accelerate change. Again, he is careful: So instead of what one half-hopes for – leaders to do something ‘I don’t know about that. On the one hand, backstage anecdotes at the White House I can see that our skies are emptier now or Buckingham Palace – one returns time urgently about the climate and that’s very welcome. I suppose the and again to the climate crisis. This is the situation. We have to all extent to which the aviation sector will prism through which everything is seen, return will depend on the price points the and our failure to follow his example, he work hard to do something airlines come up with.’ says, shall ultimately be to our shame. about this." I suspect that some of his reluctance to be drawn into detailed discussion is that he "At his level of celebrity — doesn’t wish to claim undue expertise on something urgently about the climate areas outside his competence. There’s an up there with prime ministers situation. We have to all work hard to do admirable discipline at work, alongside a and presidents but with a something about this.’ refusal to please. greater dose of the public's The Fruits of Longevity Bewilderingly honoured – Attenborough love than is usually accorded has a BAFTA fellowship, a knighthood, a For Attenborough everything has been Descartes Prize, among many others – he to either — he is continually boiled down to raw essentials. And yet has learned that the only proper response invited for comment, and has his career exhibits flexibility: his success to fame is self-discipline. At his level of must be attributed to open-mindedness celebrity – up there with prime ministers learned when to demur." about a young medium when others might and presidents but with a greater dose of have thought it beneath them. It would the public’s love than is usually accorded be too much to call him a visionary but to either – he is continually invited for he was in the vanguard of those who saw comment, and has learned when to demur. He will not be drawn into negative TV’s possibilities. Fascinated by wildlife comment on Boris Johnson or Donald as a child, he rose to become controller at ‘I am sometimes asked about the well- Trump. Instead, he says: ‘Overall, I’m BBC Two and director of programming at known people I’ve come across in this life optimistic. All I can say is we have to the BBC in the 1960s and 70s. ‘Television – the presidents and the royalty encourage our political leaders to do didn’t exist when I was a young man, and I

34 Finito World Interview ATTENBOROUGH EDUCATION TIMELINE

Early 1960s Attenborough resigns from the permanent staff of the BBC to 2010 Attenborough is awarded study for a postgraduate degree in social an Honorary Doctorate from anthropology at the London School of Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Economics, interweaving his study with and Nottingham Trent University. further filming. Accepts an invitation to return to the BBC as controller of BBC Two before he can finish the degree.

2020 It is announced after 1984 Receives honorary Doctor the outbreak of coronavirus that of Science award from University Attenborough will teach geography of Oxford. Other doctorates include as part of a BBC education initiative. Doctor of Science at the University of Oxford (1988), and Distinguished Honorary Fellow of the University of Leicester (2006).

1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020

have spent my life in a medium To that I say, ‘It depends what your I couldn’t have imagined. It has been life expectancy is!’ a wonderful experience,’ he says. But all along it was nature that The very successful glimpse the thrilled and animated him. shape of the world to come, seize Attenborough is one of those high that possibility and enlarge it into achievers who compound success something definite, which they with longevity. His is a voice then appropriate and live by. What that speaks to us out of superior advice does he have for the young experience – he has seen more of the starting out? ‘My working life has planet than any of us. He speaks taken place in television and I don’t with a rare authority at the very edge know how we will see that change of doom – his own personal decline, over the coming years as a result of as well as the planet’s. what’s happened. Communication has proliferated into so many forms Urgent Warnings and it is very difficult to get the He says: ‘Whatever young people single mass audience, which I had choose to do with their life they something to do with creating, thirty must remember that they’re a part or forty years ago.’ of life on this planet and we have a responsibility to those who will come There is an element of well-deserved after us to take care of it.’ pride about this: Attenborough’s original commissions at BBC2 – I ask him what we should be doing everything from Match of the Day to amend our lives and again he to Call My Bluff and Monty Python’s offers a simple thought: Flying Circus – were so wide-ranging ‘We’ve all got to look to our that one can almost convince oneself consciences. Inevitably, some that he was a BBC man first and will do more than others.’ an ecologist second: ‘The world has "We've all got to look to our become very divided in a way,’ he consciences. Inevitably, some He sounds at such times very close to continues. ‘It’s sometimes said that we washing his hands of the human race. prepare for a world when we’re young will do more than others." But then everyone in their nineties is that’s gone by the time we arrive in it. inevitably about to do just that. "We've all got to look to our consciences. Inevitably, some will do more than others." www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 35 Finito World Interview

David Attenborough as he prepares to release his landmark documentary Extinction: The Facts

What Attenborough has achieved seems we have been in our gardens like never canonised but in reality saints are rare. so considerable that one wishes to ask him before. Should gardening take its place Conversely, I have met those whose how he has managed it. ‘I am sometimes on the national curriculum? ‘It’s obviously reputations could hardly have been asked about how I manage to do so much, very important,’ he says, although he also lower, but who turned out to be generous but I don’t particularly think of it like adds – as he does frequently during our beyond expectation. We should never be that. I just reply to the requests that come conversation – that he knows little about disappointed when the world isn’t as it my way: you can accomplish a lot by just the topic. (Opposite, we have looked into doing one thing after the other.’ the matter for him.) has been portrayed: it is an aspect of the richness of experience to meet continually Again, the simplicity of the answer has a Hello, Goodbye with surprise. certain bare poetry to it: Attenborough is reminding us that life is as simple as we I will not forget this interview with a man But age will come to us all and if it want to make it. Interviewing him at this whose voice will always be with us. Part of finds me in half as fine fettle as David stage in his life is like reading a novel by Attenborough's power is that he continues Attenborough I shall be lucky indeed. Muriel Spark: no adjectives, no frills, just to warn us in spite of ourselves: he deems Furthermore, if it finds me on a habitable the plain truth. us sufficiently worthwhile to continually planet at all that shall also be something renew his energy on our behalf. In his curtness is a lesson: there is no time I shall owe in part to him. ‘Good luck,’ for him now for delay, but then nor should I mention that we watch his programmes he says as he puts the phone down and there be for us. We must do our bit – and with our four-year-old in preference to the though this isn’t the man I expected to not tomorrow, now. usual cartoons on Netflix when possible. meet, I can just about persuade myself that he means it. He is interested in Finito World and very At that point, perhaps due to the mention supportive of our new endeavour: ‘This is of my young son, he sounds warm: ‘Thank ‘David prefers animals to humans’. a time when the circulations of magazines you very much, sir. It does mean a lot Afterwards, it occurs to me that I have and newspapers appear to be falling. when people say that.’ been all along not so much an individual, A lot of newspapers are aware of the climate emergency and the way in which It’s a mantra in journalism not to meet but a dim representative of that foolish we disseminate ideas has diversified.’ your heroes. Attenborough in extreme ape: man. I wonder if, while Attenborough old age is brisk and sometimes even has been acquiring hundreds of millions A thought occurs to me that stems from monosyllabic. This in itself tells you of viewers, what he really wanted – and my lockdown time with my son, where something: the world is full of the urgently required – was listeners.

36 Campaign Should Gardening be on the National Curriculum?

Never let a casual utterance from a including the legendary Piet Oudolf, great man go to waste. When Sir David who designed the gardens at the High "After doing the same job for Attenborough expressed an interest in Line in New York. But we felt the need the idea of gardening forming part of to stress-test the idea with someone 5-10 years, they want to do the national curriculum, Finito World from the political classes in order to something different and take looked into the matter in more detail ascertain how it would be perceived by Whitehall and Westminster. Who better on a new challenge." Sir David Attenborough is obviously to speak to than the former education a man used to uttering qualifiers. secretary Nicky Morgan who held When we put it to him in our interview the role of Secretary of State to the time for that reasoning: ‘It’s true that opposite that gardening ought to be on Department for Education from 2014 most people in cities have no gardens, the national curriculum he expressed to 2016? but I think even in cities you can learn excited interest, but also stated that he by what’s going on in your street and in wished to know more. Morgan replied immediately: your neighbourhood. Street gardens can ‘Interesting point from David stimulate children and be interesting.’ Attenborough,’ before admitting: ‘As education secretary, I started keeping Thompson agreed: ‘Even if you haven’t "In the past six months, a list of all the things people wanted got a garden space, there’s a chance you people have started to schools to do – on top of teaching the have a window sill or a front doorstep, curriculum – and if we’d said yes to all of and it’s being shown how these spaces want to develop their skills them – and most were sensible – schools can be transformed, bringing not only would have to stay open until midnight.’ joy to the person who’s gardening again, casting their minds but also to passers-by, engendering back to retrieve nuggets of Even so, Morgan was receptive to the conversation and thus combatting information once passed on idea and made the following suggestion: loneliness and isolation.’ ‘My take on it is that there should be Having dispensed with the likely by parents, grandparents, time in the school week to have a period objections, we felt we were now an enthusiastic teacher, an when young people do something armed with enough to take the matter other than academic work which to Robert Halfon MP, a legendary encouraging neighbour." develops their character and supports campaigner in his own right, who their mental health and that could well sits as Chair of the Education Select include gardening – but would include Committee. We wrote to him, other activities such as volunteering, explaining that the gardening agenda Obedient as always to the wishes of a enterprise etc.’ would assist him in his own fight for great man, we conducted some research guaranteed apprenticeships, arguing for him. It is noteworthy that gardening feeds into both the character agenda of the that a change to the curriculum would right, and ideas more usually associated ‘create children unafraid of work, and The idea chimed immediately within able to understand that education must the gardening profession. Jo Thompson, with the left. The activity teaches us not only resilience and patience – attributes sit within the context of a sense of one’s a former teacher and four-time Gold wider place in the world.’ medal-winner at the RHS Chelsea Morgan deems particularly important Flower Show, said: ‘In the past six – but also a sense of citizenship and Our next letter to the education months, people have started to want wisdom espoused by another former secretary Gavin Williamson’s special to develop their skills again, casting education secretary Estelle Morris on advisers makes our case fully, arguing their minds back to retrieve nuggets of page 14. that it is the right moment for the information once passed on by parents, government to signal its understanding And with more teaching going on of the way in which the world has grandparents, an enthusiastic teacher, an outside, isn’t this also inevitable? Green encouraging neighbour,’ she told us. changed since Covid-19, and also urging party peer Natalie Bennett concurs: ‘I’ve the government to accept that gardening So what good could gardening give been asking the government questions is an industry with jobs, at a time when children? ‘Coming into contact with about taking more education outside we need to seek every employment and into the natural world. We need not avenue available. the soil makes us feel good,’ Thompson just biological science but contact with replied. ‘Tending plants makes us feel nature.’ For her, as for Morgan, it is part Acknowledgements from Mr Halfon’s good. Success in growing plants makes of a wider story where we need to teach office, and from the Department for us feel good, failures teach us to learn children to explore ‘their creative side’. Education were received before we went from others what went wrong and to to press. Mr Halfon wrote: "I really try again. There is a huge resource, the But isn’t there a problem also whereby believe that outdoor practical activities natural world, which surrounds us, urban sites will be less able to teach are so important. I'd be interested in and it’s now our absolute duty to teach gardening as, say, a typical private school how it would work in practice." others how to look after it.’ in Surrey? Encouraged by this, we will update Soon others in the profession had We put this objection to international readers on progress as and when it expressed interest in our campaign, plantsman Piet Oudolf. He had little comes in.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 37 Ian Taylor

38 Tribute

AN INDELIBLE MARK: IAN TAYLOR: 1956 — 2020

an ease with other cultures, that would if anything more so. Taylor became a put him in good stead in the oil industry. restauranteur, owning two small restaurants in Wimbledon, and famously shored Taylor’s educational attainments were up Harris Tweed from collapse in 2005. impressive. He was educated at King’s Years later, it is a thriving organisation. School Macclesfield from 1968-74 before going on up to Merton College to study One might have said that this gesture Politics, Philosophy and Economics. The was a sign of the philanthropy to come – politics aspect of his studies prefigured the except that since 2002 Taylor had already interest he would take in The Conservative been making notable charitable grants Party later in life; meanwhile, many through Vitol. By 2006, the company would later note his philosophical nature. had established the Vitol Foundation, which ‘looks for initiatives with the But it was the economics background which potential to generate social returns in a would have an immediate bearing on his sustainable way.’ The effect of that work life. In 1978, he joined Shell and prospered has been incalculable, with well over 2,000 immediately, exhibiting traits which would projects supported – and counting - the be evident throughout his career: an charity supported 113 projects in 2019. ability to swim within global companies; a very so often, the suddenness of a tendency to be quietly popular, infectiously These were considerable achievements, but person's departure leaves its mark kind and accordingly, loved; and a talent for Taylor was only just beginning. In 2007, he indelibly on his colleagues, business finding oxygen and commercial manoeuvre established the Taylor Family Foundation, Eassociates, friends and family. Ian Taylor within vast organisations. All this went with a specific focus on promoting was such a man. He will be missed as a hand in hand with an interest in other education and the arts. It is impossible giant of business and philanthropy. We cultures: this was the man who would to list the sheer number of projects the learned from him and he taught so many, later display an expertise in Libyan affairs foundation has supported but the Royal helping to advance the careers of protégés. which would be of help to his future friend Opera House, the Tate Foundation, His wise counsel, encouragement and David Cameron during his premiership. Maggie’s, Great Ormond Street Hospital, interest in what Finito was doing to help Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice and tens young people obtain meaningful careers Taylor’s success at Shell – he held successful of others would not be in the position was infectious. We sat together at many positions in both the Venezuelan and they are today but for Taylor’s generosity. events, including those which he hosted. Singaporean arms of the business - was a Politics continued to be an interest for him, In spite of the obvious difficulties, he precursor to his remarkable achievements and he became a valued adviser to leaders never complained about his predicament. at Vitol. Taylor was one of those who in both the political and business spheres. In fact, he was in my eyes even more proceeds steadily into the stratosphere, He famously turned down a knighthood almost unnoticed – and then doesn’t mind inspirational for the fortitude which he from David Cameron after the press it if he stays that way. In moving to Vitol displayed in trying to overcome adversity delved into – and misunderstood – Vitol's in 1985, Taylor had happened upon his through funding pioneering medical operations in Iraq and Iran. Afterwards, professional home for the next 33 years. research and proton beam therapies to help with typical humour, he expressed himself others suffering from the same condition. What followed was a story of continual relieved. He had become extraordinary, We all have something to thank him but the spotlight wasn’t necessary for for, his supreme trust, dynamic energy, achievement. Taylor spent seven years in London, but when the firm needed someone who took meaning from life in incredible kindness and humour. Ian proportion to what he could do for others. Taylor will live forever in our hearts and a man to be posted to Singapore as never be forgotten. — Ronel Lehmann. managing director of Vitol Asia, Taylor’s previous experience in the region was But not even the kind and the dedicated escape some form of ending up. Taylor’s * decisive. But it was just the beginning: he would go onto set up numerous battle with cancer was a painful illness Ian Taylor is a name that may not operations within the company. His rise which his friends watched unfold with necessarily be familiar to all Finito World was built on hard work, good manners, a sadness only mitigated by the fact that readers, and he would not have minded and extensive knowledge of the business. Taylor was never seen to complain. Indeed, that. A giant of business and philanthropy, as the ensuing reminiscences show, he he was nevertheless, for all his success, a By 1995, he had risen to become CEO, a only showed himself a more thoughtful quiet and even shy man. Born in Croydon, position he would hold until 2018. Under his colleague as the disease took hold. It only the son of an Imperial Chemical Industries tenure, Vitol had become the world’s biggest remains to be said that he is survived by executive, Taylor would grow up in independent oil trading company with his wife Tina and his four children, and Manchester. He spent some time as a boy revenues in 2016 alone of some $152 billion. that those we spoke to expressed the same in Tehran where his father conducted some admiration for them as they did for Ian. business in Iran before the Ayatollah came But as impressive as was his core work to power. This episode of early relocation for Vitol, the way in which he grew Finito World asked a small selection of friends established one of the leitmotifs of his life: and sustained his outside interests was to recall the man they knew in their own words.

39 www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 39 Tribute

Ian Taylor attends the St Petersburg International Economic Forum Lord Spencer, Founder, NEX Group

"Of my contemporaries I hold him in a special place, I have the greatest respect and admiration for him. It may be a cliche but it's totally true about Ian."

Ian Taylor was one of my best friends - a man of humour and generosity and thoughtfulness. But he was far more than that. He was also an ‘achiever’. A prodigious ‘doer’ of things - in business, with the spectacular success of Vitol, the oil trading group he built into a global "Being Ian he didn't just say "Wise, loyal and discreet; Ian titan, but also in art, culture and politics. He was a man of real presence who gave "Thank you it's helped me". was one of my most valued so much to his family and friends, his He wanted others to benefit advisers — and, over the years, business associates and to politics. Of my contemporaries I hold him in a special from it as well ." we became firm friends." place; I have had the greatest respect and admiration for him. It may be a cliché but it is totally true about Ian. He leaves Theresa May, former PM David Cameron, former PM the world a better place but with a great hole behind him. He will be much missed. To me Ian Taylor was primarily a I first met Ian when I was Conservative gentleman and a philanthropist. Of course, Party Leader. He was a brilliant he was a successful businessman and a businessman, but also greatly understood political supporter, but what struck me politics and political realities. Wise, loyal, from the first time I met Ian was his deep discreet; Ian was one of my most valued desire to help others and to improve their advisers – and, over the years, we became lives. He was a passionate believer in the firm friends. I came to respect Ian’s counsel importance of education. He knew that even more during my time as Prime a good education gave young people the Minister. Countless times – in particular best start in life, and he wanted others to during the Libyan conflict in 2011 – be able to be their best, achieve their goals he acted in a way that helped his country, and fulfil their dreams. But perhaps the not his business. Of course, alongside Ian’s best example of his concern for others was business knowledge, was his philanthropy. seen when he received ground-breaking Since it was set up in 2007, The Taylor cancer treatment in Switzerland. Being Ian Family Foundation has done truly amazing he didn’t just say, “Thank you it’s helped work – supporting vulnerable children and me”. He wanted others to benefit from it as well - hence the money he provided and young people, and going a long way to the work he did to bring the treatment to improve Social Inclusion in this country. the UK. He was good company, considerate of others and always a gentleman.

40 Tribute

"I never saw any case of him trying to use his really powerful status... to try to dominate debate or push any agenda for his company. I saw this remarkably humble guy talk passionately about his party and family and always ask about others."

former career at Man Group and knew how successful and large the company was, having had a few friends work there Dame Mary Richardson, Finito Advisory Jeremy Isaacs CBE, Foumding Partner JRJ or do business with them. I was surprised Board Group when I met Ian, by his quiet unassuming manner, the thoughtful way he approached I got to know Ian over the last six years. He politics and his devotion to his family. "He wanted to learn from had been unwell to varying degrees over that Having headed a FTSE 100 company for time which underlines both his physical quite a few years, I knew how hard it was to any expert advice and his strength and incredibly positive outlook. I balance one’s life between business (which uncomplicated single aim was had the privilege to develop what was for me could become all-consuming) and family. I an important relationship. I always learned had seen so many cases where a CEO chose to do good and improve lives something new after spending time with business over family life or became rather wherever possible." Ian. Although we did quite a lot of business self-obsessed and frankly a little arrogant. together, we rarely spoke about work, our Yet in Ian I saw someone who saw material conversations were about life, politics and success as just being part of life that earned philanthropy. The combination of his high him freedoms and one of those freedoms I came into contact with Ian Taylor about 16 intellect, remarkable generosity and of was to support his family and show his years ago when he was setting up the Vitol course his many unbelievable experiences intense patriotism for our country through Foundation. As I was Chief Executive of always left me feeling amazed, optimistic loyal devotion to the Conservative party. HSBC’s new Foundation, I was approached and genuinely happier. He will be greatly informally for advice and was later invited missed by me but very fondly remembered. At all the meetings and functions he onto his Foundation’s Advisory Board. attended, I never saw any case of him trying to use his really powerful status, role and the I was immediately struck by Ian’s kindness wealth that goes with it to try to dominate in welcoming me warmly and ensuring that debate or push any agenda for his company. I felt at ease. Throughout the many meetings I just saw this remarkably humble guy talk I attended, which he chose not to chair, he passionately about his party and family and was quiet, attentive, respectful of the views, always ask about others. I saw him deal which were sometimes conflicting, of the with the early and ongoing setbacks in his advisory board members. There was no long brave battle. My wife Barbara and I dominance. He wanted to learn from any saw him attend functions usually with expert advice and his uncomplicated single Tina, who was his rock. At a time when we aim was to do good and improve lives all realised how awful it must have been to wherever possible, without recognition. go through the pain, discomfort and partial His approach was flexible even if this meant disfigurement of his various treatments, he funding new projects in challenging areas. kept on attending and supporting the party. Possible failure did not deter him if the need They would never let their lives be dictated was great. He was brave in his approach in by this cruel illness, nor did I ever see self- this area of his life as he was in his illness. pity or bitterness that this gilded life he had built for his family and the colleagues I eventually left the Vitol Foundation that adored him had been undermined in Advisory board after some years. Ian was his prime. He was always optimistic that already ill but typically he did not miss the disease was being overcome. Then Foundation meetings. At my last meeting Lord Fink came coronavirus and lockdown. Most of he was clearly unwell and in pain and I us spent our time following Government wondered if he would remember that I A man of many talents, it simply isn’t instructions limiting our social lives. Our was leaving. It was typical of Ian that possible to say it all in a few lines. But if I horizons narrowed to our immediate he not only remembered but had spent had to sum Ian up in one word, it would be friends, family and neighbours, and so time considering how to thank me. He ‘selfless’. That is how I will remember him. I Barbara and I were so sad when we learned had arranged a valedictory charitable had the pleasure of meeting Ian Taylor and of Ian’s passing. We were also saddened by grant, a considerable sum of money to subsequently Tina at a Conservative Party the fact that we had never had the chance be donated to whichever charity I chose. function when David Cameron was our to show our respect, liking and affection Prime Minister and I was Party Treasurer. for this lovely gentleman. Our thoughts Like all great leaders, Ian I knew Vitol, the large and successful are with Tina and the family. The world enriched lives. He enriched mine. trading company that Ian led, from my was a better place as he’d passed through it.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 41 Tribute

Andrew Law, CEO Caxton-Associates tremendous impact around Manchester. Sir Michael Hintze Ian’s ability to draw people into his circle and coalesce around common causes was legendary. The diverse group of fans who "From the friend's have participated includes a former World "Closer to home he always perspective, he was the Cup-winning England rugby player, spent the time to provide England cricketer, rock star, former head one making sure that we of the FSA and numerous others who generous times, good counsel would be back home to all shared a common passion. Everyone and excellent friendship. aspired to be in his wonderful warm circle. sleep wherever we had been In essence he made helping others fun. He gave selflessly to various in Europe following the Accommodating the demands of work, charities and endeavours." hobbies, friends and so forth alongside his trials and tribulations of his family must have been a constant struggle. beloved football team. He From the friend’s perspective, he was the one making sure that we would be back Ian Taylor was always a man of huge was the one offering wise life home to sleep wherever we had been in integrity. He also had a wealth of counsel to those younger than Europe following the trials and tribulations understanding of how to work in our of his beloved football team. He was the very nuanced world. His depth of himself. Ian was simply the one offering wise life counsel to those understanding of the politics in the most rounded accomplished younger than himself. Ian was simply the emerging world, especially Cuba, made for most rounded accomplished individual fascinating and also entertaining insights. individual I have had the I have had the pleasure of knowing. pleasure of knowing." Closer to home he always spent the time to provide good counsel and excellent friendship. He gave selflessly to various Ian was a role model to aspire to. Aside charities and endeavours. The Conservative from all his documented huge success in party in times of good and bad were business, and his philanthropy, he was always close to his heart. I will sorely very much a citizen of his country and miss his friendship and his insight. communities. Supporting struggling The world is poorer for his passing. historic businesses in line with his Scottish heritage, or being active in his London locality, this was all second nature to Ian. In addition, he had one very special gift above all that, personal generosity. By that Dominic Johnson, I mean generous with his time, the greatest CEO, Somerset Capital gift one so busy can give. Whether it was supporting Speakers for Schools with Ian Taylor was a very special man who his personal appearances at state schools, cared deeply about his country and was a celebrating friends’ important occasions, or passionate Conservative. He built a hugely visiting great charitable causes, nothing was significant business in a very complex ever too much. He had an innate ability area where sheer determination and guts to multi-task and see opportunity in even are the defining feature of those who are the most basic of interests. As a lifelong successful. He was always unfailingly polite Peter Cruddas, Founder and CEO, supporter of Manchester City Football and interested whenever you met him and CMC Markets Club Ian saw the team’s renaissance a retained a strong sense of humble optimism decade ago as an opportunity for good. He right up until the last time I saw him, only Ian was a beacon of light, a great founded the Blue Moon Rising group of a few months before he died - coming businessman and philanthropist. We both London-based lifelong long-suffering City out of his office having done another full shared a similar passion for helping fans. Aside from interesting dinners with day’s work. In all seriousness I thought he disadvantaged and disengaged youth. the club hierarchy and former players, it was was a genuinely great man and he will be Nothing gave us more pleasure than designed to support and drive the initiatives missed by everyone who knew him, worked helping young people to be able to get a of the club’s charitable foundation - City with him or who he supported through better start in life. Ian was a magnificent in the Community. The group has had a his incredible and understated generosity. example to the younger generation.

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THE BATTLE FOR THE SOUL OF THE LEFT: IS IT TIME FOR A NATIONAL EDUCATION SERVICE? WORDS: CHRISTOPHER JACKSON

s Sir Keir Starmer takes the reins of A Tale of Two Speeches As we all know, the Corbyn programme the Labour Party, how can the Party was soundly repudiated by the British Aseize the narrative on education Two quotes from two speeches, both given electorate in December 2019. But looking and finally connect it to employability? by Labour leaders in Blackpool. back at that election, it is startling – and a little depressing – how little As you walk through Camberwell, every The first: ‘Just think of it - Britain, the education was discussed. other house has a rainbow, proclaiming skills superpower of the world. Why not just that household’s gratitude to the not? Why can’t we do it? Achievement, As a result, it would be an exaggeration NHS, but the presence of home-schooled aspiration fulfilled for all our people.’ to say that the public rejected Labour’s children within. Education is all around us education policy. Furthermore, we in virus season: it is on our minds in a way The second: ‘Tomorrow’s jobs are in green now inhabit different times where the it hasn’t been for years. and high-tech industries. We need people government – even a Conservative one – to have the skills to take on those jobs, has entered our lives in ways which would But that can sometimes seem the limit of breathing new life into communities.’ have seemed fanciful six months ago. the good news. ‘Education hasn’t had a good crisis,’ as former education secretary On the face of it, it would be difficult So is the idea still relevant? Estelle Morris tells us on page 14. Part to tell apart the words of Tony Blair in And if it isn’t, where should the of this is due to the peculiar nature of the 1996 (the first quotation) and the words Labour Party go instead? crisis: for the many senior Labour figures of Jeremy Corbyn in 2019 (the second). we spoke to for this piece, coronavirus was Both open up onto a cherished idea for a problem designed to exacerbate existing the Labour Party: that a commitment to problems of inequality and, with children education is an integral part of the party’s taken out of school, always destined to offer to the electorate. be a different moment than the front- But scratch the surface, and differences lines camaraderie that has defined the proliferate, which still matter and must be experience of those working in the NHS. resolved by the still relatively new Labour Of those we spoke with, many lamented leader Keir Starmer. the lack of leadership from both the Blair spoke eloquently about investment, government and from the Labour front and with a can-do spirit about placing bench. During the composition of this education first. But he would likely have piece, Rebecca Long-Bailey was demoted seen Jeremy Corbyn’s espousal during the from her role as shadow education 2019 General Election campaign of a secretary due to a retweet of problematic ‘National Education Service (NES)’ which remarks by actress Maxine Peake. She was was, like the NHS, ‘free at the point of replaced by Kate Green who at time of use’, as a return to the socialist ideas of going to press was still finding her feet in the past. the job. With the schools not yet back, all this contributed to a moment of pause. Under the empty skies, it felt like an intellectual reckoning was possible. After a decade of Conservative-led rule where should the left be on education?

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"Scratch the surface, and differences proliferate, which still matter and must be resolved by the still relatively new Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer."

Sir Keir Starmer at the Labour Leader Hustings at the SEC (Scottish Event Campus)

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the NHS.’ "There is a degree of comedy For Morrin, who points to the poor It is worth adding that when one reads here which will feel to some health outcomes in the UK compared to the speech where Corbyn launched the very redolent of Corbynism: countries like Germany who have a more NES idea, it is noticeably less detailed localised system, the NHS is not only than a typical pre-power speech by Blair, the very people brought into something the education system couldn’t where the party can sometimes seem to produce an enquiry sceptical emulate, such emulation would also not be governing even in opposition. This is be desirable. a mistake unlikely to be repeated by the about its overarching aims. " more details-oriented Starmer. If you talk to Sir Michael Barber (see page 7), Blair’s former chief education So what message does Morris have for Meet the Commission advisor, he swiftly disowns himself Starmer? Now is the time, she says, to of anything remotely connected to launch something truly radical. ‘From Among those who advised the government Corbynism: ‘I would rather just have a 1988 until now, there’s not been a lot on its life-learning strategy – intended conversation about new radical approaches of changes in education; the narrative to form part of the NES offer - was for education.’ For Barber too, the very has been the same: national curriculum, the likeable Professor Ewart Keep, who language of the left opens up onto a grim national assessment, external inspection, holds a Chair at Oxford University in vista of statism. publication of results, parental choice and Education, Training and Skills. focus on standards.’ The tale has been one of back-and-forth between the two major Brought in to assist with the Party’s parties and tweaking around the edges. Lifelong Learning Commission, Keep "For Morrin, who points to ‘The narrative from 1988 until now has never felt particularly wedded to the the poor health outcomes been the same. I don’t think it was wrong NES idea: ‘Part of the problem was there to have let that narrative run for as long was a headline slogan that emerged very in the UK compared to as we have done. Schools are better now suddenly and then there was an attempt countries like Germany and children get a better deal because of to put things underneath that heading. national curriculum accountability. But it’s We tried to sketch out what adult lifelong who have a more localised all come to a natural end.’ learning would look like in the context of system, the NHS is not only an as yet unspecified National Education But if Morris espouses an end to all this Service,’ he explains. something the education ‘fiddling’, what comes next? ‘We need a system couldn’t emulate, such debate about the value of art, the value of There is a degree of comedy here sports and the value of community service.’ which will feel to some very redolent of emulation would also not be Corbynism: the very people brought into desirable. " In part, what Morris is espousing is a produce an enquiry sceptical about its move away from the so-called character overarching aims. agenda which, though espoused by many Education Secretaries, is now particularly Internal operatives tell me that things associated with Nicky Morgan, who held are far slicker under Starmer. Was this an A meeting in St James’ Park the secretaryship at education from 2014 attempt simply to evoke one of Labour’s until 2016. Morris wants instead a system greatest hits – the NHS - and tether it to which teaches ‘citizenship and wisdom’. an unrelated area? Keep continues: ‘They’re When I contact Estelle Morris – now Baroness of Yardley – I am pleased, and very different activities – particularly when But surely every side of the political a bit surprised, when she says she’d like you consider that one of the weaknesses spectrum will have a different idea of to meet in person. I take myself up to the of the NHS is that it doesn’t succeed in that? For Boris Johnson, wisdom is preventing illness: you’re treating people ghostly centre of town, to St James’ Park who are sick. Education is trying to be a on a drizzly July day. We walk along the preventative medicine. It felt misleading lake on one of those tentative lockdown and not particularly helpful.’ days we’ve all had when we’re not sure if our favourite coffee shop will be open. It "In part, what Morris It is this sort of thing which Starmer will is, and we sip our coffees, grateful for this need to avoid in order to dodge amused minor return to normalcy. is espousing is a move disparagement from the education away from the so-called intelligentsia. When I speak to Phillip So what exactly is the NES? Like Morrin Blond, chair of Respublica, he announces and Barber, Morris is a little baffled. ‘That character agenda which cheerfully, ‘I generally regard the left with was my question as well. I thought it was though espoused by many absolute contempt so you better to talk a great idea but there was a real risk it to Mark.’ became a slogan and a slogan only. It’s a education secretaries is now great concept and I don’t think we filled particularly associated with This turns out to be Mark Morrin, also of it out. I’m stuck to have a ten-minute Respublica, who has seen the NES idea conversation about what we offered Nicky Morgan, who held the knocked about for years, ‘and it’s never about it.’ secretaryship at education particularly excited anyone.’ He goes on to point out: ‘On the one hand, you can So is the NES an immediate non- from 2014 until 2016. understand it intuitively with the reference starter? That’s where Morris differs Morris wants instead to the NHS and the idea it will kind slightly. For her, everything depends on of bring together all aspects of learning Labour's commitment to detail. ‘The a system which teaches education and skills from cradle to grave NHS represented a radical change and ‘citizenship and wisdom’. " - that’s intuitively understood. But when revolution in healthcare. So don’t claim the you get past this you’re left with a leftist, title unless you’ve done the work. The title statist idea and a big monolithic entity like doesn’t come before the work.’

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Professor Ewart Keep speaks at PRAXIS 2 in Scotland

Conservatism; for Starmer, it will be the sort of change she wants to see. ‘We’re when Johnson was returned to power socialism. But Morris says this is a debate coerced into believing the knowledge- so thumpingly. we urgently need to have. And wisdom based curriculum is best, when in fact she says is difficult to have without some the arts enable us to make mistakes and So should it be part of the NES? While appreciation of the arts. Coles appreciates the idea, she worries it is too little: ‘The only worry I have is there’s Picture Imperfect "This, too, is where the eternal no guarantee it will be in the curriculum.’ Perhaps we need to think more about argument regarding free This, too, is where the eternal argument how we promote things we know to regarding free schools comes in. The be good. The force behind Lee Elliot schools comes in. The schools schools minister Nick Gibbs would Major’s proposal of a National Tutoring minister Nick Gibbs would remind Coles and Hodgson that art is on Service (see page 15) stemmed from the the curriculum, but Coles – and the likes demonstrable value of the one-to-one remind Coles and Hodgson of writer Michael Rosen – would retort tutoring experience. that art is on the curriculum, that it ought to be a core subject. Even if you resolve that part of the debate, you’re For Susan Coles, the former president but Coles — and the likes still left with the fact that academies of NSEAD who set up an APPG in of writer Michael Rosen — are not obliged to teach it, and since 80 Parliament to promote greater coverage percent of secondary schools are academies of the arts in our education system, the would retort that it ought and so are a large number of primaries, benefits of an arts education are equally to be a core subject." that’s a problem. Furthermore, there is clear. She worries that character is talked the exclusion of the arts from the uber- about as a ‘box you tick’ when, in fact, Goveian and, to Labour, loathed ‘EBacc.’ ‘the arts create resilience’ enabling you to ‘follow your own ideas without being For Coles and Hodgson an opportunity wrong.’ experiment,’ she explains. is being missed, and for no decent reason. Coles continues: ‘If you do a teaching For Coles, and for Sharon Hodgson MP This was one area where Corbyn wasn’t qualification, you learn how to teach the who chairs her All-Party Parliamentary entirely idle in putting forward the detail Groups (APPG) (see page 27), what we arts for around 2-3 hours in a 3-year behind the NES, stating in his Blackpool course. So we have a lot of inexperienced have now is a ‘production line of high- speech: ‘The best is every child being performing schools which is strangling teachers who are struggling to teach the able to learn musical instruments, drama arts curriculum.’ the creative arts.’ Coles puts her views and dance – the things that bring us joy with the kindly persuasiveness of the – through our Arts Pupil Premium.’ For The great irony in all this is that the arts truly passionate: she is one of those Hodgson and Coles this was an exciting appears to benefit the economy. ‘They’re campaigners who is herself an advert for moment, scotched only in December 2019 valued by the Treasury but not by the

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Rainbow cities: will a summer of homeschooling children advance the argument on education? education department and DCMS,’ Even different bits of DfE don’t talk Morrin argues that any National says Hodgson. to one another. In education, central Education Service would need to be government controls so much. They have rebranded The Bonfire of the Quangos to deal with such a level of detail: it’s along devolved lines: ‘It can be packaged difficult for them to grasp the big picture.’ in a different way and be marketed in This opens up onto another perennial a different way, with devolution at the question: that of the structure of the entire So what needs to change? ‘We’ve gradually heart of how this is going to be system, and indeed the very nature of abolished all the intermediary bodies, funded,’ he explains. our civil service and the balance between which means everything’s an atomised national and local government. marketplace. This isn’t functional for those The civil service also needs a rethink, who have to run it, and deliver education. according to Keep. ‘Most civil servants do I’d want to create relatively independent 18 months tops within a role. Every time "For Keep, the restitution organisations which can act as a bridge between government and providers and of these would necessarily also as a bridge between government "It's basically a tax on those exist alongside some and employers.’ who can afford to pay for it devolution of power Keep is referring to the Learning and because they graduate and and decision-making to Skills Council (abolished in 2015-16) and the UK Commission for earn enough to trigger a the regions. The overall Employment and Skills, which was repayment. The real issue goal would be 'bottom wound down in March 2017. For Keep, the restitution of these would necessarily is we're sending too many up thinking' and a move exist alongside some devolution of power people to university, but to away from a system where and decision-making to the regions. The overall goal would be ‘bottom up thinking’ what purpose?" everything is 'controlled and a move away from a system where by the minister.'" everything is ‘controlled by the minister.’ Mark Morrin partially agrees: ‘We had I go to a meeting on higher education, the bonfire of the quangos under the it’s a totally different room of people. When I ask Professor Keep where he Coalition. Some were well-deserving of The last lot have all bloody left.’ would begin in terms of fixing the English that. The Commission for Employment This is a view echoed by Sir Michael education system, he says. ‘The problem in and Skills was one of the most useless, Barber on page seven of this publication. England is that it’s very siloed. and survived for a long time.’

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Universal problems this lack of equal access to opportunity, lifelong learning. But for those people who particularly around careers.’ missed out and struggled at school, they At the same time, we have a university might need to be covered by a National system that increasingly seems unfit for Whether Labour chooses to proceed Education Service. The question is: purpose, and struggling to adapt to the with a National Education Service or ‘How do we create a culture of learning new realities of online learning. with some other label, the Starmer offer and get more people wanting to go back will need to address a creaking university into learning?’ Keep explains: ‘A lot of universities were system, as well as the question of digital in big financial trouble before Covid-19 poverty in an age of online learning, and So it would be something of a patchwork arrived. After 2009, many went and the perennial question of lifelong learning. quilt model? ‘If you've already got a degree, splurged vast amounts of borrowed money If this is done meticulously, perhaps you're more likely to get training at work. on new nice halls of residence, new nice something will emerge worthy of the And if you've got no qualifications, student bars, gymnasiums - and of course NES brand name. I would say the government should have it’s all borrowed from the banks. £8 billion a role alongside trade unions and others of borrowing has to be repaid, to try and reverse some of and the interest rate racks up on those inequalities.’ that.’ So how bad is it? ‘There were strong rumours there were at least Keep agrees: ‘Lots of adults receive 20 universities in England that no training from their employers. were likely to get into significant A lot of the adult workforce leave financial difficulties in the next year school and college, and then don’t get and you can increase that number much training. If you’re in a low paid very considerably now.’ job, the chances of getting trained are very limited. When you look at Morrin adds: ‘We’ve created England and the UK as a whole, we’re something that is too big to fail. a long way behind many developed Our universities are in trouble. countries.’ When does the problem How do we bail them out? One bad date from? ‘In 2010, funding for it got decision has been compounding cut, and the adult education budget another. We argued in the report we has declined by more than 45 percent put out an the end of last year that and there’s a lot less money from the we needed to stop sending so many government. Employers are doing less people to university. and less.’ Does Respublica have any specific The Shape of Things to Come proposals? ‘We’ve argued that we I begin to get a sense of what this need to get rid of tuition fees. might look like. A National Education It’s a smoke and mirrors thing, Service would need to intelligently it’s just accounting practices: in join up the dots. effect, the government picks up the tab for those who can’t afford It might involve an acceptance of how it. It’s basically a tax on those who we are failing to promote the arts, but can afford to pay for it because they also make us think in a more joined- graduate and earn enough to trigger up way about the digital side, looking a repayment. The real issue is we’re Mark Morrin, Principal Research to tackle digital poverty (as outlined sending too many people to university, Consultant at ResPublica by Sir Michael Barber on page 7). but to what purpose?’ It might also incorporate some of Lee Elliot Major’s ideas on tutoring, That’s a view echoed also by Euan Blair, and build on what has already been the tech entrepreneur with the famous Will You Still Feed Me? agreed to by the Johnson administration father whose business White Hat, (see page 15); the NES could potentially which he chairs, is unafraid to proclaim Stephen Evans, the CEO of the Learning expand them into some form of mentoring university a waste of time. Talking to Blair and Work Institute, sat on the same service. The project might also involve is a curious education in the Blair genetics commission as Keep in the runup to greater investment in apprenticeships and how they have played out in the next the 2019 general election. For him, if (see Robert Halfon on page 13), and a generation. It is as if the same incisiveness the National Education Service is to lifelong learning approach, where the state and ability to explain complex things in have any meaning then it needs to solve intervenes strategically to satisfy existing simple language which saw his father the problem of keeping adults learning gaps. All this might be capped by Estelle dominate British politics for a decade has throughout life. Morris’ commitment to the promotion of been handed down a generation into a wisdom and citizenship in place of – or born tech entrepreneur. He argues that lifelong learning can come perhaps in addition to – the Conservative in many forms from an apprenticeship to years’ emphasis on character-building. For Blair, universities have failed a change of career, or it can come in the to prepare children properly for an form of informal community classes. All in all, Starmer’s Labour has a complex AI-dominated labour market. ‘I think that inheritance on education. It has produced there will always be and should always be ‘We need to build a more coherent a reasonably compelling idea too soon, a place for purely academic learning in a system,’ he tells me over Zoom. ‘For without, as Morris says, having done university environment,’ he admits. me the NES was about this idea that sufficient work. The spectre of Tony Blair ‘The challenge is that the system has we need to do much more learning cannot now be entirely dismissed after become this monopoly on early careers throughout life.’ What kind of financial the 2019 general election defeat, but he in a really negative way. That's made structures is he espousing? ‘Clearly you remains a figure whose toxicity remains universities complacent and it's created don’t need government to fund some surprisingly persistent.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 51 Alongside these internal developments, there is a lot of dissatisfaction with the system and developments under successive Conservative-led governments. If all these points could be joined up, they might make a compelling proposition. A final complexity is the precise historical circumstances Starmer finds himself in – or ‘events, dear boy, events’ as Harold Macmillan had it. A coherent education policy must be enacted, and priorities established, at a time when the virus, Black Lives Matter (see our leader on page two), climate change, and the new realities of work in the furlough era must also be solved.

Keir's Choice The fact remains that Starmer will need to unite the left and the right of his party on one of its core priorities. One way to do this might be to appropriate a slogan from the Corbyn era but put some more intricate and thoughtful policies underneath it. Another way would be to admit that the NES is tarnished, and find some new banner under which to build a new platform. Much will naturally depend on Starmer himself. So what are the new leader’s instincts on education? There is surprisingly little in the public domain on this, and Labour operatives we spoke to talked of a tight-knit disciplined circle where there are few leaks as to what the leadership is thinking. Lee Elliot Major recalls meeting the future Labour leader in their shared constituency during the Corbyn years: ‘I met Keir for coffee. He was on top of all the education issues of that day. At that point we were in the world of Corbyn, and at that time you were thinking someone like Starmer wouldn’t get in. Though education wasn’t his brief, he grilled me. He’s not ideologically obsessed: voters will vote for that, generally people like myself worry about extremes.’ As often with Starmer, this sounds promising. But it’s early days, and, wherever the party ends up on this, work has to be done - and everybody who contributed to this piece agrees there’s not a moment to lose.

A Black Lives Matter Protestor

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A Black Lives Matter Protestor

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THAT HUMOROUS FEELING

he witty can sometimes prosper funnier candidate always wins. Obama answer which dovetails with my own in the workplace, but take it too was always funnier than Romney or John experience of office life: ‘Stress release.’ T far and you may have a problem, McCain; George Bush Jr. was funnier than writes Lana Woolf Al Gore or John Kerry; Ronald Reagan A joke, said Nietzsche, is ‘an epigram on a was funnier than Jimmy Carter or Walter death of a feeling’: the power of comedy is Stephen Fry once said of the great Peter Mondale. Clinchingly for the theory, that it discharges feeling which had been Cook that he was never unfunny, never Donald Trump Jr. was demonstrably accruing by admitting to that feeling and ‘off ’. When Finito World caught up with funnier than Hillary Rodham Clinton. thereby ousting it. the legendary comedian – and great friend But does this translate in the same way in However, Thompson has a cautionary of Cook – John Cleese earlier in the year, word about taking things too far, warning we asked him what he thought of Finito, the workplace, which is a less performative space than electoral politics? Part of the against becoming an office prankster à la and he showed us that he, too, never turns David Brent in The Office. She also explains off the taps. force of a personality like, for instance, Sir Martin Sorrell derives from the sense that one’s relationship to humour will When we told him about our mentoring that he might at any moment bark with depend on the tenor of the organisation programmes, he was immediate: ‘It’s a very delighted laughter even at a difficulty. you work for. This can be challenging decent thing to do. I’ve heard of a finishing for women, she explains, recalling how school – and I know Finito is Italian for Pat Thompson is the founder and ‘humour in the City was a darker shade finished because I eat a lot of Italian food managing director of Thompson Dunn, of blue in a male-oriented environment. – and I finish it all. But I’ve never heard of a central London-based psychologists’ Women are often the butt of a joke a finished school.’ firm. For 30 years Thompson has worked and you have to cope with it. with CEOs on organisational culture and In financial services, you have to While we were laughing he was creativity in business: ‘I used to deal with develop a thicker skin.’ continuing, ‘I have heard of Finnish delinquent adolescents and then went onto schools but they’re something work for Michael Page selecting senior quite different.’ executives. I was once asked: ‘What’s the difference between a The Monty Python and A Fish Called delinquent adolescent and a CEO. Wanda star went on to share some advice I replied: “Pinstriped trousers”.’ as to how to forge a happy career. He quotes American comedian George Burns The jury is out on how funny this is, but as saying: ‘If you do something you love, Thompson is arguing that humour is a then you don’t have to do a day’s work for way of making a ‘a difficult truth sayable’. the rest of your life.’ It is a form of smoothing - of moving the dialogue forwards in a way that we might Wise advice, but our encounter with miss if we proceeded solely in an earnest Cleese also had us thinking about an register. When asked about humour’s implied lesson that may be as important: wider role, Thompson offers a two-word what role does humour play in the workplace? Well, success in life can sometimes be attributed to ability to get on with people, and that is always to do an appreciation of nuance, which usually goes hand in hand with an ability to navigate intricate situations. The amusing are often, though not always, empathetic. Sometimes this proposition can have vivid illustrations. It was Jerry Seinfeld who observed that in US Presidential races it is an unwritten law of politics that the

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"If you do something you love, then you don't have to do a day's work for the rest of your life."

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Moving on up: can a sense of humour lead to swifter promotion?

Liam Williams is a professional comedian Nadia Kingsley, the founder of the Lidington also points to its impact in known for Sheeps and Ladhood and the podcast, told us: ‘I was surprised at how a speech: ‘Humour changes the register now the author of a brilliant debut novel passionately people wanted to bin some but also helps the audience to concentrate. Homes and Experiences. So what led him corporate speak. Having never worked in A successful joke will make the audience towards his career? ‘In the workplace, an office myself it was a real eye-opener. listen as they’ll wonder whether there’ll I’ve never known where the line is, and Some of the binnings reveal something be another joke coming. And humour I was drawn to being a professional more than ridiculous management speak - that’s well received can get people on comedian because you are necessitated but the old-fashioned hierarchy. your side.’ to go over that line.’ For instance, the phrase ‘cascading down’, refers to minions who aren’t good enough Did he enjoy: ‘I found that having a laugh But he also has a warning against humour to actually go to the conference but are used against a political opponent which with my colleagues was the only thing that given a version of it by someone above us.’ got me through the less fulfilling aspects may also apply to life in a more ordinary of the job. Obviously, you don’t want to be workplace. ‘The risk is you get written off like David Brent in The Office and you need as a comic. You need to show you have the to find a happy medium between not being "Humour is vitally important comic and the serious. In Shakespeare’s too buttoned-up and boring, and not being tragedies – even in Hamlet – you have the idiot with the Homer Simpson tie.’ in private. In a tense meeting, tragedy and serious side by side.’ a well-timed and well-phrased He notes that much humour comes from Then Lidington laughs, recalling some ‘absurd corporate language. This twee idea quip can defuse tension." of the inevitable ups and downs of of ‘We’re all a family” - of language that government. ‘The truth is it sometimes comes down from on high and doesn’t feels more like a black farce. And black mean anything to us. There’s so much humour can keep you going in the inner Former deputy prime minister David euphemism.’ team.’ This chimes with Thompson’s Lidington makes a useful distinction Employers, then, must be careful not to between humour in the public and private remarks: ‘Humour is an aspect of positive alienate their employees with language spaces. Recalling life as the de facto no.2 psychology. If you face difficulty in an that doesn’t match their real experience. in Theresa May’s 10 Downing Street, he organisation, then looking on the bright A recent podcast produced by Fair Acre explains: ‘Humour is vitally important in side includes humour.’ Press called ‘Word Bin’ invited participants private. In a tense meeting, a well-timed to choose their preferred word to bin. and well-phrased quip can defuse tension. And if all that doesn’t work, and you find A huge number of the choices related to In the same way, if you looked at both yourself caught in a job you dislike at the corporate culture: normalcy, incentivize, Betty Boothroyd and Lindsay Hoyle age of 40? Then John Cleese has some optimized, moving forward, thinking operate as Speaker of the House, a joke advice: ‘Don’t just take the money. out of the box, reach out/ reaching out, or an aside can ensure that those tensions But if you do and you get to 40, cascading down, time urgent, upgrade, which had been building up would you can always kill yourself, I suppose.’ inputting and solutions. suddenly lapse.’ Black humour indeed.

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58 [email protected] Mental Health Tangled up in Blue

here’s nothing quite like a global We drive out in a golf cart into the and medieval counterparts: when the pandemic to make people across plots. Some of the graves look like large deaths rack up, they do so behind closed T society rethink their priorities, scratches in the earth. In other instances, doors. We don’t see them for ourselves. writes George Achebe. one’s memorial is simply a tree, or some And this fact has created communal space wild grass. He gestures at a plot. ‘Over with which to discuss another crisis: our Simon Ferrar knows exactly where he’ll mental health. be buried: he’s ear-marked a plot worth £4,500 under some rather splendid "Ours is an odd, almost Ferrar views his business as a ‘throwback blackberry bushes in Surrey Hills. ‘As sanitised plague, so unlike the to a couple of centuries ago where families in life, it’s location, location, location,’ can take the coffin on a handcart. We've he jokes, looking at one of the premier Renaissance and medieval been burying people on this island for positions in the cemetery. counterparts: when the deaths about 30,000 years. It’s only in the last few hundred years, we’ve got used to the kind Except this is no conventional cemetery, rack up, they do behind closed of Victorian funerals, the moralization and and Ferrar will also die knowing that the grimness of that.’ he has been responsible for the burial doors. We don’t see them circumstances of some 28,000 around for ourselves. And this fact At a time when our former structures him. He’s the founder of Clandon has created communal space have been removed, and we experience Wood, a natural burial ground, and a uncertainty as to whether our life shall part shareholder in it as well. ‘I created a with which to discuss another return to anything like ‘normal’, Ferrar’s nature reserve because we were looking to crisis: our mental health." project can teach us perspective. As the encourage a huge diversity of wildlife here. world quietens, many have found that they We wanted to add another little corner had become disconnected from the real of the natural landscape to the Surrey cycle of nature. countryside,’ he says. there, there are buried two twins. One killed himself jumping off a building, The £65K Club The funeral business is, of course, and the other couldn’t live with it. Three It isn’t difficult to understand why some recession-proof and has even been helped years later his brother killed himself too.’ by the pandemic. Natural burial involves who have lost their jobs, or who have had graves made from biodegradable materials; But the funeral, he says, was meaningful. their weddings placed on hold, or found each plot is three-feet deep and involves ‘The mother said they weren’t meant to themselves subject to domestic abuse, no vertical memorial. Ferrar explains live long lives.’ He adds: ‘We care for the might be struggling at the present time. another difference: ‘What’s unique is that living here as well as the dead.’ we set up a trust fund. Every single person It’s harder to explain why mental health who purchases a plot here pays a one-off A Morbid Culture has become such a problem for FTSE250 fee of £250 which goes into the trust. CEOs and the superrich. But according By the time we’ve sold all 28,000 plots, When the pandemic struck, it found a to Marta Ra, the founder of Switzerland- that trust fund will be worth in excess morbid culture. Ours is an odd, almost based clinic Paracelsus, which also has of £7 million.’ sanitised plague, so unlike the Renaissance a UK branch and charges £65,000 a week, that’s exactly what has happened. ‘There’s this unconscious bias that the very wealthy are always happy. But actually, they’re often sadder than people with less financial strain,’ she says. For some this will be a dubious sob story – and yet it tells us something too about who we are. ‘All individuals have their own private fears and problems,’ Ra explains. ‘Perhaps they worry for their employees, or the fate of their companies. And so they start turning to substance abuse. Or maybe they only did social drinking before, but now they start to drink heavily. And locked down with their spouse and children, they’re just as likely as anyone to think: “Who have I married? I can’t handle this.”’ It would seem that at a certain point the noise of life became so great – and what the Victorians called ‘the Battle of Life’ (the title of a Charles Dickens novella) became more intense. Sometimes one senses that the virus has been specifically The view of the lake from a Paracelsus Recovery Apartment

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 59 Mental Health

I found myself in a dense forest: another kind of bathing designed to make us look again at who we They were researching the health benefits to focus on the shapes of the trees, to are – at where we’re going. of nature and woodland. When they explore the smells, to play with leaf litter, to share my thoughts of the forest, and to Ra explains: ‘People who are stuck at listen closely to the breeze playing in the home have to face themselves for the first "Over the course of a few upper canopies. The session finishes with time, and really face themselves.’ She adds: a meditation. For a few days afterwards, ‘Our society wasn’t functioning to be in hours, I am asked to focus I find that the wood seems to exist the present.’ on the shapes on the trees, alongside me, in a way which it wouldn’t The depths of the forest to explore its smells, to play if I had taken a long walk. But what about those people who with leaf litter, to share my I recall the words of Marta Ra: ‘You can are trying to help us with our mental be a billionaire at 23 and still feel fear health? Before the crisis, buzz words like thoughts of the forest, and and loneliness - and the uncertainty of ‘mindfulness’ and ‘wellness’ had become to listen closely to the breeze the virus only adds to that fear.’ ubiquitous, and when I meet Ferrar, I am struck by his laid-back intelligence. His playing in the upper canopies. And perhaps there is something especially is the sort of spiritual calm which the The session finishes with a apt about all this. Coronavirus, after frenetic Londoners among us tend to envy. all, took us by surprise out of the wet meditation." markets in Wuhan, where to paraphrase Across from Clandon Wood, tucked away Oscar Wilde, the unspeakable went into behind postcard-idyllic Shere, is the Forest pursuit of the uneatable – and duly ate Bathing Institute [FBI]. In May 2019 them. As Green peer, and former Green Dame Judi Dench became a patron of the looked at blood, they found improvements Party leader, Natalie Bennett recently organisation, but it’s been more broadly on in the immune system. A prolonged told me: ‘The economy is a subset of an the rise. exposure to nature caused blood pressure environment. There are no jobs on a dead to come down in people who had high planet.’ Perhaps part of our duty now is I ask Gary Evans, CEO of FBI to explain pressure, and caused those with low to think again about what surrounds us. its origins: '"Forest bathing" is actually a pressure to experience a normalisation.’ And it might after all be that the right job translation from the Japanese shinrin-yoku.’ revelation lies just as much on a long walk, he explains. ‘In Japan in the 1980s, the Intrigued, I head to Surrey to meet with as it does on LinkedIn. Japanese government decided they wanted Kate Robinson who takes me into the to get people out of big towns and into woods near Newlands Corner. Drawing Together nature.’ But this wasn’t some hippie whim: it was driven by hard science. ‘ Over the course of a few hours, I am asked And yet, for some, that will seem too

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www.esharelife.org

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 61 A lakeside funeral at Clandon Wood solitary. Others have sought their own experiences and, with a light touch, The Forest Bathing Institute too is looking reckoning by looking in new and exciting introduce talking therapies to at children’s days, in part designed to help ways at community. people’s worlds.’ take the burden off local parents, and give children experiences valuable to them Sally Shaw at First Site gallery in The gallery introduced a private part of going forwards. Colchester had been busy in the run-up the website where NHS staff in the region to Covid-19 with, among other things, and care home workers can submit their It is an image of another life – one that a landmark exhibition with Anthony stories to the portal. Shaw now plans would have felt impossible six months ago. Gormley (see page 115). Once the to find ten distinct stories which will We inhabit for the time being a world virus struck, she realised she had to do comprise a spectrum of experiences to slower, quieter and in some ways smaller something to benefit the local community. ‘enable us to create a narrative around the – but also one with the potential to be ‘The NHS approached me during different types of effects on people’s lives.’ richer and deeper than what we had lockdown. They said: “We’re worried The goal, she says, is to create a ‘creative before. It’s a world where time and nature about the virus, yes, but the next thing conversation which may be an exhibition feel like more precious commodities we’re worried about is the mental health at some point.’ than ever before. It's also a period when fallout for our staff and also those directly money might matter less because our affected by Covid-19”.’ "We talk of possession, but mortality has been vividly illustrated to us: we all lose our possessions in the But that assessment proved to be the tip the land is only ever held in end. Ferrar explains to me that a team of of the iceberg. Shaw lists the challenges: trust." archaeologists found evidence of Bronze ‘Of course, they were also worried about Age occupation at Clandon Wood. the stress the pandemic will cause through ‘We talk of possession, but the land is mass unemployment, emotional pressure only ever held in trust,’ he says, and not being able to grieve properly.’ That sense of community is also evident as we pass another unmarked grave. at Clandon Wood where Ferrar regularly Shaw thought of a way to help. The gallery hosts theatrical performances. ‘We have The curious thing is that this fact, which is part of the Arts Council collection, things like Music in the Meadows where might make us despair, turns out to be a which consists of 7,000 works collected I invite local musicians down, and people beginning of happiness. Mental health over 75 years; it’s been built up with the bring a picnic. We had four Alan Bennett begins in being rooted in the facts. national legacy in mind. Shaw continues: plays last year, and we had Shakespeare in The virus, awful though it has been, has ‘We thought what we might do is invite the Meadow too. Then we have meditation reminded us how transient we are, but in people to interact with that collection mornings plus all the other events that we doing so thrust us back on ourselves, and pick works which represent their have to support grieving families.’ and forced us to renew.

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CLOSED WEDNESDAYS www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 63

Franses Finito BLOSSOM 21.8.20.indd 1 21/08/2020 12:09 Photo Essay The Truth About These Strange Times

Duke of London Drive-in Cinema, The Brentford Project, London

Georgia Peck and Merlin McCormack exceptional cars like a Blower Bentley or started up the drive-in cinema at the end grandpa’s old Triumph or MG Midget of July 2020. There have been five films to that have been in the garage for years. date and all were sold out. Before lockdown If you don’t have access to a supercar you they held Classics and Cake on a Sunday can hire a classic car for the day. You pick it morning, an event for classic car owners. up at midday, drive it round all afternoon, It brought the car community together pick up your date and come to the drive-in in London. So when the cinema opened, cinema for a movie, pizza and beer. It's a there was a huge amount of interest. place of conviviality, and it was a pleasure By Sam Pearce People come in a variety of cars from rare to capture their high spirits on film.

hen lockdown came along photographer Sam Pearce W went out into the world to capture the bizarre tenor of the times. During lockdown there have been times when you think that an alien visitor looking at our world might not know that all had changed – and in Yeats’ phrase changed utterly. But the fact is that we have; it’s just that this change has taken place on the inside. The challenge for a photographer is to show what’s going on in the interior - that’s particularly hard when you consider that the camera is often stubborn in wanting to show surfaces and mere appearances. The other difficulty with photographing today’s world is that we’ve all seen lockdown photographed so much; I wanted to show Finito World readers things they’d not seen before in the nationals or on the BBC website. I remember David Hockney saying in respect of his wonderful late landscapes that a sunset is a cliché in art, but that it’s never a cliché in nature – and that’s the challenge. We already have our lockdown clichés: the empty workspace, the masked queues – but head out into the real world and it’s always different, always surprising. I wanted to look beyond what we think we know, and find other subjects. I discovered a world full of quiet hope, and subtle creativity. There has always been something so very private about the English, and it is heart-breaking to think how much stoic exhaustion and hardship there is out there. This comes through in the pictures too. What follows is a snapshot of a society and a collective workplace in shock, but reacting, pivoting – finding new ways to be, and new ways to work. I hadn’t thought of this before Covid-19, but we’re such a hard-working society. And I think if consolation is to be had anywhere it’s in that.

64 George Street Canteen, St Albans, Hertfordshire

Luke McKnight, Supervisor, 25 years old, has been working at the restaurant since last December when he came back from travelling. Luke found it a very strange time at the beginning of lockdown, and the restaurant closed for six weeks and then opened up in May to do takeaways for ten weeks. During May, the owners, Julie and Kevin asked Luke to come in a few days a week to clear the middle garden of the restaurant. Social distancing in place they transformed the garden into a space they could use.

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Highgate Ballet School

Owner Julie Cronshaw was planning on opening up her ballet classes again when the government suddenly changed tack and she was faced with continuing to teach her online zoom classes. The accumulation of hours of online teaching made Julie feel unwell and her assistant Ros suggested teaching the ballet classes outside. Ros called Julie and said “everybody is doing activities in the open air so why don’t we organise ballet classes in your garden?” The parents of students were grateful for the live classes: for most of the children it was the first time they had any live classes in months and socialised.

St Albans Cathedral - A Last Supper by Lorna May Wadsworth.

"Following the killing of George Floyd and the reaction of Black Lives Matter, St Albans Cathedral installed a prayer station using a copy of Lorna May Wadsworth’s painting, ‘A Last Supper’, which depicts Jesus as a Jamaican. There have been some angry reactions, mainly focused on the colour of Jesus. How could we be so stupid as not to know Jesus was not black, but a Jew? The fact is that from ancient times Christians in different parts of the world have depicted Jesus with their own racial features. This painting stands in a long and orthodox tradition. The Christians who painted the images of course knew Jesus was a Jew. The point is not historical but theological: in Christ God is united with people of all kinds and races. What matters is that we are all made in God’s image, and God loves and values us equally, of whatever race we are. In England Jesus has often been depicted as white, with no objections raised. But England is now home to many races, and it is hardly inappropriate to depict Jesus as also belonging to one of them. An elderly gentleman visited the Cathedral shortly after the installation appeared. He wept at seeing the painting. He had come from Jamaica on the Windrush, and though he was born and raised an Anglican, he said it was the first time he felt welcome in the C of E. His reaction puts the angry ones in perspective - and makes me very glad we installed the painting." — Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans

66 Photo Essay

Carly Samuels - Hair Colourist

Carly was working right up until the lockdown on March 23rd and then didn’t work again until the lockdown was eased for her business on July 4th. She found herself home schooling her daughter aged 8 yrs while her husband worked from home. The government guidelines only gave her three weeks notice to open up her business. Carly ordered PPE, visor, masks, hand sanitisers and disinfectant. Although some of her clients were a little dubious and decided to wait a while before coming in, most of them were desperate to have their hair painted and she saw almost all of her clients in the first three weeks of opening up her business. Carly is now working from home as well as visiting clients in their homes. She doesn’t have too many people in at once. The clients' appointments are spaced out with enough time to disinfect the seating areas and wash basins in between clients. They are greeted at the door by Carly with hand santiser, a mask and she takes everyone’s temperature. Clients are less likely to read magazines but instead prefer to bring in their iPads to play scrabble or games. ‘It’s really business as usual with PPE, an eye smile and a cup of coffee or tea,’ she says.

Sarah-Jane Janackovic - Mildred & Me

Sarah-Jane Janackovic, an artist, works from home in her spare room. During lockdown she started making scrubs bags for nurses at her local hospital, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. She made 160 bags for NHS workers on a purely voluntary basis.

Eventually she needed to start covering the costs of making the scrubs bags so on 4th June started painting glasses to sell online. To date she has made 600 and the numbers are growing each week. It has been extremely popular. Her business is expanding and now she paints face masks and hand sanitisers.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 67 Wembley Sailing Club

A few weeks before lockdown Wembley government guidelines and what it meant of the crews bought themselves lasers so Sailing Club held the Merlin Open. for sailing plus the RYA quite rightly took they could continue to sail. There were no government guidelines at a conservative approach. this time and the club felt there wasn’t a From mid August, racing has started up significant risk. It’s one of the main events After several online committee meetings, again, the clubhouse has opened to use the of the year at the club and people were the club decided to open up for social changing rooms although not the showers looking forward to it. sailing only, no racing. This meant that the and the RYA training courses for adults clubhouse was still shut but people could and children have been fully booked. Weeks later lockdown came and the club come and sail single hander boats. Double was physically closed and a newsletter handers weren’t allowed unless they were At a time where everyone seems very was sent out informing the members from the same family. stressed and concerned, sailing has been that they couldn’t come to the club a big release for people and very good to sail or socialise. There were social distancing signs put up for mental health. It is one of the few and hand sanitisers at the gate entrance. sports that you can do all year round and Eventually there was talk of easing the Wembley is hoping they can continue to lockdown, it was difficult to interpret the There was a brilliant atmosphere and a lot sail throughout the winter.

68 www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 69 We strive to ensure that our clients benefit from the personal attention and expert service that has become our hallmark.

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Our people are what make us great. Be part of the journey with paid work experience here at Simmons Gainsford LLP. We would love to hear from if you are keen to explore a paid work experience opportunity with SG LLP. Please email [email protected] with the subject line “Work Experience” and let us know when you would like to undertake the work experience in 2021, stating your preferred business area and why. Don’t forget to tell us a little bit about yourself and remember to provide your contact telephone number!

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sg_chartered_accountants_advert_a4_july20.indd 5 30/07/2020 16:52 Features Stick or Twist HOLDING OUT FOR THE DREAM JOB

Written by Emily Prescott We spoke to a number of students about need to lock up your dreams and throw We strive to ensure that our clients benefit their careers experiences; they replied on away the key just yet. Improvements may the condition we didn’t use their surnames. be needed to career education in schools and universities but by setting themselves from the personal attention and expert ondering whether to shoot Liam, who studied architecture at the deadlines and educating themselves young for the ideal career or to settle University of Edinburgh, explains: people can also take steps to ensure they for something you weren’t “I wanted to be an architect, before I came are not destined for disappointment. service that has become our hallmark. W to uni, it was my dream. Then studying it, expecting to do? Emily Prescott has some advice discovering the reality of what working Whatever you think of her politics, Esther in architecture would be like, put me off.” McVey MP, who ran for the Conservative Despite living in a small Wiltshire village, That has created real anxiety. “I do feel leadership in 2019, is an example of my four-year-old best friend had rather slightly lost as I don’t know what I want someone who has achieved success lofty and exotic ambitions. There was to do anymore. I’m unsure how to use my in multiple careers despite adversity. no doubt about it: she was going to be degree - if I can at all. It’s strange hunting Although she grew up in Liverpool in the a lion tamer. for jobs now.” 1980s amid high levels of unemployment, McVey became the first person in her This exciting notion was encouraged by While Kate, who recently graduated with family to attend university, she became a our teacher Mrs Turner. Reminiscent of a shiny English degree from the University television presenter and then rose through Miss Honey in Roald Dahl’s Matilda, of Exeter, also said she was feeling lost the ranks to Cabinet level as Secretary Mrs Turner would never tell children that of State for Work and Pensions under no amount of autotune would fix their Theresa May. singing or that their SATS scores hardly "I do feel slightly lost as I screamed astronaut or that aspiring to be a She explained to Finito World that lion tamer was frankly ludicrous. She was don't know what I want to do adversity had spurred her on and she endlessly encouraging. anymore. I'm unsure how to achieved success by ensuring her dreams were always founded in reality: “I was Even so, optimism can come at a cost, use my degree — if I can at all. growing up to the music of UB40, with and indulgence of this kind can have It's strange hunting for jobs the lyric I am the One in Ten, or to the cruel consequences. A concerning report Specials who sang: 'This town is coming this year revealed that there is a major now." like a ghost town’. I had that in the back disconnect between young people’s career of my mind and I guess I used that as a fuel or as an energy. All I knew is these are the statistics and then I don't want to "It's striking that the sectors and let down. “We are not typically set up be a statistic - a reminder of a world that to which young people aspire to succeed,” she explains. “Teachers help doesn't care.” us follow our vague interests or whatever We are Chartered Accountants, Business Advisors, Taxation are basically not where the subject we might be good at, with no clear While McVey was paying her way through jobs are now and in the career path to follow. Coddling comes to a law degree by working as a waitress in Advisors and Management Consultants specialising in: mind.” Is there anything schools should future." be doing to improve ultimate student outcomes? “A lot of people do a degree "No one can predict exactly > Accounts and Audit > Strategic and Financial Planning > Tax Mitigation and Planning as that is the expected next step in the life of a young person. I think the process what Covid-19 will do to the > Assurance and Compliance > Corporate, Financial and Business Consultancy aspirations and jobs in the UK. Martin of choosing A-levels should have been job market, but it is unlikely to > Inward and Outward Investment > Payroll and Business Outsourcing Rogers, who co-authored the report, supplemented with advice on which jobs told Finito World: “It's striking that the are attainable with which degrees (if create an enormous demand sectors to which young people aspire are indeed a degree is even needed).” for footballers." basically not where the jobs are now and in the future.” This feeling of disappointment is likely Our people are what make us great. going to be exacerbated by Covid-19. A The study of more than 7,000 participants report from the Institute of Fiscal Studies Be part of the journey with paid work experience here found that five times as many 17 predicts that those who graduate in 2020 Covent Garden, she decided she wanted to at Simmons Gainsford LLP. and 18-year-olds wanted to work in will suffer a decade of economic scarring go into the media. art, culture, entertainment and sport as a consequence of the pandemic. McVey shares the best advice she We would love to hear from if you are keen to explore a paid work as there were jobs available. These concerning findings have prompted the Top jobs to which young people was given by her father, who thought experience opportunity with SG LLP. report’s authors to call for a significant aspired included professional gamer success would be achieved by – perhaps improvement to career-related learning. and a sportsperson, according to counterintuitively - limiting dreams. Please email [email protected] with the subject line the Disconnected report. No one can ‘My dad said: “Well, if you want to go “Work Experience” and let us know when you would like to undertake It is positive that young people are predict exactly what Covid-19 will do to into the media, you better put a time limit the work experience in 2021, stating your preferred business area and why. aspirational but if they are not being the job market but it is unlikely to create on it. Don’t be a wannabe or a could be. taught the realities of the job market, it an enormous demand for footballers. If you're going to do it, you'd better give Don’t forget to tell us a little bit about yourself and remember to provide is no wonder so many graduates leave it 100 percent and put a time limit on your contact telephone number! university feeling disheartened. Alarming as that all sounds, there is no because then you need to go back to law

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sg_chartered_accountants_advert_a4_july20.indd 5 30/07/2020 16:52 Features

if these doors or this opportunity doesn't open up.’ McVey adds: ‘The clock is ticking and there are other things you can do. I think it's just as important to close an THE GAME-CHANGING APP avenue down that isn't for you,” she added. Putting a deadline on dreams also proved successful for David Nicholls. He decided he wanted to be an actor despite the fact that, by his own humble admission, he could “barely act”.

"As well as putting a time limit on dreams, it is wise to do as much research as possible on what the dream actually involves."

When we contacted Nicholls, he told us he’s wary of giving advice and that his advice generally “stinks”. But his story is worth considering. He spent around five years being an understudy and playing bit parts. “I don’t think I ever spoke more than four lines in a play. I gave myself a deadline which was 29 and if I wasn’t playing slightly larger roles, not huge roles then I would give up,” he told Elizabeth Day’s How to Fail podcast. He did give up and he has since written five novels and adapted each for the screen, including One Day, starring Oscar-winning actor Anne Hathaway. As well as putting a time limit on dreams, it is wise to do as much research as possible on what the dream actually involves: Can you get work experience? Will it be worth the low pay? Is it really for you? Esther McVey said: “I always thought: “Ah, would I want to own my own restaurant chain? And then working as a waitress for three or four years I kind of thought: “Oh no, I've enjoyed it but this isn't an outlet for me.” She adds: “Opening up your life is important and now you can do CONNECTING LUXURY BRANDS WITH DISCERNING CUSTOMERS that on the internet, you can do that through research.” It may seem like uninspiring advice but giving up on dreams can mean finding ISO Luxury, is a Member’s Lifestyle and Concierge Club encompassing over 140 Esther McVey, Member of Parliament for Tatton since 2017 career satisfaction in reality. My best friend predominantly British heritage and world-renowned luxury brands and services. didn’t become a lion tamer but she has just App users benefit from unrivalled promotions in-store and online. Receive invites to been offered a job as a farm vet. She says private dinners, fashion shows and high-end events, enjoy meet and greets with brand she’s more like a pig tamer. It’s not quite CEO’s and factory visits, book boutique VIP appointments and more. You can also revel as glamorous but it will pay her bills and in exhilarating cultural and sporting experiences, as well as a concierge service that And then working as a waitress for three or four years I kind she is delighted. Vets are also listed on the harnesses expertise in tracking down rare and hard-to-find luxury items. Government’s occupation shortage - Discover a world of hidden privileges and join us at [email protected] of thought: "Oh no, I've enjoyed it but this isn't an outlet a good place to go for career advice. for me." And I think Mrs Turner would be ISOLUXURY.COM pleased too. INSTAGRAM: ISO_LUXURY

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Ad_1_2.indd 1 27/07/2020 18:48 THE GAME-CHANGING APP

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Ad_1_2.indd 1 27/07/2020 18:48 VA-finito A4 ad.indd 1 10/08/2020 12:34 History Shakespeare and the Plague

he life of William Shakespeare 200,000 died between December 1592 has lessons for how to make the and December 1593. "And those of us who fear best of your talents during a time of pandemic, writes Robert Golding The Elizabethan plague was, of course, far even a vaccine won't put T worse than anything we have experienced an end to our woes, might In January 1593, the Privy Council of in 2020. People died in the street, Elizabeth I issued the following order: rendering death an ever-present aspect remind themselves that ‘Forasmuch as by the certificate of the of daily experience. We might miss, for plague was both a constant last week it appeareth the infection doth example, the force of the famous insult in increase…we think it fit that all manner Romeo and Juliet: ‘A plague on both your and a mutating reality for of concourse and public meetings of the houses’. What is being wished here is Elizabethans." people at plays, bear-baitings, bowlings and other like assemblies for sports be forbidden.’ "We might miss, for example, for Elizabethans. This was bad news for many, but perhaps the force of the famous insult especially so for a young playwright who There was a serious bout of plague in was beginning to come out of the shadow in Romeo and Juliet: 'A Warwickshire the year of Shakespeare’s of Christopher Marlowe and forge a place plague on both your houses.' birth; the young Will would not have at the forefront of the city’s theatre. At been expected to survive. Whatever talk the time of the plague’s outbreak, a certain What is being wished here may have swirled about ‘a merrie meeting’ William Shakespeare had begun to find having precipitated the playwright’s death his voice. is something far more awful in 1616 at the age of 52, there is nothing than we, even as we live to say it wasn't the proximate cause of Though plague was a fact of Elizabethan his death. We worry about a second wave life, it must have come as a setback. His out this unsettling year, can of coronavirus – our finest poet existed life up until that point had not been imagine." within an unabating wave of mortality. without gamble. William – Will, as he appears to have been known to friends Yet he continued – and not only that, time – had left his wife and family behind and again reinvented himself. The plays in Stratford-upon-Avon and embarked something far more awful than we, and poems which follow on from the big on a career in the slightly louche world even as we live out this unsettling year, plague years are evidence of a profound of the contemporary theatre. can imagine. pooling of resources and a taking stock. Love’s Labour’s Lost, Midsummer Night’s The language of the edict with its courtly It ought to be a certain comfort to us now, Dream and Romeo and Juliet follow on leisure – ‘it appeareth the infection to realise that Shakespeare’s life – among from the plague year of 1593. They exhibit doth increase’ – shouldn’t blind us to the most marvellous that history records – a richness, and even an urgency, difficult to the cataclysmic impact on Shakespeare was beset by plague at every turn. discern in the ghoulish Titus Andronicus or and his contemporaries. Shakespeare’s And those of us who fear even a vaccine the bombastic Henry VI trilogy, written the contemporary John Stow – responsible for won’t put an end to our woes might year before the plague struck. so much of our knowledge of Elizabethan remind themselves that plague was London – recorded that 11,000 out of both a constant and a mutating reality But William Baker points out in his book

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William Shakespeare, that between 1603 been forgiven for thinking in 1593 that and 1613, London’s theatreland was closed the long-term prospects for life in the "We therefore have two for 78 months. Though the poet inhabited theatre weren’t good. What was there a society without any social safety net, to stop plague returning and scotching epic poems...Each breathes let alone the largesse of today’s furlough year after year of possible revenue? But freshness, health and life; they scheme, there are lessons here for he appears to have kept his options today’s young people starting out open, and retained connections within must have been cathartic to on their careers. theatreland even while branching out those reading them." into poetry. In 1593, Shakespeare was swift to manoeuvre when the severity of that There is a strong hint throughout of James I would become the King’s particular bout of plague became his career that Shakespeare had a Men: Shakespeare saw the main chance evident. Faced with an income gap due quiet talent both for friendship – and took it. Again, there is a hint – but to a sudden pestilence, he was in no contemporaries would refer to him as no real proof – that he was utilising his different a position to an airline pilot or ‘sweet’ and ‘honey-tongued’ – but also connections. It has long been rumoured live events manager today. for business relationships. In his last will, that it was the Earl of Southampton he would bequeath memorial rings to who loaned Shakespeare the So what did he do? He launched capital. If so, we might wonder himself immediately as a courtly poet. For a country boy, it was whether he wisely used his an act of tremendous gumption, time in lockdown to deepen under the patronage of the Earl of existing connections. Southampton. We therefore have There is an onwards pressure to two epic poems - Venus and Adonis Shakespeare’s life which suggests and the Rape of Lucrece – which a refusal to become down-hearted might be termed plague poems. from which we might learn. Each breathes freshness, health The years show him steadily and life; they must have been more active both as a property cathartic to those reading them, owner in London and Stratford, and indeed these long poems were as a shareholder in his theatre hits among the student population company, and as someone with at the Inns of Court. small businesses on the side in malt dealing, in lending, even going so For some times, the theory far as to turn a property he owned has circulated – and been in Henley Street into a pub. brilliantly argued on the website The Shakespeare Code – that As for the plays, it’s true that they Shakespeare was using existing don’t always exist within a milieu connections to forge his career: of work which we recognise, unless it is argued that Shakespeare had that milieu is the court. But once in fact taught and conducted you look past that you find a good secretarial work in Titchfield, deal is implied about loyalty and where the Earls of Southampton about the dignity of work, and lived, prior to the plague. This indeed a certain amount about might have particular resonance William Shakespeare: the Chandos portrait the kind of adaptability which we can for those casting around for contacts vaguely detect in Shakespeare’s own life. during the time of coronavirus: open that contact book. It also shows the the actors John Heminges and Henry It has been said that the characters willingness of our greatest mind to Condell; they would repay his memory Shakespeare most admires are Horatio undertake menial tasks if it meant by editing the First Folio in 1623, seven in Hamlet, Kent in King Lear; Cassio getting in close proximity to someone years after the poet’s death. in Othello, and Enobarbus in Anthony with the power to make a difference to and Cleopatra. These are the characters his life. This was networking, as it were, from still standing at the end in the tragedies; beyond the grave. The hard realities those who will be charged with What is clear is that Shakespeare was of inhabiting a plague-riddled society rebuilding the state. This a recurring flexible and imaginative; at the critical appear to have made Shakespeare type: the hard-working, flexible, loyal point, he was willing to imagine another not just a better poet but a better aide who becomes clearer in his moral version of his life. He also remained businessman. This has sometimes been purpose as difficulty mounts. true to his gifts. There is a strong hint an inconvenient fact to those who would in Sonnet 111 that Shakespeare found have preferred the Bard to be more These are plays written by a man playwrighting a drudgery: ‘my nature is Keatsian – more head-in-the-clouds, thrown back continually on his own subsumed/ to what it works in like the and klutzy with money. The record resources, and who time again rose to dyer’s hand’. He seems to lament his low shows he was anything but. that situation. William Shakespeare birth. But when the moment came, he found new things within himself – new didn’t attempt the impossible. There is a Instead, Shakespeare continually found forms of language, yes, but also new strong pragmatic streak about Will; he ways to expand not only his poetic forms of life. His relevance ought not might seem in the stratosphere now but capacity and his knowledge of human be surprising. Every period of history this was no dreamer. nature, but also to develop what we now has found in Shakespeare a friend and call his career. In 1594, he bought a one- teacher – but it’s fascinating during What also might chime with today’s eighth share in the Lord Chamberlain’s these unsettling times to see how much young is that he remained patient and Men, the company which upon the his life, and not just his poetry, has to took the long view. He might have death of Elizabeth I and the ascension teach us.

76 A plague upon it: Shakespeare never let the plague stifle his creativity.

www.finito.org.ukwww.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 77 child Freya is a patient. She has a challengingloves life.

Making every precious moment count, through coronavirus and beyond. Please donate at noahsarkhospice.org.uk/donate

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t’s almost a commonplace to say that this year salary expectations, hiring processes, AI trends, represents an inflection point in world history. and crisis response mechanisms in granular detail, though we have also provided initial reaction in If someone only with experience of life these pages from industry experts and well-informed Ipre-Covid-19 were plucked somehow out of the insiders on some of these key topics. slipstream of time and deposited in our virus- stricken era they might not immediately notice that It is worth noting the rarefied nature of the the world had changed utterly. recipients of the questionnaire: our respondents included former Cabinet ministers – from both But changed it has – it’s just that the scale change parties – as well as FTSE 100 CEOs, and people hasn’t yet filtered through to our collective sense of at the summit of their professions, from banking to ourselves. This matters when seeking a job; how do law, from marketing to IT and sports administration. we know how to present ourselves unless we know what employers are looking for? It also matters What follows is an image of a shell-shocked society when running a business: amid the helter-skelter of – one which has been groping for answers in these familiarising ourselves with the furlough scheme, we last months. It is a world where the young do not might miss the wider strategic picture. know what to expect from their careers – and where employers do not yet know what they will be able The enormity of the ructions creates difficulty for to provide. government. The tendency – surely a correct one – is to respond to immediate crises and tensions, but the Everything is in flux: the question of business necessity of doing so will inevitably leave others to travel continues to play on people’s minds; new simmer. technologies are being grappled with and tested; and office life has been replaced by the necessity of Happily, help is on the way. As we compiled our working from home (see also our office architecture second issue, Finito World asked its respondents to features on page 122). pause and consider some questions about the state of play as Britain heads into the autumn. The response All this has created a different set of requirements was exceptional – and fascinating. for employers, and this in turn has seismic ramifications for students who will need to think It is said in economics that one of the best ways to differently in order to prosper in this new world. tell a downturn is by looking at the private aviation sector. When the superrich start selling private jets, Finally, when we caught up with David you know the economy is heading south, as your Attenborough earlier (see our exclusive interview private plane is usually the first asset to get rid of. on page 32) in the summer he couldn’t have been clearer about the need for urgent action on the The Finito World employability survey seeks to do climate problem. It only felt right that our first something similar: we spoke to the crème de la survey should recognise that this crisis, as dramatic Making every precious moment count, crème - those charged with making decisions - with as it has been, takes place in the shadow of another. the goal of providing students, job-seekers and through coronavirus and beyond. business-owners an early indicator as to what trends Throughout this report, we have asked industry we’re seeing in the world of employment. In the insiders to comment on our findings, and would like Please donate at noahsarkhospice.org.uk/donate future we shall look at issues such as productivity, to register our gratitude to those who took part.

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QUESTION ONE DID YOU FIND THAT THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC HELPED OR HINDERED YOUR OWN PRODUCTIVITY?

KEY FINDING: OVER HALF OF WORKERS FEEL LESS PRODUCTIVE THAN THEY DID BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

47% 53% HELPED HINDERED

he Chancellor Rishi Sunak the return of schools. And in terms of practical proposals, can be forgiven for spending Morrin responded: ‘This may suggest T most of his time since the virus Fortunately for those parents who are greater levels of business support, struck protecting those industries which working from home – and in most cases, including practical advice and guidance, are vulnerable. But our findings point failing to work satisfactorily from home as well as a greater level of cooperation and to an alarming problem simmering – at time of press this continues to track knowledge-sharing between businesses in underneath, relating to those who with the government’s priorities. related sectors and across supply chains.’ have been fortunate enough to remain in work. We asked some leading thinkers in this area to offer their recommendations as Put simply, even if you have retained your to how to improve productivity. Mark "A task that would normally job – as all our respondents had – how Morrin, Principal Research Consultant do you continue to be successful within at Respublica, weighed in on the results: have taken a few hours can it? The results are bleak. 53 percent of ‘Long before the pandemic hit, the UK now take several days as my those we surveyed said they were less was struggling to address its productivity productive in their current roles as a result problem. We know we have a regional wife and I juggle childcare." of the pandemic. If replicated across the problem that needs levelling up and a long economy, the financial implications – tail of unproductive businesses, many of though difficult to calculate – would be which will have been hit hard. It seems seismic. very likely the impact of Covid-19 will Here Finito World took matters into its be felt most strongly in those sectors own hands, and spoke to those businesses The Treasury may take heart from the fact and regions that were already lagging which have cropped up to facilitate that while many felt their productivity had behind and therefore exacerbating, to an productivity. This sector has found itself been hindered, there were also those – even greater extent, some of these spatial accelerating rapidly – especially those 47 percent - who actually felt it had differences. Recent evidence from OECD with a technological bent which can be been helped. suggests that teleworking could increase easily delivered remotely during the virus. productivity, although not all sectors are But what were the drivers behind these Timothy Jackson, Principal Consultant able to function in this way. What we at Radtac, is one of the world’s leading findings? For those who felt they had do know is that all businesses will be been hindered, the presence of young experts in Agile, an advanced management challenged in finding their own innovation system which enables companies children or teenagers in the house was frontier, not only to recover from the to navigate complexity and change. a perennial problem: ‘A task that would current economic shock but to adapt to Welcoming the survey, Jackson said: normally have taken a few hours can now the new ways in which we may have to do take several days as my wife and I juggle business in the future.’ ‘We’ve seen a great divide over the past childcare,’ a publisher told us. There was couple of months in productivity. also a worrying gender dynamic at play. Morrin was also asked to comment on the For many, working remotely has caused One woman – a successful marketing psychology of the situation. He replied: people to run back-to-back calls and professional – said she felt she had ‘CEOs are probably experiencing low time to focus on completing work is at a ‘returned to the 1950s’. level depression. There is something in the premium which explains why many people psychological profile of CEOs in large are seeing a reduction in productivity.’ And so if one were to ask what organisations which means remoteness We also spoke with Robert Peake, a senior recommendations might improve the and isolation does not work well for them. associate of Next Action Associates, and situation, it was a no-brainer for some: as It’s to do with not having people around critically-acclaimed poet, who provides we dug beneath the data we lost track of that they can turn to, on hand; it’s not easy us with his own recommendations about the number of respondents who advocated to delegate in a virtual environment.’ productivity (see opposite)

80 Special Report Robert Peake PRODUCTIVITY IN THE AGE OF COVID-19

"I must create a system, or be enslav'd by another man's." — William Blake

n my work as an effectiveness all of your commitments in your head These basic notes and lists, however, coach, I have had the pleasure of is both ineffective and stressful. The are not enough on their own. Iworking with some of the brightest proof is already in front of you in the Most "to-do" lists, while better than and busiest people throughout the UK. form of your calendar. However, while nothing, are incomplete and poorly most people acknowledge that they stated by the standards of the GTD Whether they are senior leaders need an external system to manage methodology. This is because when you of global companies, cutting-edge their appointments, surprisingly few consult them to decide what to do, you academic researchers, top surgeons or people have equally effective systems have to re-think what the next step is, hit record producers, I have found that to orientate themselves in between and what will be true when it is fully successful people all have one thing in meetings. done. The same goes for email, where common: they have their own systems the subject lines almost never read: to help keep them focused and on track. Yet figuring out what to focus on when "Here is your next step and here is what it is just you and your laptop alone 'job done' looks like for you." The combination of new remote in a room is actually one of the most working practices, huge shifts in important parts of your job. Instead, those two key elements — marketplace demand, and global what's next, and what the finish line economic uncertainty means that The modern workplace is one wherein looks like — are your job to figure out. focus has never been a more precious success must be defined and redefined Once you have done so, GTD suggests commodity than in the Covid-19 era. in relation to constant change. that you write it down in a way that That is, whether you are just entering Furthermore, many of the traditional won't require re-thinking when you the workforce or building the A-list company-wide approaches to keeping come back to read it later on. Whether teams of tomorrow, you must be able to focus such as open-plan offices and face- that is done on a paper list or in a navigate change without losing sight of to-face meetings have been upended by sophisticated digital tool is up to you. what matters most. Covid-19 restrictions. Having a system It is the thinking (and not having to of your own is therefore key to being re-think) that matters most. One of the most popular systems able to trust that you are making the for maintaining focus, and the one right choices — for yourself and for the More than anything, what I notice about that I teach, is called Getting Things company — without anyone looking high-performing people is that they are Done® or simply "GTD®". It was over your shoulder. So how do you get internally motivated, and that they care invented by David Allen, whose book started? about doing what they said they would on the topic has sold more than two do. This, in fact, is an excellent definition million copies and been translated into The first major mindset shift that of integrity, one of those character traits thirty languages. The methodology is successful people make is to start that goes hand-in-hand with leadership. comprehensive to one's work and life, capturing their commitments in as By contrast, those who rely on external and I have been practicing it for more few places as possible. For example, motivators alone —such as looming than two decades. anytime they agree to do something, deadlines and reminders from the boss they write it down. I have never met a — and especially those who think it Yet certain elements of GTD can be highly successful person who didn't take unavoidable to let things "slip through implemented right away to great effect. notes in meetings (or have notes taken the cracks"— are often left wondering According to a recent survey, 86 percent for them), which they later review not why they never seem to get ahead. of people already practising some aspect just for content, but to understand who of GTD feel that it enables them to agreed to do what by when. Sifting out the "signal" of your be more productive in the current commitments from the "noise" of environment despite an explosion of Likewise, out of the barrage of emails, information overload is entirely virtual meetings, conflicting priorities, texts, chat messages, and Zoom calls practical. Yet as a practice, it can take and other challenges to maintaining that await you at the start of each time. Likewise, we are not trained in work-life balance. [https://www.next- working day, you must identify what traditional schooling to define successful action.co.uk/new-world-of- is actionable for you, get it "captured" outcomes and clear next steps when a work-survey/] as quickly as possible, and make sure it problem comes our way. We are often ends up in places that you will regularly told to think about problems, but rarely The fundamental principle is simple: review (out-of-sight, out-of-mind in a told how. you need a good system, and your brain "notes" app on your phone, for example, isn’t one. Trying to keep and prioritise doesn't count). The best way I have found is to simply

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think of problems as projects yet to Many people are recognising that how be defined and done. That is, for every they work needs to fundamentally difficult situation there is an outcome on change in order to thrive in the present the other side of it that you want to be climate. They need to work on how they true. Identifying that outcome, and then work rather than just working longer taking a next step, is a key to bouncing and harder. As a result, I have never been busier. back from most setbacks. My hope is that we will all emerge from Companies are looking for "self-starters" the Covid-19 pandemic stronger and to hire, and managers are looking for more capable. What I know for sure is "can-do" people to promote. Beyond that those who create good systems have attitude, though, the reality is that you the best possible chance of doing just need tools that work for you to get that. things defined, organised, and ultimately For practical tips on how to work smarter done. The GTD book is an easy read and live better, and further information on and, to my mind, a complete manual for GTD seminars and coaching, visit: next- staying effective in the Covid-19 age. action.co.uk/working-from-home

QUESTION TWO WILL YOU BE KEEPING YOUR OFFICE ARRANGEMENTS IN PLACE THROUGHOUT 2021?

KEY FINDING: THE OFFICE ISN'T DEAD YET

36% NO

64% YES

The findings are perhaps more alarming "We are seeing a lot for the property development sector around remote-working, when you consider that of those 64 percent, many are also wondering which productivity, performance way to go beyond 2021. A senior figure and organisational culture." in cricket administration puts it: ‘We Perhaps then the productivity problem haven’t made any changes as property might be related to home-working. and employment commitments take Mark Morrin of Respublica says: time to unwind.’ ‘We are seeing a lot around remote- ust as we were all thinking we working, productivity, performance and might get used to a new work- But Olsen is clear that as a society we’re organisational culture. This seems to J from-home norm, our findings unlikely to revert to a full time work- have accelerated during Covid-19. The showed a world that is – for the time from-home environment. ‘Although I’ve broad story is that organisations that can being at least – keeping to its office enjoyed the sabbatical I never thought work from home have adapted well in arrangements. I’d have…not for one moment do I the first phase, utilising technology. But think this is something I want to carry we are now in the ‘sophomore slump’ Even so, when you think that 36 on with,’ he tells us. ‘It only works, where social capital is drained, and percent of respondents have definitely when everyone else is at home in their workers are feeling less visible. There is decided not to do so that still marks a gardens. When you’re the only one; your lots of evidence about the relationship major shift. What this means is that kids are at school; your wife’s walking of visibility to productivity. So the the balance of power, as Olly Olsen, the dog; and your work colleagues are in solution points towards opening up the CEO of the Office Group, tells us in the office, you’re at home because you’re workplace as soon as possible.’ For more our feature beginning on page 122, has working hard or taking it easy. And on this issue turn to page 122 for our moved ‘towards the employee’. everyone’s been taking it easy.’ deep dive into office architecture.

82 GTD and Getting Things Done are registered trademarks of David Allen Company. Next Action Associates is the licensed partner of David Allen Company for the UK and Ireland. Special Report

QUESTION THREE MUCH HAS CHANGED FUNDAMENTALLY IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS. WHAT CHARACTER TRAITS DO YOU NOW CONSIDER TO BE THE MOST USEFUL IN AN EMPLOYEE?

ore often than not, the last six This respondent spoke for many. As needed to get the job done.’ months have seen companies readers will see from our word cloud think more about how to (see overleaf), the words most often Flexibility appears throughout these M responses as an aspect of resilience. furlough or retain their staff than used in the responses to our survey about how to hire new ones. were ‘adaptability’ and ‘flexibility’. With The former education secretary Nicky Covid-19, the world has shown us Morgan explained to us that she views It has been a time of consolidation how subject it is to change, and now resilience as an ‘unchanged’ factor while rather than expansion. But the world’s businesses require staff who understand seeing flexibility and adaptability as momentum is remorseless, and this this, and can prosper within these having become ‘more important’. She year saw the graduation of around conditions. One respondent put it added that IT skills would now become 600,000 students, released into a labour succinctly: ‘Colleagues who respond more important under the new normal. market which will be as tough as any in to change positively and creatively will living memory. So how might we display resilience? be an asset at a time when we expect Here answers varied from ‘self- volatility and uncertainty to affect confidence in our new virtual meeting/ business as usual.’ greeting environment’ to ‘self-motivation "No virus can alter overnight So what exactly do those we surveyed to ensure continued taking of the the realities of what is mean by adaptability? Often, the initiative.’ Another respondent spoke context of the reply was illuminating. of the need for ‘the ability to cope with desirable in an employee." One spoke of the need for ‘adaptability, very different working arrangements.’ creativity, honesty and resourcefulness’ – For another, ‘making deadlines’ under suggesting that being flexible is in itself the new arrangements was important. a kind of creativity and integrity. Other individuals we surveyed pointed So if and when the economy begins to to the importance of a more rounded return to normal, what traits will these character at this time. A business-owner business leaders be looking for in a "With Covid-19, the world has in the legal space explained that: future employee? ‘A sense of humour is also very important shown us how subject it is to and the ability to work as part of a In one sense, excellence is perennial, change, and now businesses team and under pressure.’ This answer and the world never changes quite as require staff who understand resurfaced on a few occasions and we much as we think it does. No virus can have explored the topic in more detail in alter overnight the realities of what is this, and can prosper within our feature beginning on page 54. desirable in an employee. One CEO in the financial services space told us: ‘A lot these conditions." So the results of our survey show what of the character traits we had previously is desirable to employers – and that’s considered to be the most useful and all very well if you happen to already be important remain the same.’ in employment. But what if you’ve just Another respondent, a senior figure in graduated, or you’re shifting careers, and But that respondent continues: ‘Even digital marketing, elaborated on the you need to get your foot in the door? so, the current situation has highlighted idea: ‘Rather than purely training, we the following in particular: willingness now value the ability to “jump in the We spoke to our mentors to get their and ability to adapt to changes in the deep end and try swimming”.’ This view on how to weave our findings into workplace environment; flexibility; chimes with the words of a senior figure your online profile and your job search. compassion for others (including in organisational politics who defined Meanwhile, our word cloud offers job- team members and clients); as well as adaptability as ‘a can-do attitude, and seekers a comprehensive image of our reliability and honesty.’ a willingness to fit in with whatever is findings. (See overleaf.)

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KEY FINDING: CHARACTER IS ALL

84 Special Report

having the ability to offer support to of adversity, leaders do not have the demonstrate they are a team player. luxury to implement a long-term Employers do not want to hire people business plan, instead they are under who do not have the courage to ask constant pressure from the board and for help. In particular now where shareholders to provide fast results. employees are working from home, it Therefore, organisations are looking for is imperative that students act quickly employees who can demonstrate they and seek support, otherwise, it will are able to think on their feet. put a lot of pressure on their team to take on their work if a project is not An example where students can completed accurately and timely. demonstrate this could be during their summer placement/internship Make sure you demonstrate where they provided support to a team adaptability and agility and could use an example how they took their own initiative to research Only those organisations which are for a solution and successfully savvy at restructuring their business presented this. Sophia Petrides effectively, during times of crisis, will be able to thrive and grow their business. They will be able to achieve this by fully utilising their employee How to show empathy and compassion skills and instead of working regionally it is all about cross-regional Empathy and compassion are vital and cross-sector collaboration. During attributes that contribute towards times of adversity, organisations cohesiveness and camaraderie in an always look to reduce their workforce, organisation, in particular during times therefore they need employees who of crisis. are adaptable to change, who go over and above their roles to support Students can demonstrate empathy others and have the agility to work, and compassion by providing examples at a moment's notice, with colleagues where they have contributed towards across regions and other departments their community and in particular and sectors. supporting those less fortunate than themselves. Have they volunteered Students should be able to demonstrate to support a charity? During their they take ownership and accountability university years, did they go over and of a project and complete this in timely above their own course work and fashion, no matter how many hours it reached out to any struggling students takes. Generation Z struggle with long Dana James-Edwards to support with their exam preparation hours, however, if they want to succeed, or thesis? By answering this question, in particular during times of crisis, they employers can also see their level of need to be able to get the job done, even The recent graduates who are about emotional intelligence. if they have to work with different time to enter the current job market have zones. already in many ways showed that Bear in mind how you communicate they possess the traits business leaders An example to showcase their identified as being required for success Generation Z are known for not being adaptability and agility is how they in the new landscape. They have been timely communicators as they are coped leaving home at a young age adaptable, flexible and resilient across constantly distracted by social media. to attend university in another city or the period. They have stepped up to In a working environment they need to country, without having their family and successfully complete their degrees understand the implications if they do friends close to them. virtually from home and adjusted not communicate in a timely manner. to being assessed using artificial If they are searching for a job, timely Another example for those students intelligence via video interviews, and to communication is vital, especially as who play in group sports e.g. football, virtual interviews during lockdown. we live in such a fast competitive world they could showcase their adaptability All of the graduates I have encountered and in particular during Covid-19, and agility by being able to play from over the period have remained positive where we have seen a huge influx of job different positions and still achieve and determined despite the recession, losses, if students do not communicate great results for their team. rapidly changing industries, moving timely with a future employer relating goalposts and start dates and for some to a job role/offer it is a case of Make sure you're solutions-driven the disappointments of retracted job "you snooze you lose". offers. In my opinion they are ready to Most organisations have a reactive work and be assets to the organisations During the interview process, students approach to their business and as lucky enough to have them. need to demonstrate how confident the world is moving fast year-on- they are asking for support and also year and in particular during times If you’re a jobseeker reading this article

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 85 Special Report you already have a leg up on others in What does it mean for candidates? That’s not easy, and a good friend or the job market as you’ve been given It means there’s little point in trained mentor can make a serious some great insight into what employers completing application forms or difference here. Candidates need to are looking for. My advice would be to sending CVs where they can’t evidence know how to exhibit industry-valued start preparing for interview by pulling the relevant qualifications, skills or characteristics at casual meetings together clear examples showcasing experience advertised. whether actual or virtual. But it all when you have exhibited the attitudes, comes to networking – and if you skills and behaviours outlined in But if you get the opportunity to be want to know how to do that, see my the interviews above. It’s also not interviewed, where do character traits tips below. too early to start practising sharing fit in? Sometimes, these increasingly those examples out loud, making sure essential character traits are referred that you express yourself clearly and to as “soft skills”. An employer might Finito World's concisely in a way that truly highlights advertise for someone ‘adaptable, the way you can provide what flexible, positive, compassionate, Guide to Networking employers are looking for. As it’s likely reliable, creative’ and so forth. But that many interviews will continue that’s more a statement of what they’d to take place in the virtual world, my like. It is difficult to evidence such 1 best advice would be to get prepared characteristics on paper. Such activity for that by video recording yourself as is about as useful as seeking a fit To be considered interesting you practise. Review the recordings to through a Tinder profile. you must be interested in others assess how you come across on camera and take steps for improvement But the fact is that, given the chance, where necessary to ensure that when most employers would trade off the 2 things start moving again you’re ahead desirable - and even some of the of the game. It's always a good idea to think essential skills - for good evidence about what you can do for them of the soft skill characteristics. What as well as what they could do then should candidates do to improve for you their prospects in the new?

Frankly most success comes from 3 the oldest process. In many ways the cliché “It’s who you know not what People do not care how much you know that counts” has gained you know until they know how more relevance in the post Covid-19 much you care employment market. Employers instinctively know that 4 a candidate introduced to them by Do not look for pity, better someone they know and trust is more talk about the opportunities likely to possess the characteristics for changing direction that they want. This is why employees are circumstances have given you frequently encouraged to introduce a friend. Valued employees will be aware of corporate culture and would not 5 Robin Rose be likely to introduce inappropriate candidates. It is not unusual for Be careful with enthusiasm; employers to also network to try and fill over enthusiasm is just as off- Employers with positions to fill, vacancies with candidates that possess putting as a lack of it post Covid-19, can be exceptionally relevant characteristics. If employers are demanding when it comes to networking, so should candidates. selecting new staff. Pre Covid-19, job descriptions traditionally contained All of which means students seeking 6 two lists of requirements. employment need to consider adopting Avoid complaining even a strategy of focused networking. if others are. Misery seeks These were defined as, “Essentials” At Finito, candidates are encouraged company. Better seek the and “Desirables” - or alternatively, to study potential employers. Who company of winners. “Must-haves” and “Nice-to-haves”. are their suppliers? Who works there? In 2019, typical desirables might What are their LinkedIn connections? have been, “fluent in French” Who are their competition? Their trade or “good with Excel”. The new norm connections? 7 has empowered employers to promote The only real way an employer these to the “essential” category, It's about seeking out potential knows you have the right meaning these definitions have connections and enhancing character is if you are become somewhat blurred. interpersonal skills. introduced by someone they know and trust.

86 Special Report

QUESTION FOUR HAS THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS MADE YOU PLAN DIFFERENTLY FOR A POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS?

KEY FINDING: AN ENVIRONMENTALLY- HELPFUL VIRUS

44% MADE NO CHANGES

56% MADE CHANGES t has been observed that The responses varied, with one coronavirus unfolded under respondent saying that she aimed to I empty skies. Throughout there initiate ‘more work away from static has been a palpable sense of a profound offices’ adding that she recognised office shift in our lifestyle that goes far life as ‘essential albeit in a less expensive beyond the impact of the virus. and less travel-demanding mode’. This went hand in hand with the ‘move towards an online business model’ in the Finito World therefore asked respondents words of one other person we surveyed. whether this virus – in telling us "It's that recognition that Another explained how less travel and a what a crisis looks like – has made things can change very, very greater move towards the digital side are people plan ahead any differently for two aspects of the same coin. ‘We accept a possible environmental crisis. The fast. We've been saying you that the “new normal” for the foreseeable initial findings were striking with 56 have to move with great future will involve less face-to-face percent of respondents saying that they meetings and more virtual meetings. had instituted a shift in their business urgency to net zero by 2030, practices, leaving 44 percent unchanged. and people have been saying We will ensure that the content on our website and communications with Green Peer Natalie Bennett responded that the world doesn't change contacts and clients is both very topical, warmly to our results: ‘That finding that fast." interesting and helpful.’ This desire to reflects what I’m experiencing and what remain ‘compelling’ was also echoed by I’m hearing. It’s that recognition that others we spoke to. things can change very, very fast. We’ve been saying you have to move with great One senior individual in financial The question of travel surfaced time and urgency to net zero by 2030, and people services explained how a rounded again and that also might have been have been saying that the world doesn’t climate strategy might look: ‘We have what people referred to when they spoke change that fast and that we have to be appreciated the clean air, quiet roads, of structural shift. Another respondent patient, and it takes time for business technology and the ability to work spoke of the need for an ‘intelligent models to turn around.’ remotely. We will be concentrating on storage of necessities’. Some firms were And what did she have to say to the contributing to the betterment of the also thinking in terms of home and 44 percent who had made no change? environment by limiting the numbers office recycling; and there were others Perhaps surprisingly, Bennett refused to of our staff travelling into our office. too who were looking to ‘target a more be overly critical: ‘First of all, of course This will be by rotating commuters local client base’. and shielding those more vulnerable. people tend to find change threatening. But while there seemed to be a growing There have been a lot of emotions in We also plan to reduce our operating consensus about the need to adapt and this year, and people have been through space thereby cutting overheads. change in advance of a possible climate a difficult time. It’s comforting to think In light of the current pandemic, crisis, Finito World decided to take things can go back to normal – that’s an social distancing will be of paramount understandable and human response.’ importance until this particular virus things a stage further and asked Mark is completely eradicated or a working Campanile, the founder and executive She added pointedly: ‘The 56 percent vaccine is readily available. chairman of the Carbon Tracker will be successful and will lead and will Initiative to provide his reaction to the be adapted for the new circumstance. Person-to-person meetings will require survey and he came back with a specific sanctioning by our human resources recommendation as to what carbon- We wanted to dig beneath the surface department. Proposed meetings will footprint-minded businesses can do of our results and asked what kind be graded based on the necessity with next. As before we have also provided of changes people were making. criteria yet to be finalised.’ a word cloud of our results. (see overleaf).

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 87 Special Report

Mark Campanale COVID-19, CLIMATE AND PENSIONS

he Covid-19 pandemic has Some 79 percent of people polled for top 10 issue workers would like to discuss upended the global economy Good Money Week 2019 agree that we are with their boss - with Good Money Week T and shaken public faith in the responsible as individuals to take action to polling finding 12.6 percent of workers ability of governments to act decisively combat climate change, yet 76.5 percent of wanted to discuss issues such as pension in the interests of citizens during a crisis. us remain unaware that our pension has an investments in arms, tobacco and fossil impact on the environment at all. fuels and potential alternatives. Yet the unprecedented, disruptive policy actions taken to lockdown economies The disconnect between public attitudes Research by Royal London has found 40 and reduce Covid-19 transmission have on climate and financial sector investment percent of people want to be offered fossil- exposed the unwillingness of politicians practice means consumer pressure is not fuel free investments ‘as standard’, but with to seriously intervene in another looming being applied to decarbonise our pension a strong age gradient – 54 percent of under crisis, from which it is not possible for us funds. 35s support this proposition compared to self-isolate. Climate change. with only 34 percent of over 55s. An analysis by Telegraph Money of the In the absence of swift policy action by ten biggest pension providers’ default In July 2020, it was announced the Nest national governments to deliver on the funds found that pension fund money had pension fund with nine million UK promise of the 2015 Paris Agreement, been sleepwalking into stocks that were members would begin divesting from many business leaders – as shown by the negatively affecting the climate, with only fossil fuels to ensure alignment with the results of the Finito World survey - are one of the top-10 funds, Nest, having government Net Zero strategy. now asking themselves what they can do no fossil-fuel producing firms among its to prepare their firms and staff for a future largest investments. Reducing fossil fuel investments is no increasingly disrupted by climate change. longer viewed as an ethical or moral This is one area where business managers imperative alone. With the energy sector One of the most powerful levers we have can take an active leadership role, creating the worst performing sector over the past at our disposal to fight global warming is space for conversations on pension fund decade, money managers have a fiduciary finance. Where we invest today shapes our investment choices and ensuring fossil duty to manage the investment risk posed future tomorrow – yet most of us currently fuel free alternative investment options are by fossil fuel investment in a rapidly have little visibility or control over where made available for staff. changing world, where energy transition financial assets like our pension funds are continues apace and future demand for oil, invested. This needs to change. Where company pensions are invested is a gas and coal is no longer assured.

88 Stories from the Front Line Liz Brewer THE FINITO WORLD GUIDE: HOW TO ZOOM

This new technology isn’t going anywhere. respect: ‘Video conferencing doesn’t So here in seven easy steps we explain how create new relationships. You can sustain to make it work for you: a connection, but you don’t grow a deep connection.’ And so while it’s important Get the lighting right to embrace Zoom now, we should all have Liz Brewer is a world-renowned events an eye to those we connected with during organiser and expert in social etiquette lockdown: make sure you meet face to face who has thought long and hard about with people you felt you had a connection how to present herself in a call. ‘This is with once it’s safe to do so. a visual medium so check how you appear on screen and adjust height,’ she says. If you’re a CEO, check in on your team ‘Position yourself so you’re seen not sitting separately too close, too far, high or low, with a suitable background.’ This rings true: we’ve ‘We’re all so tired with Zoom call after all misjudged the lighting once in a while Zoom call,’ says Carol Leonard of the and found ourselves sitting in shadow like Inzito Partnership, and argues that we James Bond villains – but that’s not need to think beyond Zoom. ‘Think a good look for an important meeting who might be vulnerable in your team. or a job interview. At Inzito, we have little informal social ow do you get the most out of programmes to check in with people, and the new technology? Finito we do mindfulness virtually twice a week.’ H World spoke to business leaders "This new technology isn't Thomas Heatherwick agrees: ‘It’s amazing and society etiquette expert Liz Brewer going anywhere." how stressful these calls are.’ So don’t think to find out all the company’s HR needs have been taken care of by that one collective Zoom. If you want to know the essence of an era, look at its new word-coinages. This Remember the emotions of your year, which has been so seismic in every Don’t be vain or distracted co-Zoomer way, saw a wealth of new words enter Brewer also argues that it’s ‘best to turn off the vocabulary. These include, of course: Thomas Heatherwick realised after a while self-view'. Vanity exists in most of us and Covid-19, corona, lockdown, social that he was tired of what he calls ‘flat distancing and flatten the curve. it’s easy to spend an entire call sneaking views of yourself rather than engaging half people’. He adds: ‘If we met people But the word ‘Zoom’ is perhaps the most with the person in front of you. It is best face to face I would never sit facing that commonly used of these. Like Covid-19, not to give yourself the option of assessing person: it would be too confrontational. it is ubiquitous and liable to be used many the calamity of your Covid-19 haircut, or Instead I’d sit at a slight angle. Even before times a day, as all our meetings accrue. But that special lockdown exhaustion etched we’d begun talking, we’d have a sense of like social distancing it can be used both as on your features. In the same way, Brewer each other and the peripheral vision can a noun and as a verb: we are ‘on Zoom’ but advocates turning off everything else on see how confident a candidate is when we also ‘Zoom’. your computer: ‘You are on screen and they walk in.’ So though it feels like your will be observed so it’s important to close talking to an avatar, always remember the Perhaps of all the words in the language or minimise all other distractions, screen humanity of the encounter. it most resembles ‘Google’ in the way a windows and silence mobiles,’ she says. company name has so suddenly entered Remember to laugh proverbial usage – and with gratifying Embrace the possibilities of the medium... results for founder Eric Yuan who has seen ‘Collective behaviour doesn’t quite happen his company’s value skyrocket to near the Many of us have now seen the interiors on Zoom,’ Heatherwick observes. ‘it’s ping $50 billion mark. of one another’s homes, and thus have pong. You press a button and you’re next a sense of how people live. ‘I enjoy the in the conversation. You don’t chuckle informality,’ says the MP Robert Halfon, and even encourages the presence of together or cringe together.’ Brewer says children on a call. For some that can create that it is up to the host to make sure this a sense of camaraderie that can progress an gap is closed. But she also recommends understanding of the person you’re talking other things like running ‘speed tests to with. For many the informality is to be avoid freezing moments’ and ‘bluetooth embraced and might even create deeper headphones’ to ensure that the sound relationships. quality facilitates the conversation. But realise its limitations... And if all else fails... When we catch up with the architect ‘Well then you can always excuse yourself,’ Thomas Heatherwick, he argues that says Brewer. And for many of us that’s the Zoom call with Sajid Javid and Jim O'Neill the medium is unhelpful in at least one best part of any Zoom call.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 89 Stories from the Front Line Clair Marr OUR ONLINE EXPERT ON PREPARING YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE IN THE AGE OF COVID-19

hen I was asked to write Covid-19 has given us time to reflect topical information to promote or share on about this subject back in and think about how we can present a your social media. W April, no one had any idea trustworthy online profile of ourselves to just how big an impact the pandemic potential employers. For graduates, this How do I find out what content would have on our lives. can be an exciting opportunity to develop publishers are looking for? new online strategies to help ensure that Businesses are already looking to redefine future stakeholders are engaged, impressed When we talk about ‘ranking’ in SEO digital ways of working as staff continue to and inspired. (search engine optimisation), we refer to work from home. Graduates are naturally the relative position of a website or other concerned that the current circumstances web pages in the search engine results will severely impact career opportunities "Covid-19 has given us time to pages. For example, a natural rank in leading to greater competition in the position one in Google is most desirable job market*. How can we help to boost reflect and think about how as users are statistically more likely to click confidence amongst graduates impacted we can present a trustworthy on this. Publishers are hungry for content by the loss of opportunity, internships and and keen to become the de facto resource work placements? online profile of ourselves to for any subject area as high-quality, niche potential employers." and high-volume output brings consistent Effective online reputation management traffic to their website. Trending topic for those starting out on their career path areas can help convert new visitors to is about building and maintaining trust click on a website which can help to drive between you and your potential employer. revenue for a publisher. Google Yourself Rachel Botsman, in her Ted talk, explores Keywords and key-phrases refer to the how the model of trust has changed The first step is to Google your name. Are actual words or phrases that you input into historically. We began by trusting those in you happy with the results that appear on Google search. They’re really important as our local communities and that trust could page one? Is there enough information be damaged or built based on our actions about you? If you have little or no and reputation. As settlements grew larger, Google presence, you can be vulnerable this model of trust could not scale up; to commentary from other sources. "Covid-19 has given us time to living in a city, it was no longer possible Google bases its opinion of you from the reflect and think about how to interact with every single person and information fed to it. It is your right to our trust evolved into an institution-based change that perception. we can present a trustworthy model, placing our collective faith in law, Put Yourself Out There online profile of ourselves to government, banks and insurance. Holding digital assets in the major potential employers." We now live in a digital age where our ranking positions on Google page one lives and decisions are played out online. improves the likelihood of your personal Institutionalised trust models have brand acting as an antidote to any negative become as irrelevant today as local trust commentary. The more positions you they help Google understand what that models once were. Trust is now atomised, hold, the more you consolidate Google’s content is about. If what it sees is deemed managed and distributed by individuals perception of you. highly relevant and trustworthy then to a global audience. Wherever we go, we Google will rank it well and often. These Google the names of prominent thought keywords should therefore be embedded leaders in the industry that you would like into the structure of any content you "Effective online reputation to work in. Take a look at what is held in create. Visit the MOZ blog for the each position; A quick glance at Richard beginners guide to SEO. This shows how management for those Branson’s Google page one results shows to integrate these words and phrases into starting out on their career Wikipedia, Virgin website, social media article content to help boost the visibility accounts as well as Forbes contributor and relevancy. path is about building page. What could you learn from the and maintaining trust positioning of a thought leader? Is there Beware! an industry publication that you could between you and your contribute to? There are many online blogs, Pay attention to what you feed Google. potential employer." websites, magazines and journals that are If this information is not relevant, or hungry for content. Boost your visibility shows several student nights out with by asking them how you can contribute. friends, it can paint a picture of you Build an association with a particular topic that does not accurately represent your area. This indicates to Google the type of character. Audit your digital profile and bring our digital presence with us. information that is relevant about you. ask those close to you to form a picture For some individuals this can be a real Creating content offers you a solid digital of you based on what information they asset, while for others it’s a hindrance. footprint and gives you highly relevant or find about you.

90 Online only: LinkedIn is now worth $26.2 billion

and organically and will rank those pages months to adequately index content so be favourably. Highlight charity work, host patient and build your profile in a natural "When you think about a Just Giving page, create a Facebook way. If you are unsure about something shaping your narrative, event, blog about your volunteering work you have posted, delete! in the local community. Ensure that there consider whether the Adopt a joined-up approach across is a clear link between you (this could be social media and websites. Try not to be information already out there for example your name or a link to your everything to everyone. Focus on growing about you is positive, neutral LinkedIn profile) and these projects and content across multiple related topics and that it is clearly visible to Google. Tweet link to each other. Opinions can change and negative." or post on LinkedIn, write an article about quickly on social media so regularly audit what you learned from these projects. your social media presence and remove any Show that you have many different facets content that you do not feel comfortable to your personality. with. If the information is publicly When you think about shaping available, revise content that needs an your narrative, consider whether the Remember, the process of change is update in line with evolving conversations. information already out there about a gradual one and authenticity reigns you is positive, neutral or negative. By supreme. Life, as we are now all too well aware, developing those positive and neutral can be unpredictable; make sure that your points that already exist, Google feels It takes both sustainable effort and time online profile is as adaptable and flexible that it is being fed information naturally to make an impact. Google can take three as you are.

*Milkaround and Digin 20 April 2020 www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 91 Stories from the Front Line Andy Inman ANDY INMAN TELLS THE STORY OF A YOUNG MAN WHO WAS TRANSFORMED BY MENTORING

hrs, having achieved little. He would either, so we settled on cookery. While repeat the routine daily, to the extent not the first thing that would spring to that he had lost track of the days and mind when looking for a way to express was growing despondent with “life creativity, by coming up with recipes going nowhere” and achieving little of and cooking some meals he was able substance each day. to complete this element of the routine as well as help his parents by taking on I had already discussed with a number the chore of feeding the family in the of my students a technique taught by evening. He did admit that some of the military to deal with isolation and his creations were less successful than imprisonment and let’s face it Covid-19 others, but using a variety of resources lockdown was that for many. By he became quite adept at creating dinner building structure to a day and including for the three of them. four simple elements we can ensure we feed the mind, body and soul and use Physical activity the time that is forced upon us usefully. Simon and I discussed a way to bring With both sides of the brain busy with his body clock more in line with the the above two tasks, the third element outside world. By sleeping through the was to exercise the body. This could have he issue with a lifetime is that morning he was experiencing disturbed ranged from daily yoga to a brisk stroll, it can pass at such a gentle rate sleep because of the noise going on but Simon opted for taking the dog for that we often fail to notice it outside, and so over the next several days a run, again ticking off a household task isT passing. But it’s the one certainty in via short WhatsApp discussions we were while completing the activity. life and pass it surely does! able to get Simon to a point where he Productivity Retiring from a 30-year career in the was getting up at 08.30 and going to bed military I had been well trained in at 11.00 pm, a significant improvement on where he had been! The final piece of the daily routine making good use of time! From the very was to “achieve” something, not early days at Sandhurst getting out of With the first step working we went on necessarily completing it in a day, but bed at 04.30 hrs to make my bed, to to build the four elements of his routine at least spending the allotted time more recent needs to rapidly come up that would help him add value to each working towards the completion of a with a workable plan on live operations passing day. We came to an agreement project, before moving onto a new one. in Afghanistan and Iraq, I knew that that Simon would spend at least Once again the breadth and range of time can work for you as easily as it can 45 minutes per day doing each of possibilities in this element were huge, work against you. the following; Simon started off with reorganising his wardrobe and eventually went on Now that I own a small company that Skill building to painting a wall and digging a new delivers military training to overseas vegetable bed in his parent’s garden. This customers, I have been able to take a By finding something that Simon was created valuable self-esteem, and a sense huge amount of the skills acquired in interested in learning he could exercise of accomplishment. that career and use them in a new and his brain. He eventually went for an app closely aligned environment. But having that taught him French, a subject he Simon with his delightful candour benefited enormously from mentoring had learnt at school but hadn’t worked and open honesty would report via help before I started my career and on for years. As with all of the elements short WhatsApp chats every other day knowing what a huge difference it made it was vital that this was not a chore between our regular mentoring chats on for my life, I was delighted to learn of but something he would enjoy and saw how he was doing. Initially he was only the work done by Finito. It resonated the point in doing. Plans to holiday in able to weave a couple of the elements with me, and I realised that my hard- France were all the reason he needed to into each day, but over the following earned skills could be beneficial to an make it work. fortnight he got used to ticking off all entirely different set of people. four, with the weekends being days Creativity where he could drop the routine entirely Having already mentored a number if he wished. of the Finito students, the Covid-19 An element of each day that gets lockdown period came with its own the creative juices flowing exercises a Remember this is a young man who challenges! One of my students, let's different part of the brain, and while we a couple of weeks before had not call him Simon, having been furloughed aren’t all budding poets or painters there been getting out of bed until after from his job, had altered his daily are countless ways in which creativity lunchtime. I worked for a few weeks routine to such an extent that he was can be expressed. Simon was like me, more before moving Simon onto getting up in the early afternoon to in that attempts at anything we would another Finito Mentor who had play games online, message mates and call art didn’t sit easily with him, he was significant experience in the industry eventually get to sleep at around 05.00 not keen to display his writing skills where he wanted to work.

92 Stories from the Front Line How to Job Hunt in a Recession GUY FOWLES FOUND THE RUG SWEPT FROM BENEATH HIS FEET WHEN COVID-19 HIT. HERE’S HOW HE TURNED IT AROUND

round trip, for a 60-minute interview, dream role heading up the Marketing only to be told over a short phone call a and Communications team for the few days later that I’d been unsuccessful. National Literacy Trust. The Trust works There was no offer to cover any travel costs. to improve the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the communities My experience within the job that need support, where one in market earlier this year equipped three people have literacy problems. me for what happened next. The interview process was clear and Within two months of starting a great concise, held on three consecutive Fridays role at a global events company, who bring to allow both sides time to prepare for people together to create unforgettable the next stage. I researched the role, experiences, the company made 50 my interviewers and the Trust itself percent of its global workforce redundant, thoroughly, and as I did so I became more centralising resources back to their HQ and more impassioned about the job and in San Francisco. Frustratingly, it was joining the team. I met a cross section time to climb back into the search saddle. of employees over Zoom, and an external partner, and after a presentation and one This time though, things were different. final meeting I was absolutely thrilled to There were still roles available, but be offered the position. All in all it had already, in May, the number of applicants taken about a month from start to finish. for jobs advertised on LinkedIn had gone up from around 100 per role to over 250. Searching for a job can be a draining, During a number of conversations I was demoralising process. However, it can then told the positions I’d applied for were also be exhilarating, stimulating and n February this year I was in the suddenly put on hold due to Covid-19. ultimately hugely rewarding. It is most fortunate position of weighing up definitely a journey that will propel you I four job offers, all with reputable The process itself also changed – initial through twists and turns, highs and lows, companies, all in different industries. phone calls turned into Zoom video dead ends and suddenly, the right path calls, which I think is a positive step, The job market was buoyant, for you. Treat every conversation as you and subsequent interviews obviously taking one more step on that journey. particularly within the performance had to be done by video too, which, marketing vertical I specialise in, whilst you lose that physical interaction With this in mind be prepared to put but despite the many opportunities it that meeting in person affords, saved on yourself out there, tailor your cover had still been a long, arduous journey travel time, which made a big difference letter for each role, put in the time to to get to the point of receiving an offer. when also trying to look after a baby. look into your interviewers, prepare engaging questions that demonstrate There were countless applications, you’ve really thought about the role, many initial phone calls, multiple face- show your willingness to learn, develop to-face interviews and a number of "The process itself also and grow and, once in the role, prove psychometric tests and presentations changed — initial phone calls that you will be a valued member over the course of a few months, not to of the team through your actions. mention the research, prep, travel, logistics turned into Zoom video calls, and thought process that goes into each which I think is a positive The National Literacy Trust helps to and every interaction with a potential transform lives through literacy. Whilst new employer. It was exhausting and step." my previous role was cut short due to stressful, particularly as a new parent. Covid-19, I can’t think of anything else I’d rather be doing than trying to make For one role with an exciting start-up, I’d a difference to the lives of children, been through five stages and spent around Covid-19 changed the location of the young people and families that need 40 hours in total preparing, interviewing jobs I went for. Given the shifting nature it most. I’ve now been in the role for and presenting to them, only to learn of working remotely within a number of two months and I couldn’t be happier – they’d gone for the other candidate industries, I was able to expand my search it’s a fantastic team to be a part of. after the final stage. I didn’t mind the to outside the confines of the M25. This drawn-out process to decide on the can only be a good thing for both employers If you have any questions about my job right person, but the lack of constructive and employees as it enables companies search, or would like advice about your feedback afterwards was extremely to attract the highest quality workers, own, please drop me a line at linkedin.com/ disappointing given the time I’d invested. unrestricted by geography, and then offer in/guyfowles them rewarding benefits such as the ability For another final-round interview I was to work from home or flexible working. For more on the National Literacy Trust asked to drive to the north-west to the see our deep dive into the charities sector company’s UK headquarters, a 10-hour In June I was lucky to come across my on page 98.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 93 Stories from the Front Line Ty Goddard THE EDTECH-50 FOUNDER ON THE VANGUARD OF TECH

pupils. The introduction of the computing changes to initial teacher education curriculum may have developed some with training in education technology. specialised skills in some but has it been at the This is another long overdue addition. expense of broader digital skills for many? Fifthly, I believe we need to see priority In my view, it is not a failure for expensive for Edtech in the Ofsted Inspection reforms to be corrected before they Framework. There’s much to share about properly flourish. In 2020, we can’t afford effective use of technology and much to learn to be ambivalent about digital skills, from Wales and Scotland in their approach. confidence and digital literacy for our young people. The essential Digital Skills As a final point, we have to learn to appreciate Framework for adults also shows us how the complexities of organisational change much of a national challenge we have. across our school estate. We need to focus on technology support but also 'system' And as Covid-19 unfolded, these support to introduce and embed changes. areas of neglect became clearer. I hope this will accelerate the use of Edtech If we can do all these things then across our education system. I want our I believe we can have a truly 21st century government to be a ‘stubborn organiser’ education system. t was Charles Dickens who said of of modern technology infrastructure for the time of the French revolution our schools, and promote the positives I that ‘it was the best of times, and of digital learning. Nor should they the worst of times.’ The same might be shy away from leadership that liberates said of Covid-19 in the education space. the talents of and the entrepreneurial flair of our Edtech company founders. Finito World in On the one hand, there was much to celebrate. partnership with Edtech Some institutions already experienced with This is a sector deserving of more than digital learning become ‘virtual schools’ an afterthought on an overlong list of 50 recommends the within days; others too, prepared for remote ministerial responsibilities. Education following platforms: learning with mere hours of staff training. technology is not a ‘mobile phones in school’ scare story or a ‘social media end But throughout there was a sense that our of days’ nightmare but an imaginative set educators responded to the learning needs of tools to support and access learning. For Little Bridge of their pupils during the pandemic with many, it’s easier to lump all technology what was available in their schools and together in some dystopian playbook. An online platform for learning colleges and what they felt able to use. English that has been used The pandemic also laid bare the fact that But this a sector that creates jobs, grows globally for over a decade. you can’t afford to neglect infrastructure, our exports for UK plc and attracts much- teacher training and the provision of needed investment. Our Edtech sector SpyQuest devices for our young people. Too many is vibrant (see panel opposite for some of our schools did not have the platforms, recommendations from the Edtech 50), This unique Scottish interactive infrastructure and devices for pupils to growing and plays its full part in our ‘New gaming concept inspires and maximise their use of remote learning. Start’ Industrial Strategy. So what do we supports young readers to read. need to do? For me there are six easy steps. It was good to see that many schools Mindful Education limited the learning loss as they grew Firstly, we need to build on the success Learning platform of media in digital confidence. But on the whole of the rural broadband introduction with rich professional courses and the devolved nations did better than a staged approach to rolling out access apprenticeships. England: Wales, Scotland and Northern to super-fast broadband to our schools. Ireland all had an array of content at their disposal as the virus broke. Secondly, it’s vital that we become more Wakelet ambitious about devices for pupils. Digital Helps curate visual and other In England, we had taken too long to poverty is corrosive and can be ended. content to support student publish and get to work on an Edtech Let’s build national delivery of devices assignments. strategy – it was only in 2019 due to the for young people – Year 8 is too late. determination of Damian Hinds MP when he was serving as Secretary of State for In the third place, now is the time GoBubble Education, that DfE began to articulate for more professional development A child safe social media the ‘Edtech Dividend’ for our system. for teachers. I would argue that peer platform with inspirational to peer support like the successful digital citizenship classroom The point is that education technology Edtech Demonstrator Programme ideas with safe online doesn’t replace teachers: it supports them. is a model for national action. communication. Technology can consolidate knowledge and maximise learning opportunities for Fourthly, we need to see the immediate

94 Stories from the Front Line Akosua Bonsu THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES AT REGENT GROUP ON CHARACTER

set, resilience, grit and self-confidence. "These individual traits — It has had startling results. One example resilience, grit, courage and so was Abdi Raman Fara, a bus-driver who wants to be a transport manager with on — do not exist in isolation. his company. He felt he’d been with They exist together: you the company a long time and wasn’t progressing. Under our instruction, he cannot be courageous without spoke to his manager, who agreed to be being resilient, for example." his mentor. As a result a career action plan was implemented and he decided to start his own business. ‘My entire the philosopher argues that character life has to be geared towards goals education creates virtuous individuals that I am happy to pursue. It’s about who live a good and meaningful life, achieving your life goals, and not just a life full of happiness, purpose and in the short or medium term,’ he says. achievement: this he called Eudemonia. What’s interesting is that in character "The programme aims to give he trouble with education is education these individual traits – students a solid foundation in that it’s full of buzzwords, and resilience, grit, courage and so on – do too rarely do we pause to think not exist in isolation. They exist together: character education." T you cannot be courageous without being about practical implications. resilient, for example. What we seek In the Blair years, citizenship education to do at Regent College is to develop was a prominent preoccupation of these psychological states so that Another case study was Amelia Giurgiu schools and colleges in England and students learn to better act, overcome who had been too nervous to start Wales – but the term sometimes obstacles and embrace challenges. turning her photography in Provence lacked definition, and in any case, into painting. She was facing what we wasn’t citizenship an implication of the For Aristotle a person of good character would call ‘the terror barrier’. For her Cameron government’s Big Society has practical wisdom - phronesis: the character education enabled her to agenda? Definitions tend to blur. ability to act in the right way, with ‘take action and to show courage in the courage, with resilience etc., because face of previously acknowledged fears’. With the coalition government - and they have developed the correct habits. latterly the single party conservative Furthermore, a good character can only Meanwhile, Ahasan Habib, the founder governments - we have seen a be developed by choosing right actions and CEO of H&K Associates, found shift in preoccupation, away from over and over again until that right that an immersion in the programme citizenship education and towards action becomes a habit. The goal is to ‘helped my business by showing me character education. So how do we repeat certain behaviours associated with where I lacked discipline and holding avoid falling into generality and the development of a good character, me responsible for all my results.’ initially under guidance and instruction, So the effectiveness of this character until they become embedded as habits. development programme is measured "Character seeks to cultivate So does it work? At Regent College, both objectively and subjectively. The resilience, courage, and we have founded a framework for subjective benefits are there for all to character education to be delivered see in testimonials like those above. personal responsibility. alongside our core curriculum. The Objectively, we are looking at data such It also has intellectual project began in May 2019, and we as grade attendance and assignment have called it Thinking Into Character. submission rates as well as external pedigree, dating all the ventures that students have set up way back to Aristotle." The programme is designed by Dr. following their engagement with the Selva Pankaj and aims to give students a programme. These ventures could be solid foundation in character education. study groups, entrepreneurial businesses Topics covered by the programme or engagement in voluntary programmes. making the same mistakes again? include goal setting, habit formation We still have a way to go and are at and the principles of personal leadership. the data compilation phase, but the Fostering character sounds well and good Each lesson is designed to encourage signs are very encouraging. And we – who could seriously object to it - but what students to take responsibility for their hope that our programme will give does it mean? Simply, character seeks to results and to develop the confidence to others the impetus to think hard about cultivate resilience, courage, and personal believe that they can achieve dream goals. the language we use in education responsibility. It also has intellectual Among some of the values and attitudes theory, and to turn the theoretical pedigree, dating all the way back to developed by the programme are into pragmatic and meaningful Aristotle. In his Nicomachean Ethics personal responsibility, a positive mind- steps. Aristotle would be proud.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 95 Stories from the Front Line BEHIND THE RED WALL Our Woman in China GIVES US HER TAKE ON THE NUCLEAR ARMS RACE IN EDUCATION BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD

his is going to be quite a year undergraduate degrees and they’re or 30 years for these trends to be felt. in China. There's going to be looking at the realities of the economy and T about eight and a half million thinking, ‘Should I go and get a Masters?’ Working against all this is the fact that graduates in China – and that’s a figure But even that doesn’t guarantee a job now China is going to go global at some which dwarfs any figure you can imagine – when for their parents’ generation, it did. point. So if a young person understands in the UK. They’ll be graduating into the the UK, they are going to be a natural toughest job market in living memory. That means there’s a major problem person to go and work in that London for Chinese students studying in the office at some point. The historical trends It’s worth considering the history. Before UK: they're not getting their return are clear. In the 50s and 60s, China 1990, China’s was essentially a planned on investment. In China, these young was all about manufacturing; suddenly economy and everybody had roles given people are called ‘sea turtles’: even after in the 70s and 80s, we had Sony and by the state. Since then, the economy all these other companies booming has grown by around ten percent a year. around the world. But global China Unemployment has been incredibly is in the future. This year’s graduates low. Now lots of factors are happening will fall through the cracks because at once. With Covid-19, there’s none of this will have kicked in yet. speculation that you have 100 million unemployed people in China right now. As someone who has been here for 15 years, I would say the UK doesn’t understand that China is absolutely zero sum. China doesn’t want its students to "In the 1980s and 90s, if you go to the UK and spend lots of money. It wants to learn as much as it can from went abroad and studied, the UK, the US and Australia and then let's say engineering, and you it wants to export its own education. You only need to read the state media came back to China, it's quite to understand the undertones of what likely you're a millionaire at they're really thinking and what they're really plotting right now. The longer- this point, or senior in the term goal is that they don't want to send government." anyone to the UK. That's not explicit, but I would guarantee you it’s the case if you speak to the highest levels of government in China. Why would Concurrently, you have automation which they want to give money to the UK? is happening dramatically in China, with every company becoming leaner. So all I've probably become a bit more these graduates are going to be piling patriotic since I've been here: if I had in to this very problematic situation. to back a team, I'd like to back the UK. And there is such faith in education in having studied in a good, solid university The UK education system is filled with China. In the 1980s and 90s, if you went in the UK, they’re unable to get jobs. All people for whom education is a vocation. abroad and studied, let’s say engineering, this will be detrimental to the higher They believe in the system. They're and you came back to China, it’s quite education system in the UK. There are autonomous, and opinionated: it’s filled likely you’re a millionaire at this point, 900,000 graduates from UK universities with brilliant people. In China, nobody or senior in the government. Why? in China, and there could be a big shift has any autonomy; it is control-based. I Because you brought back information where Chinese students start to wonder don't want that system to win. China's that was incredibly valuable and gave you whether it’s worth studying abroad version of history is that there is only a massive strategic advantage. Because of if you don’t get a job at the end of it. one version of history. Our discipline of that, you now have a generation of parents history is that you have analysis and the who believe education is a fast track to I don’t think the effects will be felt past is open to interpretation. It's not employment. That’s heart-breaking as immediately. Xi Jinping sent his a good thing when education is used the young today are ill-equipped for daughter to Harvard. These wealthy as a weapon to control a population the modern world in terms of creative- people will have better connections, and or to politicise everything. I would thinking and communication skills. so they’ll end up with jobs and power, love to see the UK compete, but I and will end up running the country fear that a lot of UK universities are It’s an incredibly depressing situation. and the biggest companies. That’s a very slow, siloed and very complacent. I speak to a lot of students doing powerful example; it might take 20 China is moving incredibly quickly.

96 Stories from the Front Line LETTER FROM AN AMERICAN Jeffrey Katz JEFFREY KATZ ARGUES THAT PROTEST FORMS THE BACKGROUND OF ALL OUR CAREERS. BUT WHAT HAS HE LEARNED AFTER WATCHING HISTORY UNFOLD OVER THE PAST HALF CENTURY?

rotest is nothing new. In the clear, there will be people who strongly Americans through the Great Depression of US, there were protests against disagree with my views who are not the 1930s. Or a Nelson Mandela who spent P segregation in the 1950s and ignorant. There are people in America, half his life in prison until the power structure 60s, protests against the Vietnam War in Britain and elsewhere who honestly of South Africa recognised that it could the 70s, protests against environmental believe that social welfare mechanisms no longer subjugate its black population. damage in the 80s and 90s and now are wrong because they somehow inhibit there are protests against the racism that personal liberty. Equally, there are people But here’s the interesting thing: murdered a black man in Minnesota and everywhere who believe that, in a civilised sometimes changes evolve because of against all that the murder represents. 21st century, a universal health care system an Adolf Hitler who lies and murders should be considered a human right. his way into office and starts a war that In the UK there were protests against assassinates six million Jews, kills 20 nuclear weapons in the 60s, protests million Russians and destroys much of against the racist regimes in South Africa Western Europe. No sane person who and Rhodesia in the 70s and in the same could change history would bring Hitler decade protests against the murder of back. But Hitler created an almost Irishmen during the troubles in the north. universal consciousness of what horrors There were particularly violent protests the human race can inflict on itself. against the British poll tax in the 80s and protests against the war in Iraq in 90s. Of course, it hasn’t stopped. Since the Second World War atrocities have been What is different now is that, whereas committed in Cambodia, the former most, if not all, the previous protest Yugoslavia, Rwanda and Syria. Because movements were in some way parochial, of television and the internet we have today’s protests are not. While we become more aware of the crimes that are know that every country in the world perpetrated in the name of whatever power has some form of ethnic discrimination struggle or prejudice is useful to certain to its shame, the pretence that it is people at a particular time and place. historical rather than current is a fiction that can no longer be ignored. But every generation has the opportunity to make things better. Trump exploits In the course of my lifetime I have social and ethnic divisions rather than watched white Americans shouting at addressing them constructively. In black children because they were trying the course of his presidency he has to enter a school that had been for whites demonstrated a contempt for others that only. I have seen signs in the windows has unleashed simmering prejudices. of English boarding houses that read "On the surface those are They are now the focus of the anger “No blacks no Irish.” And after 70 years on the streets. There has never been of peace in Western Europe, the British irreconcilable positions. a greater awareness among young people voted by a narrow majority Except things change. What people of our need to get up off the to leave the organisation that united necks of the disadvantaged, to create them with the rest of the Continent. changes them are people and safety in the world so that everyone can make the best of their lives. I have heard Orthodox Jews say that events." Palestinians don’t belong in Israel Maybe we need Trump. Maybe he is the because they believe the Bible says the catalyst. Not just for Americans, but for land belongs to the Jews. I have been Europeans, Africans, Asians—the whole told by an Iranian in Canada that it is On the surface those are irreconcilable world. I don’t believe that any of us deserve right that women should be jailed for positions. Except things change. What him, not even the people who voted for refusing to wear a headscarf. In the changes them are people and events. him. But we have him. We can debate great liberal city of New York there have Sometimes those people are leaders and forever how and why that happened. But been recent debates about whether there sometimes they are ordinary citizens— as one angry black protester in America should be a quota for Asian students or even victims. Sometimes they are a recently pointed out, it’s more important in specialist schools because too many Franklin Roosevelt who was considered to decide where we go from here. of them do well on entrance exams. a traitor to his class for introducing what he called a New Deal, subsidising Jeffrey Katz is Chief Executive of Underlying all those examples is great infrastructure projects and other Bishop Group, a London-based corporate ignorance and the fear it breeds. To be government programmes to help investigations business.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 97 Deep Dive

DEEP DIVE: CHARITY THE SECTOR WHICH STEPPED UP IN ITS FIRST SECTOR DEEP-DIVE, FINITO WORLD LOOKS AT THE QUESTION OF CELEBRITY PATRONAGE, AND ASKS HOW CHARITIES HAVE FARED DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS

f you happened to be in Essex on a summer’s day Sue remembered the lesson her boy had taught her, in 1995, watching Maldon Cricket Club’s ten and started the David Randall Foundation which wicket win against Bury St Edmunds, you could aims to keep his spirit alive. The charity organises Ibe forgiven for thinking that you were watching not Great Days for those with life-limiting conditions. one but two future England cricket captains opening Sir Alastair is its patron. This is a charity with a the batting for Maldon. message for our times that will resonate: as the world seems always to become more morbid, we need the These were Alastair Cook (known to friends as Ali) spirit of David Randall like never before. and David Randall (known as Arkle). An Uncharitable Virus Both were gifted batsmen; each possessed musical ability (Ali on clarinet; Arkle as a future founder We also need the charity sector like never before. member of Maldon band Soul Attraction) and Young people might perhaps wonder whether it’s a Cook would later recall of his friend: ‘I will never be vulnerable sector, and even whether it’s as worth going embarrassed to say he was the better player.’ into as it was pre-Covid. While it’s true that many charities find themselves financially vulnerable, and But in reality you would have been right about only have been hastily furloughing like everyone else, in one of them. Sir Alastair Cook, as the world knows, researching this piece we also had a sense of a sector would go on to captain England, and score more runs determined to be upbeat where possible. (12,472) than any other England player. Arkle developed cancer and died in July 2012 at the Many, of course, were feeling acute financial pressures age of 27. and it was not uncommon to find confessions that the person who would usually handle our query had just His death wasn’t the end of his story. Throughout his been furloughed. But for those who were still active, illness he never complained and continued to do the Finito World witnessed in some instances an admirable things he loved. Sue Randall, David’s inspirational heightening of purpose. mother, picks up the story of David’s last week: ‘David’s big wish was to go to Wimbledon. All the MacMillan Variety – the Children’s Charity works predominantly Nurses and District Nurses kept telling us that it would with children with special education needs and not be safe for David to go here and there. But the disabilities by supplying medical equipment ranging lovely Willow Foundation had got him tickets.’ from diabetes monitors to wheelchairs and specialist car seats. How did Sue react? ‘That was the only time I got angry with anyone. When David was out with his girlfriend, Dave King, the charity’s CEO, admits that events in I phoned the nurses and told them that if David did early 2020 caught him by surprise: ‘By the time we not go to Wimbledon, he would die disappointed and became aware of the level of impact it would have, I thought that we should do everything possible to get the virus was escalating quickly. This left us little time him there. Worst-case scenario was he died on the way, to get things in place before lockdown began. It was but at least he would have known he had tried to get a period of confusion.’ Uncertainty is often a greater there. By that time, he only had weeks to live at best. strain on a business than definitely dire circumstances. It was a saga! But he got to Wimbledon, taken by his ‘Once the school closure had been announced,’ brother. He went on the Tuesday, was admitted to the King continues, ‘we found ourselves in a better hospice on Wed and died on the Friday.’ position. We were able to become more effective in our response once we had clear direction from government It’s a story which takes us to the heart of life’s cruelty. about the impact on children’s lives.’ Yet at its centre is something that seems to work against all hardship: David’s optimism, and intense love Variety began refashioning its processes. ‘One of of life. our programmes involves grant-giving for specialist

98 Deep Dive equipment for schools, and equipment Stars in their Eyes who walked around his garden for NHS for children,’ explains King. Charities Together. Cory says: ‘Some in ‘We’ve managed to keep that running in Variety has been fortunate in its the sector felt that people who would have spite of supply chains closing down and celebrity ambassadors, with Len given to a medical health charity gave to being temporarily suspended.’ Goodman and Mark Ramprakash that. In aggregate, it’s hard to tell. Is it singled out by King for lending the right charity just because there’s a star This is a major achievement especially particular support to the charity. celeb? It might be a rubbish charity.’ as it was delivered at a time when the organisation’s income generation fell This opens up onto the wider question of Even so, the charities Finito World celebrity involvement in charities. dramatically, primarily due to the loss spoke with are deeply grateful for the Dan Corry, the CEO of Think NPC – of events revenue. ‘You can’t have a gala assistance well-known names have given a charity which supports other charities to their charities. dinner with just a few people in the room. – argues that while having a well-known The atmosphere will be flat and it won’t be patron doesn’t always make a difference Sue Randall says that Alastair Cook worth the outlay,’ King says. ‘it can definitely help. Anything you always comes through with ‘two tickets for can do to put yourself in the limelight, the best seats’ at Lord’s for Great Dayers, In sustaining itself, the charity was and get people to open that email, adding that he ‘has never let us down.’ helped by its active golf society and golf or look at that tweet.’ She adds: ‘Andy Murray also came up memberships. These benefitted from that trumps for us last year. We had got a lady sport’s ability to be carried on while social Within the sector, there’s some debate over with cancer, some tickets for Wimbledon distancing. ‘We’re looking at how we can whether celebrity involvement increases and on the day she was too ill to go. maximise the use of our golf team and our the amount of money going to charities as One of our ambassadors got in touch with society to generate income.’ a whole. Cory asks: ‘Does having a good Sir Andy and he sent her a personal note celebrity or fundraising campaign raise saying how sad he was she hadn’t been As difficult as these times are for money for your charity instead of one they well enough to go, alongside a signed shirt. generating revenue, there is something would have given to? Does it just spread So he is now a hero to me!’ that can still pull in the money even over the money differently?’ A relevant example Zoom: stardom. here would be Captain Tom Moore, Meanwhile, Ed Holloway, Executive

CHARITIES' CONFIDENCE THAT THEY ARE MAKING THE BEST USE OF DIGITAL

Credit: Think NPC

80% CONFIDENT NOT CONFIDENT 70%

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www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 99 "Variety has been fortunate in its celebrity ambassadors, with Len Goodman and Mark Ramprakash singled out by King for lending particular support to the charity."

100 Deep Dive

Director of Digital and Services at the to an online book Coronavirus intended have been written off as inconsequential - MS Society, recalls how the charity was to educate 5-11 year-olds about the new but after the way it has stepped up in the able to pivot quickly during coronavirus disease. Published by Nosy Crow, and past three months it’s proved its mettle. thanks to celebrity generosity: narrated online by Hugh Bonneville, it We’re no longer anyone’s poor relations.’ ‘One of the first virtual fundraisers we was publisher Kate Wilson who persuaded did [after the virus hit] was the MS Scheffler to make time for a breakneck Over at the MS Society, Ed Holloway Society Pub Quiz, with the support of production schedule. ‘Her argument was continues to feel the sector is attractive: our ambassador and BBC Radio 1 DJ that many children are familiar with my ‘Like many charities we are relatively Scott Mills, who hosted a virtual pub style and work, and that was why I said, small and we ask a lot of our employees, quiz every Wednesday night, live from “Yes, I’ll do it.” Nosy Crow completed the but this gives them a chance to take on his living room. It was an incredible way project from start to finish in ten days: it responsibility early in their careers, which to bring the community together at what was really, really fast.’ stands them in good stead for the rest of was a very difficult time. Not only did their working lives. In return for their hard we have thousands of people all playing Scheffler explains his motivation: work and commitment, we work hard to along for a great cause, we had a lot of ‘I’ve supported the NLT for a long time, provide a stimulating workplace where fun doing it. Together, we managed to and it’s brilliant what they’re doing. I everyone can engage with our mission, raise an incredible £55,000.’ think it’s sad that a nation like Britain know their voices are heard, and know has to have a charity to deal with these they are making a difference to people In July, I zoom with Gruffalo and Zog matters. It should really be up to schools living with MS.’ illustrator Axel Scheffler who has had to get children reading and it’s sad the longstanding involvement with the government is failing the education of Even so, that doesn’t mean that life is National Literacy Trust (NLT), an children in so many ways.’ It’s hard to always easy. King says: ‘Most charities are independent charity committed to disagree but it’s also surely this which operating on the frontline. The more we’ve improving literacy among disadvantaged makes the charitable sector so exciting. got in the bank the less we’re helping kids.’ groups. When the pandemic came along, he was happy to help. ‘Nobody’s poor relation’ Government Response He talks to me in his studio, with books The CEO of the NLT Jonathan Douglas On April 8th 2020, the Chancellor ranged behind him, which themselves argues that there’s never been a better Rishi Sunak announced a £750 billion cede to a bright skylight. Softly spoken time to go into the charitable sector: ‘Its package ‘to ensure [charities] can and matter-of-fact, it is clear that his vibrancy and its entrepreneurial ability continue their vital work during the charitable work is conducted out of a comes from the fact that its funding base coronavirus outbreak’. Figure A shows quiet and laudable sense of duty. ‘I have is always tenuous.’ where the money went. Unfortunately, said yes to almost 95 percent of what I’ve in many cases it didn’t go far enough. been asked to do,’ he says, in his careful Paradoxically, Douglas explains, it’s been German accent. ‘There was one job where a good time for the sector, in spite of The picture is complicated by the fact a big airline company wanted me to design the challenges: ‘The most heartening that it is often difficult to tell what some airline masks and I said no to that thing without a doubt has been the sums charities may have received from one. Overall, it’s a difficult situation and organisations that have come through to independent grant-making foundations we do what we can. I can afford to do it, support shielded people, support children such as the Esmée Fairburn Foundation and so I do it.’ to continue learning, and to support the and the Lloyds Bank Foundation. In victims of domestic abuse. All those social some cases, there will have been overlap, Early on in the pandemic, Scheffler was needs have been met by the charity sector. although that can be difficult to unpick. asked by the NLT to provide illustrations I don’t think the charity sector could ever Cory says: ‘When this crisis is over,

CHARITIES' THREE POTS

The £750m was described as being Finally, the government committed to split into two main pots, with a match funding at least £20m of the funds third much smaller pot being a raised by the BBC’s Big Night In. Despite government pledge to ‘match fund’ being much smaller than the other pots, it the BBC’s Big Night In fundraiser. is distinct and so we are calling this Pot C. We break them into the following classifications: POT A: £360M

Pot A, worth £360m, is for ‘charities POT B: £370M providing key services and supporting vulnerable people.’ It comes ‘direct POT C: £20M from government departments.’

Pot B, worth £370m, is for ‘smaller charities.’ This is distributed, at least in part, by the National Lottery Community Fund.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 101 Deep Dive

CHARITIES' PERCEPTIONS OF HOW REPRESENTATIVE THEY ARE OF THE PEOPLE THEY SERVE

NOT FULLY REPRESENTATIVE

FULLY REPRESENTATIVE

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OUR FUNDERS COLLABORATE WELL WITH OTHER FUNDERS

OUR FUNDERS OFFER APPROPRIATE CORE FUNDING

OUR FUNDERS HELP US TO ADAPT AND CHANGE

OUR FUNDERS ARE GENERALLY CONSCIOUS OF POWER DYNAMICS BETWEEN THE FUNDER AND GRANTEE

OUR FUNDERS UNDERSTAND THE PRESSURES WE FACE

OUR FUNDERS REQUIRE APPROPRIATE IMPACT MEASUREMENT

OUR FUNDERS TRUST US

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102 Deep Dive

Axel Scheffler's free book aims to inform and reassure primary age school children

I hope we realise that we need more data and charity shop trading are far more As grim as this is for many, if one were in this sector.’ exposed to more significant losses.’ minded to be optimistic about anything at the moment, it would be about those King argues that government Ed Holloway told us about the gravity who work in this difficult but noble announcements were ‘targeted at of the situation regarding MS: ‘The MS sector: Variety, which continues to send organisations already delivering Society faces losing nearly a third of vital equipment to children; the NLT, government services,’ adding, ‘we don’t our income this year due to Covid-19, which is more committed than ever receive any help whatsoever.’ A few and yet we haven’t received any support before to literacy in areas that need it; weeks after speaking with King, Finito from the Treasury’s £750 million funding the MS Society, which is still a beacon World heard that he too had been package for charities.’ of hope for those suffering from an furloughed. inexplicable disease; and the David What matters here is the centrality of Randall Foundation, which remains Large charities like the Family Fund the society’s role in the fight against an committed to making people’s last received large injections of cash; other awful disease: ‘The MS Society is the months and weeks memorable. smaller organisations did not. But even UK’s leading not-for-profit funder of at the top end, there is pain. As Dan MS research, and every year we invest In my most recent email from Sue Cory says: ‘For the big charities, a lot of millions in new projects – so sadly MS Randall, she tells me: ‘Things are still funding came from big events like the research is one area that has been affected very slow with DRF. Understandably London marathon. Almost all of that by this shortfall. With researchers the people we organise days out for are has been kyboshed.’ With furlough now redeployed and labs closed due to social vulnerable and nervous about going out, about to wind down, many charities distancing, the pandemic had already but requests have started to trickle in. including the National Trust and Cancer affected many of the vital projects we The trouble is you just start to think it’s Research UK have already talked about fund. Right now, we’re doing everything okay to go out and then the government redundancies. In some cases, charities we can to keep these going, but this starts bringing in more restrictions, so I that relied on gift shop income have significant loss to our income means am not surprised at people’s reticence.’ suffered, Cory explains: ‘They have no planned research must be postponed, and income. People aren’t rushing to the we are unable to fund promising new This is a view in miniature of the sector shops. They’re usually the kind of shops work that is desperately needed.’ as a whole: a sense of duty overriding we like rummaging in, but now you’re anxiety; a sector which has been knocked, not meant to touch product.’ When we wrote to the Department which remains determined to rebound; for Culture, Digital Services, Media and above all an industry with an ethos ThinkNPC also argues that the and Sport to ask whether some smaller which values doing things not because Treasury’s monies – though ‘pretty charities were falling through the cracks, they are intrinsically commercial, but generous’, according to Cory – even at we received no reply. Cory says: ‘My because they are inherently important. the high end [of generous]’ A recent guess is medium-sized charities – in report by the organisation found that 27 the £1-5 million bracket - have been Will it all come back? Cory is of the largest service-delivery charities in suffering a lot. For the smaller ones, it’s cautiously optimistic: ‘Not in the same the UK faced a ‘£500 million shortfall’. difficult anyway. Typically, at a small configuration. But people’s will to do The report also found that ‘charities charity you have two and half people good and get involved in charities to fulfilling contracts for local and national with volunteers. Quite a lot aren’t going work for them or volunteer is pretty government are better insulated, whereas to survive this but it’s always like this undiminished.’ In these times, we must charities who rely on public fundraising down that end of the scale.’ take the positives where we find them.

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BILL GATES FIND THE CURE

eroes only truly reveal one “unlucky programmer received an Philanthropist and the founder of themselves when faced with a email at 2:00am that began, ‘This is the Addison Lee, John Griffin, shares Hvillain. The world is up against stupidest piece of code ever written.’” this sentiment. Finito World can a mighty enemy, Covid-19, and many exclusively reveal that Griffin has people have revealed themselves as Then, towards the end of theinvested £12 million into building a everyday heroes; from Janet next decade Gates turned his attention new wing at Northwick Park hospital door making sourdough bread for to philanthropy. Alongside his wife to help speed up the race for a cure. her shielding neighbour to all the key Melinda, the self-proclaimed “impatient workers who kept the country running optimists” formed the Bill & Melinda Griffin has praise for Bill Gates and his during lockdown. Bill Gates has squared Gates Foundation. It seems he turned commitment to finding a vaccine. “He’s a up to coronavirus with huge financial over a new leaf but some regard the good man and he's the right man to have donations. As he has invested more than Foundation as a fig leaf, barely disguising in charge, he really is, I think that people $350 million to fight COVID-19 will the injustice of Gates earning more in who manage to achieve success should history hail the Microsoft founder as a a day than most will earn in a lifetime. not ignore that, it's a gift,” Griffin says. key heroic figure in the pandemic or is his philanthropy just another sign of a Since its inception the Bill & Melinda Indeed, within a few weeks of committing world gone wrong? Gates Foundation has given more than their first $100 million to the fight $50 billion to charities. Its raison d’être is against Covid-19, the Bill & Melinda Jeremy Hunt, the former secretary of to “reduce inequality” but Gates admitted Gates Foundation announced a $50 state for Health, says philanthropy in an Ask Me Anything Reddit session million commitment to fund the new should not be met with cynicism: that he often uses a private jet when ‘Therapeutics Accelerator’. Alongside “Philanthropists should be welcomed reducing inequality. “It does help me do MasterCard and the Wellcome Trust they with open arms and praised to the my Foundation work but again it is a very have invested in a variety of treatments, rafters. I really don’t understand those privileged thing to have,” he conceded. But including the University of Oxford and who criticise the generosity of others." aside from the occasional uncomfortable AstraZeneca vaccine which is one of the bit of irony, his philanthropy also seven vaccines in the final stage of trials. While Nick Dearden, director of Global gives him an extraordinary amount of Justice Now, is more sceptical about power. Put bluntly, Bill Gates chooses Professor Arpana Verma who is a wealthy individuals being involved in who lives and who dies. He influences clinical professor of Public Health the race for a cure as vaccines should be the success or failure of a vaccine just and Epidemiology at University of public goods. “The answer to massive because people bought his computers. Manchester said funding from the economic, healthcare or environmental Gates Foundation is “key” to finding problems cannot be left to some of But Hunt dismissed the idea that a vaccine and ensuring it is accessible. the richest people in the world, as positioning philanthropists as heroes if we were living in the Victorian risks creating a plutocracy, saying: She regards philanthropy as a necessary Age when social harms were seen as “A democratic society like ours has component in successful public health matters of charity and benevolence.” sufficient checks and balances to stop initiatives. “Public health through undue influence but if someone wants the centuries has been based on With a net worth of around $120 billion, to pledge a fortune or a fiver to make philanthropists. When we got the Gates is only the second richest man the world a better place they should be industrial revolution, we got the core in the world. With an estimated net thanked and encouraged. I spent a lot epidemiologists coming in. In Greater worth of $200 billion, Amazon founder of time trying to boost philanthropy to Manchester we had Edwin Chadwick, Jeff Bezos comes in at number one. In the arts when I was Culture Secretary and in Liverpool we had William Varr, contrast to Gates, and although he has and was always struck by the difference and in London we had John Snow. This pledged to invest billions into Covid in attitude between the UK and the US. was the crux of things happening fast. initiatives, Bezos has been positioned as a coronavirus villain - Super Spreader “Philanthropists in the US are seen “Philanthropy works at its best when - after hundreds of Amazon staff as heroes but here in the UK our took strike action to protest issues first thoughts can be negative. That’s around the company’s response to the changing but we should do more to pandemic, including limited sick pay embrace the good work that many very generous and inspirational people do.” In the 1990s, few people would have elevated Gates above Bezos. Gates was fighting a series of legal battles around the monopolistic business practices of Microsoft. Former Microsoft employees described the office as a confrontational environment, with Gates being “demanding”. According to James Wallace’s Hard Drive, more than

104 International "He's a good man and he's the right man to have in charge, he really is."

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to devote a huge portion, you know, half or more, of their fortunes to addressing issues like public health. He really is the person who speaks most of it. He's sort of like a born-again philanthropist.” Gates may be a born-again philanthropist but he approaches his giving with pragmatic, almost heartless logic. In the documentary, Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates, Gates recalls the moment he showed his daughter a polio video. “The video ends with the girl who’s got the paralysis limping down the road with a crummy wood crutch. My daughter said to me, ‘well what did you do?’ I said well we’re going to eradicate it. She said, 'no no, what did you do for her?’” With a business analogy, he goes on to explain that this emotional attitude is not productive and that he believes in “optimisation”. “The emotional connection is always retail, even though, if you want to make a dent in this thing you better think wholesale, ten to the six, ten to the seven type magnitudes,” he says. Levy believes that Gates is primarily motivated by the intellectual challenge. “It isn’t ‘I'm doing good for the world’, ‘I've got to do good’ it's like ‘these are fascinating challenges that engage me Griffin endowed The Griffin Institute with his £12 million gift to intellectually and I've got something to offer there’. I think he finds a lot of Northwick Park Hospital satisfaction in pursuing it and learning about the science and speaking to it gets things moving. Whilst understanding of disease. scientists and adding his brain power governments and even NGOs might to solving this.” In the power, money, have more of the administrative to get He has inspired other entrepreneurs knowledge triad, it seems for Gates, through, philanthropists might not in the healthcare profession. Gabi knowledge always comes out on top. have that burden. Hakim who is the founder of a new VacTrack app which collates vaccine In many ways he is the archetypal nerd. "A lot of philanthropists are well up on histories and sends reminders for He takes ‘think weeks’ where he goes off the evidence so they know what things follow up boosters, cites Bill Gates as alone to a cabin in the woods and reads. to do and can get ahead and do it,” an influence. “Bill Gates has always When he is fascinated about a subject she adds. stood out as the standard to which he reads as much as he can about it. we should all aspire. In particular, his His interest in the environment The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation work in both biotech and digital health compelled him to read the rather has been focused on combating through his Foundation has emphasised esoteric Japan’s Dietary Transition and disease for years and it has made polio the fact that tackling health crises Its Impact by Vaclav Smil, for instance. eradication one of its top priorities. One requires intervention at population of the Foundation’s first big investments scale, which aligns with our own Levy explains that it was Melinda who was to an organisation called Gavi, the mission of accessibility for the masses. forced him to channel his intellectual Vaccine Alliance. Since 2000, Gavi and I think personally, it's seeing his ability brilliance into philanthropy. "Really, partners have immunised more than persist through the bureaucracy and the big impetus for him getting into 760 million children, saving over complexities associated with healthcare philanthropy at that point in his life 13 million lives. today that has motivated us.” when he did was his wife. I do feel it was her influence that led him to step This knowledge of disease has made WIRED's editor at large, Steven Levy, back from Microsoft maybe sooner than Gates a coronavirus Cassandra. In a who has been conducting interviews he thought.” Melinda’s influence has 2015 Ted Talk he warned: “If anything with Gates since 1983, points out that been profound and since the beginning kills over ten million people in the next Gates has also made a positive impact she has inspired Bill to be better and few decades, it’s likely to be a highly through his cajoling of other wealthy think differently. infectious virus rather than a war. people. We need preparedness,” he demanded. Melinda joined Microsoft after Clearly, Gates' value in the fight He says: "I've met a lot of billionaires, graduating with a degree in computer against Covid is not exclusively due to the field I cover produces billionaires, science and economics from Duke the amount of money he is throwing basically he's made it a point to stand up University and a master's in business into the cause but due to his deep and argue for other very wealthy people administration from the Fuqua School

106 International BILL GATES' PHILANTHROPY

Mary Maxwell Gates Bill Maxwell Gates Warren Buffett

Gates’ philanthropic spirit may be in Bill Gates’ late father, a lawyer and Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire part credited to his late mother, Mary co chair of the Bill & Melinda Hathaway and friend of Bill Gates, Maxwell Gates. Throughout his life his Gates Foundation, has always been gifted ten million shares of Berkshire mother, a businesswoman and teacher, passionate about fairness and wealth. Hathaway stock to the Gates encouraged him to get his head out In 2010, Gates Sr. helped lead the Foundation in June 2006, according of books and interact with people. campaign for Initiative 1098, a ballot to the Foundation’s site, which is paid According to a 2009 Wall Street Journal measure to create a state income tax in annual instalments. In a Facebook article, it was Mary who urged him to for Washington. In an interview with status in honour of Buffett’s 89th give some of his wealth away. GeekWire, Gates explained: “My dad birthday, Melinda Gates wrote: "... has a well-developed sense of justice. Warren believes in the true role of He decided there should be an income philanthropy: To take risks where tax. Based on the voters, not that many governments can’t and to be a true Melinda Gates people agreed with him. But he had a catalyst for change. Warren, you are firm conviction about that.” that catalyst for Bill and me. You Gates married Melinda, who is co- are our lift.” In a 2016 blog post founder pf the Bill & Melinda Gates celebrating 25 years of friendship Bill Foundation, in 1994. In the early years Gates wrote: “Warren has helped us of the Foundation, Bill was very focused do two things that are impossible to on his work at Microsoft and Melinda overdo in one lifetime: learn more and therefore shaped the direction of the laugh more.” Foundation.

Giving Pledge Mark Zuckerberg Boris Johnson

Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, The Prime Minister spoke to Bill and Buffett created the Giving Pledge the philanthropic organisation that Melinda Gates in May to discuss the in 2010. It is an open invitation for Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg UK’s contribution to helping countries billionaires, or those who would be if and his wife Priscilla Chan launched around the world tackle coronavirus not for their giving, to publicly commit in 2015, is contributing $25 million to and the work of the Gates Foundation to giving the majority of their wealth Bill Gates' accelerator for developing in this area. They met again at the to philanthropy. therapies and medicine to treat UK-hosted Global Vaccine Summit on Covid-19. June 4th.

Donald Trump

Bill Gates has been vocal in his criticism of Donald Trump’s handling of the pandemic, particularly President Trump’s decision to halt funding for World Health Organisation in April.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 107 International of Business. One evening after work, not make his actions any less valuable. Bill asked her if she wanted to go out for As Batman says, "It's not who I am dinner, in two weeks time. She declined underneath, but what I do that The Bill & Melinda telling him she wanted spontaneity defines me.” Heroes are also defined Gates Foundation and an hour or so later she received by their enemies. a phone call from him asking “is this Covid-19 response spontaneous enough for you?” Last month, during the week polio was eradicated from Africa, 10,000 • The oundationF has If Bill is deserving of a hero status, conspiracy theorists gathered in committed more than $350 Melinda is too, perhaps even more Trafalgar Square to protest against million to support the global so. It was Melinda who inspired the lockdowns, masks and vaccinations. response to Covid-19. Foundation to focus on combating This includes: disease when as a new mother she read In speeches they rallied against Bill Gates. an article that described how children • $250 million to improve were still dying from diarrhoea. Now she Of course, unthinking reverence of detection, isolation, and is using her influence to protect women treatment efforts; protect from the devastation of Covid-19. philanthropists could lead to abuses of power, but as it stands the Foundation at-risk populations in Africa and South Asia; accelerate But no matter whether Gates' is contributing to developing a vaccine that could save the world and we need the development of vaccines, philanthropy is driven by Melinda or drugs, and diagnostics; and by pure intellectual curiosity, it does all the heroes we can get. minimise the social and economic impacts of the pandemic. The Foundation announced $100 million to the global response in February, and then increased this commitment by an additional $150 million in April.

• $5 million to support the Covid-19 response in the Greater Seattle Area. This funding supported local public health efforts in Seattle & King County as well as six regional response funds that aim to meet the needs of those disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.

• $100 million to Gavi’s new Covid-19 Vaccine Advance Market Commitment, to support its future efforts to deliver Covid-19 vaccines to lower-income countries.

• In addition to the more than $350 million committed, the Foundation will also leverage a portion of its Strategic Investment Fund, which addresses market failures and helps make it attractive for private enterprise to develop affordable and accessible health products. For example, the Foundation is collaborating with Gavi and the Serum Institute of India to accelerate the manufacture and delivery of up to 100 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines for low- and middle-income countries. $150 million came from their Strategic Investment Fund. Gabi Hakim, founder of VacTrack app

108 Culture, Books & Travel

P 118 —The Art of the Matter: How the art world is bouncing back from Covid-19

127 CAGED BIRD 110 STEALING THE SHOW 146 THE NAME OF THE FATHER Mark Padmore surveys a troubled How will film survive if a second Stanley Johnson on the Covid-19 performing arts sector wave strikes in the winter? novel and Boris' virus response

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 109 Film Emily Prescott HOW WILL FILM SURVIVE THE PANDEMIC?

just like a hermetically sealed unit that is fairly safe and easy to maintain.” “Houston, we have a problem”: Keeping the crew healthy Keeping cast and crew Covid-free presents an ongoing challenge. It was hard not to cringe while watching films in lockdown and noticing how recklessly the characters shake hands and spread their germs all over the set. So, should we expect the latest films to be sanitised and devoid of intimacy? Rebecca Johnson says: "For me the most concerning thing is keeping actors apart. I just don't see how you can do that. It's too creatively inhibiting. There's just too much content that you wouldn't be able to make while keeping actors at a distance.” James Kent worries about the costs associated with keeping people safe. He said: “If there's an outbreak on set then your whole crew is off, there's a whole

"Filming is all about momentum. There's a famous And... inaction! Movies have been severely hit by Covid-19 saying in the industry: You're t’s a not uncommon thought during If you're in the middle of a project and it never sure it's happening until these times: “Is this reality or some has to be stopped, it’s a pain to remount you've got your bacon butty. I awful dream?” As we queue in it,’ he explains. ‘It's very complicated to get masked silence, told to keep two metres your actors back as many of them will be The bacon butty guarantees apart over the tannoys, our lives now feel booked on to other jobs. It's definitely a the fact that you're filming and post-apocalyptic, as if a dystopia fit for bit of a logistical nightmare.” the silver screen had migrated somehow until that moment comes, into our actual lives. But in some ways making movies is always a precarious business, he adds: “Filming a film cannot happen." But if the pandemic is the stuff of movies, is all about momentum. There's a famous how is it impacting the way films are made saying in the industry: You're never sure and consumed? Finito World has identified it's happening until you've got your bacon the four key hurdles filmmakers are facing butty. The bacon butty guarantees the fact issue about insurance and how that's being over the next few months. Strap yourself that you're filming and until that moment covered. If Chris Pratt gets coronavirus into your home cinema seats: it’s going to comes, a film cannot happen.” when acting in Jurassic Park they won’t be be a bumpy ride. able to shoot.” But perhaps it’s not all doom and gloom. “Just keep swimming”: Keeping the Rebecca Johnson, who has directed And it looks like productions won’t momentum an array of shows including Call the be getting any financial assistance if Midwife as well as her own critically coronavirus strikes on set. Kris Barnfather Although filming has started again, many acclaimed feature film, Honeytrap, says from the creative insurance broker Eggar productions are still reeling from the viewers might see a rise in indie films Forrester Creative is blunt: “Without psychological and logistical consequences since they aren’t so vulnerable to the loss meaning to sound all doom and gloom, of lockdown. of momentum. “What’s good about indie realistically there’s just not a way forward. films is they are usually shot over a short Insurers are explicitly writing coronavirus Finito World spoke to James Kent whose period of time. Usually about four weeks cover out of contracts. directing credits include Testament of so potentially there will be a rise in these Youth, starring Kit Harrington, and The sorts of films. Cost is going to be an issue The reality does indeed sound grim. Aftermath, starring Keira Knightley. “ but if people really did isolate and it was “Some people are worried about being

110 Insurance policy? James Kent worries about the administrative aspects of making movies now

*Milkaround and Digin 20 April 2020 www.finito.org.ukwww.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 111 Film

Cate Blanchett touches elbows with festival director Alberto Barbera at the Venice Film Festival sued if someone catches Covid-19 on set,’ and Hairdressers, has been coming up with honest. Going to the cinema feels like an Barnfather continues, ‘so we are suggesting solutions to keep the stars looking good. unnecessary risk. I'm not that scared everyone does a coronavirus risk of getting it but I will avoid it if I can.” assessment and that they make sure people She explained: “We are advising all of understand the risks and sign documents our artists to wear appropriate PPE. James Kent is also pessimistic: “The real to mark this understanding if necessary.” This includes aprons and a visor as well problem is with film: how does anyone as a mask. Of course, we are saying make any money when you can only put Production companies are having to be hand-washing must be regular. We are also half the amount of people in the cinema?” especially careful. Actor Tyler Perry who suggesting that makeup brushes are left owns studios in Atlanta was one of the overnight in a UV cabinet.” “Oscar winning films are generally skewed first people to outline, in great detail, towards an older demographic and they how to start filming amid the Covid-19 But hairdryers are getting the cut. She are going to be the ones least wanting to outbreak. His 30-page plan titled “Camp explains: “Hairdryers move air around and go back into the cinema. Anybody over Quarantine” reveals the steps individuals so they increase the likelihood of infection 55 is not going to be rushing back to the should take. It says all luggage has to be spreading and therefore we are saying no movie theatre.” disinfected, cast and crew should isolate to hairdryers.” before filming and they will also be Which all sounds a bit bleak. So where’s required to take nasal swabs. “Makeup artists cannot adhere to social the uplifting riding-off-into-the-sunset distancing. They are essential on set and ending? Well, University of Exeter film “Well, nobody’s perfect”: Keeping the cast with the right precautions risk can be professor James Lyons points out that looking good minimised,” she says. coronavirus could encourage the film industry to consider its impact on the Nasal swabs hardly scream movie "I'll be back”: Keeping people in the climate. industry glitz and glamour. Indeed, cinema during lockdown, viewers watched TV He said: “The film industry is a very presenters’ faces droop from lack of botox We’ve highlighted the hurdles and resource-intensive enterprise in many and saw their blonde fade to grey. So will shown, for the most part, there are ways respects, and it needs to come to terms coronavirus mark an end of polished stars? to minimise risk. So the shows will go much more seriously and urgently with its on. But the question is, who will dare to contribution to climate change." Looking James Kent explains: “Makeup is a real venture to the cinema to watch them? ahead, Kent is intent on identifying the issue, particularly for period dramas. You positives: "This moment is one for us to all can get away with it in a modern drama Cinemas in the UK have reopened again reflect on what we have taken for granted, because you've got your own hair but with albeit without singalong screenings and and adapting in the months and years to wigs or anything that involves prosthetics, pick’n’mix. Nonetheless, the industry is on come must surely involve thinking of more it’s impossible.” track for its worst year since 1996, with sustainable ways to live and work. The film box office and advertising revenue set to be industry is no exception.” Sandra Exelby, who has done makeup on down almost £900 million. the sets of Doctor Who, Dad’s Army, and So hopefully in the future we will view Bugsy Malone and now chairs the National Rebecca Johnson admits: "I'm not sure I'm post-apocalyptic scenes exclusively on Association of Screen Make-up Artists going to go to the cinema in a hurry, to be the screen.

112 www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 113 Still Life by Lorna May Wadsworth, 2020

114 Art The Tale of the Artless Summer ROBERT GOLDING LOOKS BACK ON A TOUGH YEAR FOR THE ARTS AND HERITAGE SECTOR BUT DISCOVERS HOPE AHEAD

nthony Gormley stands before a sea of small clay figurines at the First Site gallery in Colchester and poses for photographs. ‘I’m very, veryA thrilled,’ he says. ‘It’s never been more relevant than now.’ He is referring to his thought-provoking sculpture Field for the British Isles: a sea of faces, all open-mouthed looking eerily back at the viewer. First produced in 1993, it won him the Turner Prize in 1994. Gormley never looked back, and the work too has shifted, as good art does, with the times. ‘I’m proud to see it here,’ he says. ‘Colchester has a long, proud history of immigration.’ Then pointing to the inspired installation, where the faces amass until they reach a corner and then disappear off unseen, Gormley exhibits a boyish thrill: ‘It’s never been shown ‘on the angle’ as it were, where the first bit of orthogonal architecture promises to dispense with orthogonality.’ All of which would ordinarily be perfectly normal – a famous artist using the word ‘orthogonality’ while journalists and gallery directors nod sagely, enjoying their proximity to greatness, and concealing their bafflement. In the ordinary scheme of things, one might also relate all that the sculptor went on to say about Brexit; how generous he was with his time; and how marvellous it is when an artist by Lorna May Wadsworth, 2020 plainly enjoys elaborating on their work. Perfect Tulips Escape Fictional Jug Except that this is not the ordinary scheme of things, as Gormley was speaking on the eve of the coronavirus. The world, without anyone being "2020 was set to be another year of treats: Titian at the aware of it, was primed for change. National Gallery, Van Eyck at MSK Gent, Cranach at The Ides of March Compton Verey." 2020 was set to be another year of treats: Titian at the National Gallery, Van Eyck at MSK Gent, Cranach on one’s cashflow going into the crisis, yes, warm Irish voice, she seems an unlikely at Compton Verney. As the virus but also on the layout of a site. Did your messenger of pessimism, but pessimistic proliferated, anxious gallery directors gallery have monetisable outside space she undoubtedly is. She tells me that had suddenly to cope with dramatically like Hampton Court? If so, you could at the urban sites face ‘a gigantic problem’. suspended footfall. They examined least reopen your gardens. But what if your The example she gives is Turner’s not just their balance sheets, but in gallery was urban, like, say, the Handel House, known as Sandycombe Lodge many cases their raison d’être. Curators House off New Bond Street, a space in Twickenham. ‘It’s the only surviving turned themselves overnight into online where social distancing was impossible? property Turner designed himself. It has a TV presenters, as galleries pivoted to For such sites, a long road lay ahead. handful of small rooms and one winding virtual exhibitions, with mixed results. staircase. You might be talking admitting Maev Kennedy, the former arts editor five visitors at a time, so how do you As with the wider economic story at The Guardian and BBC Radio 4 make the numbers stack up?’ she asks. of coronavirus, there was a terrible presenter, had been due to travel to randomness about 2020: the arbitrariness Ghent for the Van Eyck exhibition, but Kennedy is also worried for the of the virus ruled all. Survival depended had to cancel. Naturally ebullient, with a National Trust, which announced

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 115 Compton Verney from the Adam Bridge

1200 job losses in late July. ‘It has a before lockdown. It was only for a week handling units, management processes, huge advantage of the enormous and but people carried on visiting and the conservation.’ A museum cannot just incredibly loyal friends base, but the feedback was that everyone felt safe. But sit tight in a way some businesses can. problem will be a demographic one. we ended up locking down the house, The volunteer base are overwhelmingly and closing the grounds on 20th March.’ Galleries were therefore thrown back on over 60s and that might be being polite.’ their digital smarts - an area which many So although Finch soon realised that institutions subsequently realised they’d Kennedy speaks with great authority, and she’d ‘lost a year of income’ - the shortfall not been paying sufficient attention to her pessimism is especially convincing stemmed particularly from reorganised prior to the pandemic. ‘We invented a since it plainly comes from a place of weddings - she also realised she had to digital strategy overnight and went live longstanding love. Even in September, seek ‘the good will to rebook.’ Finch with the Cranach exhibition,’ Finch as many galleries and museums embark had also proved to herself and others explains. But this was no silver bullet: on reopening strategies, her voice that she could make the Compton ‘The question is: “How can you monetise remains with me, urging caution. Verney experience viable going forwards. digital and reach a wider audience going forwards?” In its first week we had 22,000 The Pivot to Digital views and we would never have received "I travelled in February that normally. But we had no pay wall.’ Not every gallery we spoke to was through Singapore and caught off guard by the pandemic. Ay, there’s the rub. Finch notes that the Compton Verney’s director Julie so I saw it coming. As soon virus creates an opportunity to ‘nurture Finch was well-prepared for the as I got back, I set up the virtual community,’ but there does virus thanks to a journey she took to seem a lack of detail as to how this will the Far East at the start of the year. a Covid-19 team." ever make up the shortfalls in revenue. ‘I travelled in February through Maev Kennedy is unconvinced about Singapore and so I saw it coming,’ she the proliferation of online content: ‘I tells us. ‘As soon as I got back, I set The great anxiety for the heritage sector don’t think they’re doing much more up a Covid-19 team. I was insisting is that the cost of opening can sometimes than reminding people they exist.’ at the end of February that people exceed the cost of staying closed. Finch not sit close together in meetings and explains: ‘We generate about £1.6 Even so, what would this virtual everyone thought I was bonkers.’ Finch million a year through commercial community entail? According to Finch, now realises she was fortunate to be a activity but just to house the collection you could make exhibitions ‘more of step ahead: ‘We prepared for a staged at Compton Verney costs £300,000 a festival of ideas around our creative closure and had a social distancing policy a year. You’re talking security, air- content and collections. You can Zoom

116 Art

her: she has sold pictures on Instagram. Even so, there is a limit to her embrace of the digital sphere: ‘We’re so sick of being online,’ she says. ‘I hold a belief: a good painting never reproduces as good in real life, a mediocre painting will reproduce better.’ So caveat emptor. But there was also good to be done. Wadsworth signed the Artists Support Pledge, meaning that she will buy £200 of art for every £1,000 she sells. She also helped launch the Bourlet Young Masters Art Prize which aimed to get children busy during lockdown while raising money for the Cavell Nurses’ Trust.

"In many ways, for artists themselves the virus is not that big a jump. I spent the whole of last year on lockdown preparing for my retrospective at Sheffield's Graves Gallery. It was odd to see the world react in horror to your life basically!"

This marvellous initiative – as Stephen Fry put it, ‘from the fridge to national recognition’ – chimes with the sense of community which Finch has also tried to promote at Compton Verney. ‘The profession has been massively supportive of one another which is brilliant,’ she says. ‘We’ve been thinking about how Compton Verney can help the local area. One of Quentin Blake's 'portable rainbows', One of those is health and well-being and use of the grounds. We have a local pass and have put in a cheap ticket for people someone in from America to take part, But her portrait work necessarily dried to come as many times as they want and create new perspectives and intellect.’ up at the outset of the virus and she over a five-week period. We also have But Finch also concedes that ‘you found herself doing still lives in her flat. special price-ticketing for NHS staff.’ can’t beat the real thing for a minute.’ Wadsworth is infectious and kind, and This noble approach was also evident From Portraits to Still Lives you can detect the steel of ambition in the delightful series of free rainbow beneath her warmth: ‘In many ways, for e-cards (see left), produced by Quentin But art’s perennial strength is its artists themselves the virus is not that big Blake for the House of Illustration which adaptability, and it might be consoling a jump. I spent the whole of last year on are, he says, ‘for people to send to loved for young people considering careers lockdown preparing for my retrospective ones they cannot currently see due to the in the arts to hear that there are signs at Sheffield’s Graves Gallery. It was coronavirus lockdown, to show they are that artists are beginning to look afresh odd to see the world react in horror to thinking of them at this difficult time.’ at the world. Some have even found your life basically!’ And how has the lockdown enriching, and challenged work been? ‘Lots of artists have said The generosity seems to connect back to themselves to find new ways of working, they’ve not been able to work because a comment Anthony Gormley made to and to discover fresh forms of expression. of the stress and the worry. My reaction me regarding Field for the British Isles: was to go gung-ho on these still lives.’ ‘‘The idea that my name is on this is Lorna May Wadsworth is a portrait rubbish. It is a collective work made by painter, especially noted for her These turn out to be a leap forward for the collective hands of a collective people.’ famous Last Supper with a black her artistically: Wadsworth has turned Christ (a print of which now hangs her gaze away from people and found So one’s best version of coronavirus in in St Alban’s cathedral), and for her a sort of personality in these objects. the arts world would entail precisely magnificent portraits of Margaret‘The tea pots are talking to each other this: an arrival at not only new ways of Thatcher, who sat for Wadsworth five or dancing. They project the need for seeing, but a new sense of community. times towards the end of her life when connection,’ she says. The move towards Perhaps it might not be too much to Wadsworth herself was in her 20s. online has had hopeful ramifications for argue that we have moved more quickly

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 117 Here we are Dahl-ing: Quentin Blake's rainbows were designed to be sent to loved ones in lockdown

118 Art than we might otherwise have done A Modest Reopening towards a kind of collective seeing. "For younger people, the All of which sounded grim over the The Outlook for the Young summer, and sounds grim now. But consequences of this are going as we moved into July and August, to be felt for a very long time." But is the arts world still worth going galleries did begin opening again. Dr. into? Julie Finch is optimistic: ‘The Gabriele Finaldi, the director of the sector has to modernise now. Compton National Gallery, had been sending out in the Kennedy school of pessimism. Verney will need to prioritise digital bulletins about his favourite pictures audience development, and give the lead during lockdown. (‘He seemed a bit like This pessimism was to some extent for being a more diverse organisation. a Renaissance prince alone in his castle, improved by a day in Twickenham in Since Covid-19 things have moved it rather suited him,’ jokes Kennedy). August where I attended Strawberry on exponentially. I think there Hill House, and Turner's House. will be roles coming up, so I In both instances, I book ahead wouldn’t discourage people and become part of a small group from going down that route.’ of three in structured socially Maev Kennedy remains distanced tours of small spaces concerned: ‘There’s going to be a (both houses are structures round flood of good people all released vertical staircases where it would out into a shrunken market at the be impossible to socially distance). same time. For younger people, the consequences of this are going On the plus side, the new tour to be felt for a very long time.’ group approach makes for a sense of camaraderie among Despite this, the contemporary gallery-goers; on each occasion art market has remained vibrant I find I enjoy the company of throughout the crisis: the wealthy those I am with. But for me, locked-down have been staring the experience of museum- at that blank patch of wall, and going is all to do with entering wondering what to fill it with. a state of private meditation and communion in a public A well-known London art setting. This has always made me dealer lists for me the sheer sceptical about audio guides and range of opportunities in the guided tours. If the world has arts worlds, from framing to moved more towards face-to- the legal side, to forgery and face interaction while we look at counterfeiting and academia. She our heritage then that might not sees a predominantly optimistic always find me in the right mood. landscape: ‘It’s been a difficult time but the world hasn’t stopped. Back to the Future The US stock market is back Whenever I think back on that to where it was a year ago. day in Colchester with Anthony We’ve sent things to Australia.’ Gormley it is impossible not Then she rattles off other to feel grief at what we were professions which she expects so suddenly deprived of in will be resilient: ‘There’s insurance and Lucas Cranach, Lot and His Daughters March. In an attempt to correct this, transportation of art - and then there’s I sometimes find myself groping the massive multi-layered business of a bit too obviously after positives. buying and selling artists, representing Covid-proof routes had been designed. It artists, not to mention the buying and was a cathartic moment for the nation’s When I speak to Sally Shaw, the auction house routes. A lot of this has oldest institution to be leading the way. director of First Site and a friend of been hit, but it hasn’t been death blows.’ But it was still a sign of how much the sculptor, she says, ‘I’m currently things had changed: a place you used sitting in an empty gallery which She adds: ‘What we’ve learned in all sectors to walk in from off the street was now is odd.’ It is another sad image. is to use digital communication. We’re operating on a still-free but competitive helped by the fact that the private buyer ticket-booking system. This seemed to But she tells me of an optimistic project is now prepared to make more decisions spell the suspension of the impromptu she embarked upon during lockdown. from a screen than they were before.’ 20-minute gallery visit at lunchtime. It occurred to Shaw to start a series of Artist Activity Packs, and the first person Maev Kennedy agrees, but emphasises A few weeks later the Tate Britain she thought to contact was Gormley. that it’s just one segment of the opened and felt a fairly eerie experience. ‘We thought it would be brilliant to get art market: ‘Once you go upwards The Clore Galleries where the famous people to do something in their homes. I it’s going to be okay. That whole collection of J. M. W. Turners' hang was always remember colouring-in as a kid. business of bringing in a Russian closed, cordoning off visitor access to the We’d just done Field for the British Isles oligarch to see a Titian with a glass of William Blakes' without explanation. with Anthony and so I held my breath champagne: that won’t be affected at all.’ And the gallery was structured according and wrote an email and asked him if he to two routes: the British Art from wanted to partner with us. Within ten But for Kennedy this is cold 1560-1930 route and the contemporary minutes, I got a reply and we were doing it.’ comfort when we look at the route. It was good to be back but sheer enormity of the ructions for impossible to ignore that the galleries The resulting project, in Shaw’s words, museums and galleries more generally. felt somehow sad. I began to find myself ‘went bonkers. We’ve done three

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 119 Sea of Troubles: Anthony Gormley has helped First Site Gallery react to the Covid-19 crisis packs and they’ve been distributed At one point, Gormley says in his House. Upstairs, where only three of us to 65,000 households. People inimitably digressive way: ‘We’ve got are allowed at a time, there’s a telescope were desperate to do something.’ to achieve social justice in a time when which seeks to show the visitor what the goods have absolute free passage globally, view out of the artist’s bedroom would There is something here which is more and yet somehow people do not. Why are have been in his day. It is an image of an than just pie-in-the-sky consolation. we going backwards in time when we've Arcadian landscape unimpinged-upon During this time, the art world has been given all of the tools of the collective by the rows of samey semi-detached shown tremendous resourcefulness, mind? The internet is the realisation of and an absolute commitment to the the idea of the biosphere circled by mind.’ houses which we experience today. transformative power of art at this time. Marble House, occluded now, seemed ‘A biosphere circled by mind’. It right before the artist then. The river When I was with Gormley before would be hard to think of a more apt could be seen, and though you can’t Field for the British Isles, I asked or prescient description of the times see it now, the museum has rescued him how that piece would change if we live in. It took an artist to say it, for us as an ingenious act of rescuing. Scotland were to leave the Union. It and it would take an artist to show it. was a question about the way in which It strikes me that this project to understand art itself changes, as the world mutates. In Twickenham, it occurs to me that the past shall continue, and in doing form history is full of intended restorations our future. This endeavour shall include On that occasion, Gormley dodged and easy romanticisms which were understanding better the past six months. the question, answering that that thwarted in the end by the irreversible To do that, you could do a lot worse nature of time. For Gormley, Brexit was would be the ‘next chapter in a long than start with Lorna May Wadsworth’s national story of unfolding madness.’ just the most recent of these. In reality we never restore past eras – and we shall not exciting and original still lives. And it But a few months later, the B word restore the world to March 17th 2020. is a hopeful fact that at Turner’s House, has been replaced by the C-word, but though there is a bottle of hand sanitiser looking over my transcripts I realise that What hope might be placed in on the table next to it, visitors are still not as much changes as we think it does. opposition to this? I find it in Turner’s encouraged to touch that telescope.

120 Turning the corner: The telescope at the artist's house in Sydenham

www.finito.org.ukwww.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 121 Architecture Not Doubting Thomas WILL WE EVER RETURN TO OUR OFFICES? AND WHAT WILL THEY LOOK LIKE IF WE DO? GEORGE ACHEBE TALKS TO THOMAS HEATHERWICK

ournalists I speak to lately have begun to notice a new presence within their "The most interesting thing has been reflecting on what this J recordings of interviews and Zoom call presentations: birdsong. Lockdown means and how's it going to change our lives." coincided with marvellous weather; our offices became our gardens. And the sky on our road in Islington reverberates with the sound of spanner on metal; our friends over in Muswell Hill have replanted their garden since they spend so much time looking at it; my conveyancing lawyer tells me he may, or may not, return to the office. If so, he says, it will be used primarily as a storage space. There is, in other words, a unanimity about lockdown: you can be sure that your own experience can be extrapolated into the general. And yet if you ever leave your cosy home and venture to the centre of town, you’ll discover the flipside of all this neighbourliness and quiet domestic improvement. Soho strikes me as especially melancholy. There’s the sandwich bar I used to frequent now boarded up; a new kind of silence, not so much contemplative as eerily touristless; and with around one in ten businesses open, you have a sense that this place has insufficient residential activity to last in its current form beyond the end of furlough. Will these businesses return? It is dependent on what decision we make about our office arrangements. This varies from business to business of course. For a more in-depth analysis of the landscape see our exclusive employability survey which begins on page 79. But what are the implications for architects? Thomas Heatherwick, the famous founder of the Heatherwick Studio, explains that he has seen some positives come out of the coronavirus period: ‘The most interesting thing has been reflecting on what this means and how it’s going to change our lives. I’m wrestling with the sense that [pre- Covid 19] there was more and more sharing – of cars, workspaces and living spaces. The world was becoming more efficient because people were learning to live together in different ways.’ In Heatherwick's eyes, the pandemic represented a ‘retreat’ into the private Nanyang City, Heatherwick Studio: 2015 space – a world of Victorian studies, and

122 Architecture stockpiled toilet roll. But Heatherwick, This will no doubt be a familiar experience these, although he admits it may be a who in person is infectiously optimistic for many. What changes has that made to way off. ‘I spoke to Network Rail, with and free-wheeling, is already solving Alan’s view of his existing central London whom I have a joint venture, and in a the problem the world has set him: office space? ‘It suddenly became a burden number of stations, footfall is down 88 ‘The positive side is that people will and we were realising that the more we percent. That’s catastrophic,’ he concedes. be spending more time on their worked from home, the benefits this gave homes, and thinking on how their to everyone [would accrue].’ And what In addition, Olsen, whose livelihood is homes work for any situation.’ In are these? ‘Everyone would save on travel bound up in office life, also makes some the meantime, he says, business- expenses and commuting time could be admissions about the benefits of working owners have decisions to make about spent with partners and families.’ The from home. For him, they’re linked to whether to redesign their office space. perennial bugbear or exorbitant business wellness. ‘In the afternoon, I get tired rates has also been front of mind for the with too much coffee and a big lunch and We are all aware that this is a sort of business. ‘The rent, rates and insurance so I’ll lie down on the sofa for half an hour drawn-out inflection point, where the saved by surrendering a central London which is almost socially unacceptable to human behaviour that will dictate what office will enable us to invest in people, do in the office.’ Olsen sees it as a positive solution we end up with is latent, and equipment and technology to increase future driver of business that we’re now yet to be revealed. Furthermore, it will our efficiency and service our clients.’ finding ourselves more attuned to what likely differ from country to country; he calls ‘wellness fluctuations’ in each sector to sector; and CEO to CEO. So Alan S has to some extent made up other. Workers with children are another his mind, and there are plenty of him. example. ‘It used to be that if someone When I talk to Alan S – the CEO of a said “Can I make that meeting 11 instead leading boutique creative agency, who of 10?’, you’d say: “Deal with your kids also has the sound of birds in his garden "I'm wrestling with the sense another time.” Now when a member of – he speaks only on the condition that he that [pre-Covid19] there was staff says, “I’m not feeling myself ”, I say, remains anonymous. This is because he “Have a rest, there’s no problem. Speak isn’t quite sure where his business will land more and more sharing — to you later, speak to you next week”. and he doesn’t want to give any misleading of cars, workspaces or worrying information to his workforce. All this is an indicator of how power and living spaces." has moved rapidly away from the ‘As a small business we have always worked employer towards the employee. For from a fixed office in central London and Olsen, it’s not that the office model although we have let employees work needs to go; it’s that it needs to change from home when required we have never But it is by no means a unanimous and be adapted to reflect our new reality. all worked remotely at the same time,’ view. In fact you’ll find some who he explains. ‘We did a trial run before argue that an imminent vaccine, most What ramifications will this have lockdown was announced in order to likely arriving in 2021, and distributed for the buildings around us? Thomas iron out any issues that might possibly towards the end of that year or in 2022, Heatherwick agrees with Olsen, but he arise, so when lockdown happened we will see a return to a world reminiscent sees it from an architect’s perspective. were as ready as possible.’ So how did it of pre-Covid 19 office-centric life. For him, there has simply been too much pan out? ‘The overriding response was ‘lazy place-making’, and the pre-Covid that everyone found it productive, but Olly Olsen, the CEO of the Office office was a case of ‘Stockholm syndrome missed the typical office interactions and Group, which has over 40 flexible where someone falls in love with their camaraderie when seeing each other.’ workspaces across the UK, is one of captor. Your employer effectively had

Olly Olsen, CEO of the Office Group

www.finito.org.ukwww.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 123 Architecture you in a headlock.’ The new office space will have to ‘engender real loyalty’ and become a ‘temple of the real values and ethical thrust of an organisation.’ For Heatherwick, the pre-Covid workspace ‘prioritised how [businesses] communicate to the outside world. So if you go to Canary Wharf ’ – an example perhaps of Heatherwick’s ‘lazy place- making' – ‘there’s a grand lobby; huge marble floors; pieces of art looking spectacular; a reception desk with great flowers, and lovely-looking people sitting looking great. But if you go inside the elevator you go up to just an ordinary place of work. The show was for the outside.’ All this has to change now that power has moved in the direction of the employee. ‘You need to have them coming in and thinking, “Yes. I need to be here.” So the workspace will become Google HQ, Kings Cross, Heatherwick Studio, under construction less about being a show for the outside world. It’s about finding your voice as an organisation. The employer has of continuity even as we change. you could get super-villages. It’s okay to up their game which the brilliant to spend two hours on a train journey people were starting to do anyway.’ But this isn’t to say Heatherwick lacks if you’re only doing that twice a week. a vision of just how extraordinary the I just hope we will use brownfield sites So how will this look? Heatherwick shift in architecture shall be. Round the rather than consuming greenfield sites.’ is a prescient artist who, it could be corner from his studio in King’s Cross, said, was already beginning to answer Heatherwick is working on Google’s But again this seems to spell trouble for some of these questions in his pre- new London base: ‘It’s the biggest the City and, though few may lament the virus work. His magnificent shopping use of timber in a central London fact, the property development sector. centre Coal Drop’s Yard in King’s Cross building. All the façades are wood.’ was all about creating a space which Olsen admits: ‘If you ask people where people who could internet shop in What is the ethos of that building? they most prefer working, it’s on their their bedrooms would still wish to visit. ‘One thing we’ve spent time talking own – it’s at home where it’s quiet. Not about on that is community,’ says the an office which is openplan with people ‘Public togetherness is something which 50-year-old. ‘The idea that here is just talking, and which is smelly and so on.’ motivates me,’ he says with infectious a mercenary organisation doing their enthusiasm. Heatherwick has always been thing, and the employees come in eat So what’s the purpose of going to alive to the fact that change must be built all their food and drink their drinks, sit an office? Olsen is clear: ‘We’re built on the back of existing infrastructure: as at their computers, and get well-paid...' to connect. I can’t have guests and always, the future will be built on the back clients to my house and I can’t bring of past structures. ‘We’ve got this legacy Heatherwick trails off, then refinds his a team together to my home. If I do of Victorian and Georgian warehouses, thread. ‘Given what we’re saying about that business will fall - as it’s falling which are very robust and changeable. really getting a deeper engagement with now from lack of human interactions.’ Think how many people are living in an organisation and it’s team: How does older industrial buildings. That was the that really contribute to the community So what kind of spaces will we see? ethos which drove the Google buildings around? On the ground floor, you don’t In answering this, Olsen sounds a that we’ve worked on.’ Covid-19 might just want another shop that sells ties.’ lot like Heatherwick: ‘It’s difficult to seem to open up onto the future, but forecast what will happen next but I it will also be anchored, Heatherwick So what would a new community- think where you choose to work will argues, to what we have already. oriented architecture entail? ‘Close be driven by who you are and what you by King’s Cross there’s Somers Town, believe. Our places of work will become The first project the studio worked on where there’s great deprivation and low more of an extension of our social lives.’ for Google was the company's offices life possibilities in terms of housing in California. ‘Next-door to the sites we and education.’ For Heatherwick the The overwhelming impression is that we’re were working on there was this airship lively pedestrianised ground floor is in a hiatus – a period of hedging, where hangar - a NASA airbase,’ he recalls. a way of energising the whole area. people are living in tentative expectation ‘These are amazing spaces which are of a vaccine. Olsen agrees (‘we just don’t super-flexible so you can do anything So while our conversation began with fears you want. So our proposal to Google of a new individualism, perhaps we might know) but he has clarity on another suggested we make really flexible space after all find a new communitarianism point: ‘Before this happened, I would since we’re not sure whether in a decade emerge? Heatherwick agrees: ‘If you’re have said that all my buildings were clear, people sitting at desks will be what we going into work two days a week you tidy, safe and healthy. Well, they’ll have to need. We’ll be manufacturing instead.’ may not need to be based in London. be clearer, tidier, safer, and healthier now.’ So in a sense the post-coronavirus Out of this may come some strong So it seems likely we’ll be hearing the requirement of flexibility might be community-making away from birds in the garden for a while yet. And met by the sorts of structures already conventional urban settings. Energy when we get back to them, perhaps around us: there shall be that element had seeped away from villages but now we’ll hear them in our offices too.

124 The new Google HQ under construction

www.finito.org.ukwww.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 125 www.qest.org.uk

Photograph by Julian Calder for A Celebration of British Craftsmanship

126 Registered Charity Number 1152032 Classical Music Mark Padmore WILL OPERA HOUSES AND LARGE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRAS, CONCERT HALLS AND INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVALS SURVIVE?

Interview by Fiona Sampson

In July 2020 the government announced £1.5bn funding to help the arts and entertainment sector recover from the Covid pandemic. This means that the books, films, music, TV streaming and gaming we relied on during lockdown will still get made. And we’ll be able to enjoy live performance – theatre, musicals, bands, festivals, concerts – in the years ahead.

Lockdown underlined just how much we rely on these things. We need the distraction, glamour and excitement – even, sometimes, the consolation – they offer. What isn’t necessarily so obvious is that the arts and entertainment are an industry, one which in Britain alone employs around 364,000 people and is worth £10.8bn annually to the economy. Indeed, it’s economically vital, every year generating a further knock-on £23bn and contributing £2.8bn to the Treasury. All of which means there are thousands of jobs in hundreds of different roles in the sector, and you don’t have to be either well-connected, or wildly lucky, to break in: as our inspiring interview guest shows. The world-leading tenor Mark Padmore is a musical ‘star’, used to touring internationally all year round. But, as he reveals here, he’s risen to the summit of his profession without elitist hothousing – although helped by public education structures that aren’t currently in place.

So what does his career look like? Mark Padmore collaborates with the world’s leading musicians and directors, opera houses and orchestras to worldwide acclaim. He performs across genres, creates new roles in key contemporary work, and directs the St Endellion Summer Festival. A list of highlights includes his Artist in Residency at the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra 2017-18; his extensive discography has received numerous awards, including Gramophone magazine’s Vocal Award, the Edison Klassiek Award (Nederlands), and the ECHO/Klassik 2013 award (Germany). Voted 2016 Vocalist of the Year by Musical America, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Kent in 2014 and appointed CBE in 2019. We asked him to talk us through life as a contemporary performer Mark Padmore, opera singer right now.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 127 Classical Music

Can you tell us how you got interested in You do extraordinary work across a whole I have been liberated from the need to music? range of fields: opera, oratorio, lieder & prepare a large repertoire - I normally have chamber music. Could you share some between 70 and 80 performances a season. I received a recorder from Santa Claus favourite experiences with us? This has meant I can take time to practice when I was four and immediately took to in my studio and go back to basics with the excitement of learning to play. From I have always felt an urge to escape pieces that I have known well for many there I was given the opportunity to learn pigeon-holes. I love moving between years without the urgency of having them another instrument and chose the clarinet. genres and exploring new territory. My available for immediate performance. My parents weren’t particularly musical favourite opera experiences have been Financially, I have had to extend my nor well off but they understood that I had Billy Budd at Glyndebourne and Death mortgage and face the possibility of no a particular passion for music. in Venice at Covent Garden along with significant income for many months and creating roles in Tansy Davies’ Cave and a realisation that I will probably have to Fortunately the Kent County Music Harrison Birtwistle’s Corridor and The accept that my income will remain at a Service was very strong and offered Cure. I also loved being in two Katie much lower level than before. Emotionally, opportunities to children who showed Mitchell productions - Handel’s Jephtha it has been up and down. The adrenalin of some talent. From the age of 12 I was at WNO and Bach’s Matthew Passion at performing has been sorely missed. supported by the Kent Junior Music Glyndebourne. School and each Saturday morning was On what platforms do you listen to music, enabled to travel to Maidstone, the county The Bach Passions with Simon Rattle when it’s not live? town, for intensive lessons. I also joined and the Berlin Philharmonic in stagings the Kent County Youth Orchestra and by Peter Sellars were some of the most Any recorded performance is in some ways each school holiday attended week-long profound and thought-provoking mediated and therefore more distant. I courses. These provisions have long been experiences I have had. In lieder and find myself less engaged when listening to reduced and had I been starting out now I chamber music it is the collaborations a performance I can interrupt at anytime may well not have become a musician. with great musicians that have given the to take a phone call or make a cup of tea. most pleasure. Music is ‘heard’ rather than ‘listened to’ - a When did you first know you wanted to distinction similar to John Berger’s notion be a musician – and did you always plan to Can you talk about the advantages and of the difference between ‘seeing’ and be a singer? disadvantages of such an international ‘looking at’. I use all the methods above career? but none comes close to the experience of Singing was always something I enjoyed being in amongst an audience. but there was no opportunity to attend We live in a culture of celebrity a choir school. Playing the clarinet and and sometimes the performer is How much does a musician get paid for then the piano had developed my sight- disproportionally the focus of attention. I a performance downloaded on a digital reading skills and it was through this have had wonderful experiences travelling platform such as Spotify? that the possibilities of singing opened as an ‘international’ soloist but I am up. I had decided that I didn’t want to beginning to question the desirability I have received no money direct or be a professional clarinet player - the and viability of this way of life. I have, through a record company for Spotify even competition was very tough and I was along with my colleagues, used up an though at least one track has had more not really good enough - but someone in unsustainable number of air miles and than 3 million plays. I also get paid less the Youth Orchestra suggested I try for a whilst I understand the huge benefits for recording than I did in the 1980s. If choral scholarship to Cambridge. Getting of cultural exchange I also believe that musicians are to survive in a new digital in to King’s College choir was the first we need to engage more deeply and era this will have to be addressed urgently. step to realising that I could become a meaningfully with our local communities. professional singer. Days away vary each year and I have tried What does this shift away from paying for to avoid being away for longer than about the music we listen to mean for musicians That’s a lot of commitment from an early two weeks at a time. working in Britain? age. Has music ever become a chore for you? As one of the world’s leading tenors, State subsidy in the UK has diminished you’re at the forefront of international greatly over the last ten years and all arts There are definitely moments when music-making, and its disruption by organisations are expected to generate perseverance is necessary - courage and the pandemic. What does it mean for something like 80 percent of their determination are vital. Even now there performers themselves? income from ticket sales or sponsorship. are times when I can be daunted by the Without a paying public this model is task ahead and need to grit my teeth to Covid-19 is causing a reassessment of how unsustainable. Other countries, particularly make progress. we access music. Having done just two in Europe, are much more generous. I fear concerts in the last four months - both to for the viability of the arts unless the UK What did you feel was your first big empty halls for streaming services - I miss government has a change of approach. professional success? the buzz of looking out at an attentive Music-making is essentially collaborative, audience. and the better the conversation between My Chinese horoscope sign is the ox, and performers and composers/writers the I have always been a plodder. Fortunately Music-making is essentially a communal better the resulting work. This will be true I have plodded on and on and have caught activity that needs interaction between also for innovative ways of producing up with a hare and even a tortoise or performer(s) and audience. This period performance in the future. Discussions are two! I have really tried to do my best at is full of uncertainty but also full of already happening about how best to film each stage and although there have been possibility - both reassessment of what ‘concerts’ so as to deliver the best possible moments of satisfaction they are fleeting. performance has been in the past and what experience for audiences. One thing we I guess my first real experience of success it can be in the future. As the cancellations have been able to do during lockdown is was being asked to appear in Charpentier’s came in, my first instinct was to take the talk to one another and I am excited by Medée with Les Arts Florissants at the opportunity to reflect on what it is I do some of the ideas that are beginning Opéra Comique in Paris playing Jason to and why and to explore thoughts of how to emerge. Lorraine Hunt’s Medée. Being on stage I might do things differently. Creatively, with Lorraine was thrilling.

128 Classical Music

What are your hopes and fears for the future of international music-making?

Many of the models for international music-making are teetering on the brink of collapse. Will opera houses and large symphony orchestras, concert halls and international music festivals survive? These were the main producers of classical music. They initiated most of the engagements and artist agents acted as intermediaries. I think we may be looking at a very changed world in the next few years. The positive side may be a much greater investment in community and nurturing a local and loyal audience. Climate change and travel restrictions will also make the jet-set lifestyle much less attractive. What I hope will not be lost is the passionate engagement of performers and audiences with the wonders of the classical music repertoire.

Fiona Sampson is a leading British writer, whose latest book Come Down is published by Corsair. www.fionasampson.co.uk

You can read more about Mark Padmore at www.markpadmore.com

Padmore's Blues: the pandemic has been difficult for live performance

www.finito.org.ukwww.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 129 Books Uplifting Books for Troubling Times

The Serendipity Mindset: The Art and Science of Creating Good Luck DR CHRISTIAN BUSCH

r Christian Busch makes a rather lofty promise at the beginning of his book: he will reveal how Dto navigate “the hidden force in the world,” he says. The force is serendipity, which he defines as “unexpected good luck resulting from unplanned moments in which proactive decisions lead to positive outcomes,” phew. Busch says he hopes to “start a journey and, hopefully a movement”. As part of his thought revolution he has created a glossary of terms such as “serendipitor,” which is someone who "cultivates serendipity” and “FOMS,” which stands for “fear of missing serendipity”. The reader can even calculate their serendipity score by answering questions such as “I tend to get what I want from life.” The premise of the book is rather ambitious but Busch, who teaches at New York University and the London School of Economics, grounds his suggestions in academic research. For instance, he references the statistical phenomenon, the birthday paradox - the counterintuitive fact that you only need 23 people in a room for it to be likely that someone shares a birthday - to show “we often underestimate the unexpected because we think linearly - often ‘according to plan’ - rather than Busch also employs plenty of amusing While Busch occasionally slips into exponentially (or in contingencies)”. anecdotes to argue his points. To show verbose language, the book portrays a clear and helpful message: opportunities are In order to demonstrate how people can how people can create serendipity by everywhere, seize them. I wrote this review manifest their own luck, Busch references “connecting the dots,” for instance, he in a coffee shop. I am a typical Londoner a study in which two participants, “lucky references the drug Sildenafil which was Martin and unlucky Brenda,” were asked and strive to avoid eye contact but I thought to buy a cup of coffee and sit down. The supposed to help cure angina. of “lucky Martin” when I overheard a man researchers placed a five-pound note on Researchers discovered that it had a talking about a triathlon club - something the pavement outside the entrance. Martin surprising impact on male patients: I’ve been meaning to do for ages - I spoke noticed the five-pound note, picked it up it caused erections. While some would see to the stranger. With encouragement and advice from the former stranger, I have and sat down next to a businessman, started this as an “embarrassing side effect” it was a conversation and made friends with him signed up for my first triathlon and I think while Brenda did neither of these things ultimately marketed as the very successful that is testament to Dr Busch. and described her trip as “uneventful”. drug, viagra. The Serendipity Mindset: Penguin Life, £14.99

130 Books

the usual photo of a beautiful woman who is either at her film premiere or dead,” she says. While her bluntness means she can talk about the bad news very convincingly, sometimes I was left wishing she would take a quicker route to the good news. Her chapter on business takes a while to get to the good news as the first few pages contain generalisations and personal anecdotes despite the fact she begins by saying, “I’ve never understood business”. Although her takes are comically hyperbolic, they would be better if propped up with specific examples. She states “Corporations run the politicians, who obey their beck and call. If an oil company wants more oil, the government will declare a war to get more,” without referencing any real world events, for instance. The good news, when it eventually arrives, is uplifting and she focusses on the outdoor clothing brand, Patagonia. For this she describes a meeting she had with the co-founder Vincent Stanley but doesn't include any quotes from him. Throughout the book, there is a frustrating lack of evidence. Due to a lack of specific examples, Wax relies on cliches. When talking about social media she says, “Let’s all agree that the happier people look on Instagram photos, the more miserable they probably are inside.” Or, when talking about the lack of actual human connection that blights twenty first century living, she relies on anecdotal evidence: “In the old days, if you needed a plumber, a babysitter or a shoulder to cry on, there was usually someone in your building who had those skills or at least could advise someone they knew to help. Now, we have to call agencies to get someone over and then pay through the nose for their services.” Each chapter contains a ‘My Story’ section but really there need not be discreet sections as the autobiographical style dominates throughout the book. And now for the good news: Wax is as funny in print as she is in real life and her final chapter on positive initiatives lifts the book. Wax herself set up the frazzled cafe, which provides a talking place where people who are feeling frazzled can meet (on zoom) to share their feelings. Her references to initiatives such as Samos Comedian Ruby Wax gives a new meaning refugee camp and The Kindness Offensive And Now for the to the saying that bad news travels fast are particularly insightful. While the book while good news takes the scenic route in is unfortunately timed, “I don’t mention Good News... her rambling look at the positive side of Covid-19 and that’s because I finished life. In her typically sardonic tone, Wax this book around the time it broke; so mea bemoans the depressing state of business, culpa,” she laments, the book concludes To the Future technology and the media but at the end with a positive message about our times: of each chapter she reassures her readers “Look how quickly we can transform that good news still exists. “ I had to really ourselves, almost overnight,” “compassion With Love hunt for positive sound bites even though also spreads like a virus,” she soothes. they should be on the front cover of every RUBY WAX newspaper every day of the week to replace And Now For The Good News: Penguin Life, £14.99

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 131 Books

Why can’t we all just get along... Round-Up The Crisis of the Meritocracy: Britain's Transition to Mass Education since the shout less. Listen more. Second World War by Peter Mandler IAIN DALE This timely tome offers an apolitical overview of the education system and considers why so many people are attending university and the implications of this. Mandler focusses on deconstructing the legacy of the Butler By reflecting on Brexit, Trump and an intellectual book and at times, like so Act - a piece of legislation which aimed to Twitter spats, Iain Dale examines why many journalists, he spends too much time remove inequality from education and saw public discourse has become so angry and writing about Twitter storms. The richest the proportion of free places at grammar unproductive. Dale builds a gloriously and most illuminating anecdotes, however, schools increase by almost a third. This study optimistic road map to a kinder world, come from his experiences interviewing is essential reading for those who want to centred around the fundamental decencies prime ministers and, surprisingly, his thoroughly understand why we are still of human nature. He even provides a relationship with his parents. This is a not living in a true meritocracy. simple bullet point list of suggestions book about disagreements, but mostly it’s Crisis of Meritocracy: Oxford University from “Never post a picture of your food. a book about hope. Press, £25.00 No one is interested. Not even your mother” to “Whatever you do, don’t Why Can’t We All Just Get Along: HarperCollins Publishers, £12.99 What Do We Know and What Should swear.” By his own admission, this is not We Do About Social Mobility? By Lee Elliot Major and Stephen Machin Low social mobility in Britain is an increasingly pressing issue and Professor of Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day: Social Mobility at the University of Exeter Lee Elliot Major and LSE Professor of Economics Stephen Machin consider what My Autobiography can be done to reverse this trend. This book CAPTAIN SIR THOMAS MOORE documents the history of mobility since WWII and considers how family traits affect intergenerational mobility. The authors call for a shift in debates around this topic in order to establish a more just society. Reading Captain Tom’s autobiography watch someone you love decline through Social Mobility: SAGE Publishing, £9.99 feels a bit like watching one of those dementia is a slow kind of torture,” he really good X Factor auditions, you know says. It also portrays Moore’s warmth and Is Assessment Fair? By Isabel Nisbet it is a bit staged and quite formulaic but humour, for instance, on his knighthood and Stuart Shaw it still makes you feel warm and fuzzy. he writes: “I joked that I hoped the Following the exam results debacle, The book has a wonderfully satisfying Queen wasn’t too heavy-handed with the fairness in educational assessment narrative arch following the extraordinary sword.” It is this collision between the has become a major talking point. In life of a seemingly ordinary man who ordinary and extraordinary that captured this book Lecturer at the Faculty of suffers some tragedies but finishes the nation’s hearts when the 100-year-old Education, University of Cambridge, triumphant. Although the tone is mostly walked around his garden to raise money Isabel Nisbet and Fellow of the gentle, Moore is surprisingly frank in its for the NHS and this shines through in Chartered Institute of Educational detailing of some of the sadnesses in his the autobiography. Assessors, Stuart Shaw consider what romantic relationships, from descriptions Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day: , £20.00 fairness means in practice and how it can of the “loveless bed” in his first marriage be evaluated. Drawing on international to the death of his wife, Pamela, “to examples from the UK, US, Australia and South East Asia, this book offers a thorough commentary on fairness. Is Assessment fair: SAGE Publishing, The Power of Learning from Dad £24.99 DR SELVA PANKAJ Educating for a Characterful Society Responsibility and the Public Good By James Arthur, Julia Cleverdon, Nicky Morgan, James O'Shaughnessy, Anthony Seldon While many people planned on writing the morning and find a wonderful day, be What is character and how can educators a book during lockdown Dr Selva Pankaj grateful for that’” or “Dad used to say in develop virtues such as honesty and a sense actually did and the lessons he shares may different words that you should willingly of duty? In this book, five leading figures inspire other people to achieve his level give, and sometimes giving needs to be in government and education examine the of motivation and success. The Regent spontaneous.” While the book bears some 'character' of the public service workers Group founder reflects on the wisdom he of the hallmarks of a self-published memoir, on the frontline during the pandemic and received from his father while growing up it can be commended for attempting to consider how the National Curriculum can in war-torn Sri Lanka such as “Dad said portray inspiring messages. develop a sense of social justice and harness that plant springs from one seed, so every the passion of young people in order to act of man or woman springs from thought” Power of Learning from Dad: Regent work towards a stronger society. Publishing, £10.00 or “Dad used to say to me, ‘if you get up in Educating For a Characterful Society: Routledge, £12.99

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Wednesday September 23 2020 1G M Letters to the Editor should be sent to [email protected] or by post to 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF Trust’s colonial sins

Sir, It is entirely right that shameful 28 pasts should be exposed and understood, as the National Trust has just done with properties in its care Letters to the Editor Sir, It is vital to keep schools open but (“Trust flags colonial sins of its stately could pupils not take a packed lunch? homes”, News, Sep 22). But this I am speechless when I see hordes of should not lead to closures, boycotts Blame game overwholly the unprepared. latest The thread Covid non-socially-distancing restrictions children or name changes. running through the government’s throng the local shops and pavements If, by comparison, Jews today handling of the pandemic is that at break and lunchtime, buying Sir, Boris Johnson appears to hold the challenged the legitimacy of every whatever goes wrong is never its fault. snacks or takeaway food. Is this really view that responsibility for the rise in public figure or historical site on the Early on Michael Gove excused lack necessary? One local shop has Covid-19 infections is largely a result basis of their association with of testing by claiming a lack of test decided to close during school break of the public’s failure to adhere to antisemitism in previous centuries, reagents; Matt Hancock blamed the and lunch times. government guidance. While some few would escape unscathed. Yet we shortage of PPE equipment on its Virginia Braid sections of the community have been | the times do not demand their removal or inappropriate use by health workers. Glasgow Wednesday September 23 2020 renaming. Instead, we acknowledge, negligent in this regard the vast 1G M He later said that testing failures were majority of the public have done what Letters to the Editor should be sent to move on, and concentrate on [email protected] to an or increased by post to public demand for Sir, Surely forcing pubs and was demanded of them. To suggest 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF whether today’s relationships and tests, all the while hailing the testing restaurants to close at 10pm will only otherwise is a calumny of monstrous policies are free of discrimination. It Research spending Trust’sprogramme colonial as sinsan important compress the number of people is too easy to edit the past, but ignore proportions. If there have been contribution to eradication of the Sir, It is entirely right that shameful visiting these places into a shorter the here and now. Present behaviour 28 breaches of the guidance the pastsvirus. should beThe exposed government’s and failure to falls by 41 per cent understood, as the National Trust has time frame, resulting in more should be our prime focus. government’s lack of clarity and justacknowledge done with properties in itsits care shortcomings during Letters to the Editor Sir, It is vital to keep schools open but (“Trust flags colonial sins of its stately crowding and less social distancing Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain coherence have not helped.could pupils not take a packed lunch? homes”,the News,pandemic Sep 22). But this is the only thing that I am speechless when I see hordes of should not lead to closures, boycotts than before. Sir, UK medical research charities are whollyIt unprepared. is arguable The thread that we might not be Maidenhead Synagogue Blame game over the latest Covidnon-socially-distancing restrictions children orhas name changes.been “world-beating”. running through the government’s throng the local shops and pavements If, by comparison, Jews today Robin Pearson critical to our world-leading handling of the pandemic is that at break and lunchtime, buying Sir, Boris Johnson appears to hold the in this situation had the government’s challenged the legitimacy of every whatever goes wrong is never its fault. snacks or takeaway food. Is this really Frank Benfield view that responsibility for the rise in public figure or historical site on the Harpenden, Herts reputation for science. Last year they Early on Michael Gove excused lack necessary? One local shop has Covid-19 infections is largely a result implementation of testing and tracing basis of their association with of testing by claiming a lack of test decided to close during school break Melbourn, Cambs invested £1.9 billion, offunding the public’s failure “blue to adhere to antisemitism in previous centuries, reagents;been Matt swifter Hancock blamed and the more and lunchefficiently times. co- few would escape unscathed. Yet we Mandarin on menu government guidance. While some shortage of PPE equipment on its Virginia Braid sky” discovery science;sections investing of the community in have been do not demand their removal or Sir, With the proposed closure of pubs inappropriateordinated use by healthat the workers. start Glasgow of the pandemic. renaming. Instead, we acknowledge, negligent in this regard the vast He later said that testing failures were Sir, Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief majority of the public have done what move on, and concentrate on and restaurants at 10pm may I high-risk early stage research where due to an increased public demand for Sir, Surely forcing pubs and Sir, May I console Jessica Geheran was demanded of them. To suggest It beggars belief that the PM should whether today’s relationships and tests, all the while hailing the testing restaurants to close at 10pm will only scientific adviser, claimed on Monday otherwise is a calumny of monstrous policies are free of discrimination. It suggest that customers donate the few other investors will; and programme as an important compress the number of people (“Nursery war is raging over Research spending proportions. If there have been state in the Commons that testing and is too easy to edit the past, but ignore contribution to eradication of the visiting these places into a shorter that he thought the epidemic was breaches of the guidance the the here and now. Present behaviour money they had intended to spend supporting clinical trials. virus. The government’s failure to time frame, resulting in more Mandarin and organic menu,” Sep 19), falls by 41 per cent government’s lack of clarity and tracing has very little or nothing to do shoulddoubling be our prime roughlyfocus. every seven days. acknowledge its shortcomings during crowding and less social distancing Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romain between 2200 and 0200 hours to the Covid-19 has had acoherence devastating have not helped. the pandemic is the only thing that who was shocked to discover that her Sir, UK medical research charities are with the spread or transmissionthan before. of the Maidenhead Synagogue It is arguable that we might not be has been “world-beating”. The figures from the government’s critical to our world-leading Robin Pearson proprietor in order to ease the misery impact on charities’ abilityin this situation to had raise the government’s Frank Benfield one-year-old twins were being taught reputation for science. Last year they disease. Why bother Harpenden,then to Herts boast implementation of testing and tracing Melbourn, Cambs own website suggest that positive invested £1.9 billion, funding “blue been swifter and more efficiently co- of the impact of the latest Covid-19 funds. As a result they are planning Sir, With the proposed closure of pubs Mandarin on menu Mandarin during their cookery sky” discovery science; investing in ordinated at the start of the pandemic. that we have a “world-beating” testing Sir, Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief and restaurants at 10pm may I tests are doubling closer to every 14 high-risk early stage research where It beggars belief that the PM should Sir, May I console Jessica Geheran restrictions on their business. an average 41 per cent decrease in scientific adviser, claimed on Monday suggest that customers donate the classes. The best way to teach a few other investors will; and state in the Commons that testing and system (sadly, soon to be rationed) or (“Nursery war is raging over that he thought the epidemic was money they had intended to spend days. Either this is further evidence of supporting clinical trials. tracing has very little or nothing to do Mandarin and organic menu,” Sep 19), Michael Akeroyd research spending this financial year, doubling roughly every seven days. between 2200 and 0200 hours to the foreign language is via a practical Covid-19 has had a devastating with the spread or transmission of the to embark on his “moonshot” who was shocked to discover that her The figures from the government’s proprietor in order to ease the misery a shambolic testing system or maybe impact on charities’ ability to raise disease. Why bother then to boast one-year-old twins were being taught Leeds meaning significantly less funding for own website suggest that positive of the impact of the latest Covid-19 activity that entertains the pupils as funds. As a result they are planning that we have a “world-beating” testing programme? A significant factor in Mandarin during their cookery tests are doubling closer to every 14 restrictions on their business. we are not just following the data. an average 41 per cent decrease in system (sadly, soon to be rationed) or classes. The best way to teach a research that saves lives. It also days. Either this is further evidence of Michael Akeroyd they absorb visual and verbal clues to research spending this financial year, to embark on his “moonshot” the rise in infections might well be foreignAnthony language is via Cohn a practical a shambolic testing system or maybe Leeds activity that entertains the pupils as meaningthreatens significantly theless funding careers for programme? of thousands A significant factor of in we are not just following the data. the meaning of the words they are research that saves lives. It also the rise in infections might well be due to increasing numbers of school theyConsultant absorb visual and verbal paediatrician, clues to London NW4 Anthony Cohn the meaning of the words they are years he was not able to start paying threatensyoung the careers scientists of thousands dependentof due to increasing on numbers charity of school Consultant paediatrician, London NW4 learning. This system worked young scientists dependent on charity pupils and universityyears students he was not able to start paying learning. This system worked pupils and university students into a pension after the normal three fundingfunding and risks damagingand risks world- damagingresuming their studies,world- for which the extremely well when I taught teenage into a pension after the normal three extremely well when I taught teenage resuming their studies,years, for so he boughtwhich those “added”the boys French during their weekly class infrastructure that has taken government’s testing programme was for it as the alternative choice. decadesclass to build.infrastructure that has taken years. After he died I received half his cookery lessons in a pupil referral years, so he bought those “added” boys French during their weekly Despite the vital contributions Professorgovernment’sScottish Ben Thomson Home Rule: the testing Answer pension programme but when I remarried was it unitfor in Doncaster, it as theespecially alternative as they choice. Author, stopped. This would have been the could eat the results of their hard years. After he died I received half his madedecades to our health to and build.economy, to Scotland’s Constitutional Question cookery lessons in a pupil referral medical research charities have not Independence vote same if I had co-habited. I consider workProfessor as a reward. Ben Thomson been eligibleDespite for government the funding.vital contributions that the government stole 30 years of Annemarie McGuinness pension but when I remarried it my husband’s pension contributions. Scottish Home Rule: the Answer unit in Doncaster, especially as they If the government is to fulfil its Sir, Trevor Phillips (“Let all Scots in Tyn-y-Groes,Author, Conwy manifesto commitment to “make the SNP and Starmer Eileen Nicholls stopped. This would have been the made to our health andBritain economy,get independence vote”, Sep Epsom, Surrey could eat the results of their hard UK the leading global hub for life 21, and letters, Sep 21) goes to the Sir, I agree with Rachel Sylvester (Sep to Scotland’s Constitutional Question same if I had co-habited. I consider sciences”medical then it must research work with charitiesheart of the haveproblem with not the 22)Independence that Sir Keir Starmer’s chance of vote Stone’s throw away work as a reward. charities to ensure that this the independence versus union debate Lord Alderdice; becoming PM requires support from Sir, Good luck to Robert Crampton that the government stole 30 years of contributionbeen eligible is not lost. for governmentthat is forcing people funding. to choose the SNP. This might force him to Hydrogen’s merits Annemarie McGuinness Lord Aberdare; whether they are Scottish or British when he returns to search for his lost accept the concept of an independence Sir, Malcolm Hayes is not comparing ring (Times Magazine, Sep 19, and my husband’s pension contributions. RightIf the Rev JamesBaroness government Newcome BlackstoneLord, BishopDarzi; of is andto whether fulfil sovereignty its should referendum. However, Scottish Tyn-y-Groes, Conwy of Carlisle; Lord Sir, Trevor Phillips (“Letlike with alllike (Sep Scots 22). In our in post- letter, Sep 21). I hope he is as lucky as I reside at Westminster or Holyrood. It independence would be bad for his carbon world the cost of natural Baroness Cumberlege; has polarised Scottish politics with wasSNP when, in a Hollywood and nightclub Starmer Eileen Nicholls manifestoBaroness Deech commitment; to “make the future chances of ever again forming a Denham; Britain get independencegas-derived vote”, hydrogen isSep irrelevant: we with friends watching, Ia realised raucous that revue Baroness Finlay Lordof Llandaff Hunt ;of both sides having roughly equal coalition government unless under a must compare the cost of production, DubsUK; the leadingLord global support. hub Yet manyfor oflife us are now of La Cage aux Folles Epsom, Surrey system21, ofand proportional letters, representation. Sep 21)storage goes and transport to the of hydrogen my pear-shaped diamond had flown Baroness GreengrossBaroness; Jolly; comfortable belonging to more than Hence I foresee Labour’s support for Sir, I agree with Rachel Sylvester (Sep Kings Heath; made using wind and solar with the off my ring, no doubt because of sciences”Baroness Masham thenLord Monks of Iltonit; ;must one worknationality, with whether Scottish and such a referendum being conditional whole cost of electricity generated Krebs; Lord British or others such as Scots heart of the problem with the overenthusiastic22) that clapping. Sir Keir We all Starmer’s chance of Stone’s throw away on the introduction of PR. from the same source. Electricity is scrabbled around under the tables Baronesscharities Meacher ;to ensure thatAustralian this or Scots American.the After John Porter Baroness Morgan of Drefelin; independence versusalso union very expensive debate to store and to with a torch, raising peeved eyebrows Lord Rennard; all the prime minister himself until Beaconsfield, Bucks becoming PM requires support from Patel; Lord Porter of Spalding; Lord transmit long distances. Hydrogen on stage, but had to give up. Only contribution is notLord lost.2016 Alderdice was both a US and; UK citizen. offers a competitive and versatile store Hydrogen’s merits Sir, Good luck to Robert Crampton Baroness RandersonLord Triesman; ; There is, however, an alternative: that is forcing people to choose whenthe my SNP.friend took This a gulp of wine,might force him to Lord Sharkey; of energy. And it will enable third then spat something out, did we find Lord BaronessAberdare Walmsley; home rule. In this option sovereignty world states to get rich by selling their when he returns to search for his lost Turnberg; is split, with domestic matters Unequalwhether pensions they are Scottish or British it. acceptEven the cast the joined inconcept the applause. of an independence sunshine via hydrogen manufacture Lesley Thompson Sir, Malcolm Hayes is not comparing Right Rev James Newcomegoverned fully in, ScotlandBishop while Sir, I read the letter (Sep 21) from (as the Middle East did its oil). ring (Times Magazine, Sep 19, and Baronesscontrol Blackstone overLord matters Darzi such; as defence, of and whether sovereignty should Lavenham, Suffolk Sandra Noakes on her teacher’s Rob Tooze referendum. However, Scottish like with like (Sep 22). In our post- Savingsof Carlisle; rates fall foreign affairs andLord being part of pensionreside with interest at Westminster as I experienced Darlington, or Holyrood. Co Durham It letter, Sep 21). I hope he is as lucky as I pound sterling reside at a UK level. something similar with the NHS. My independence would be bad for his carbon world the cost of natural Sir, The news that National Savings Home rule is about sharing powers late first husband was an NHS dentist. Essential studying was when, in a Hollywood nightclub Baroness Cumberlege; has polarised Scottish politics with Times readers (letters, and Investments is cuttingBaroness interest Deechand about decentralising; power from Because a dental degree takes six future chances of ever again forming a , I realised that ratesDenham from November; is both Westminster, and those who live in come to take charge of the body of Sir, Like many gas-derived hydrogen is irrelevant: we with friends watching a raucous revue disappointing andBaroness unimaginative (“Big Finlay Scotland Lordof and Llandaff who Hunt are affected ;of by both sides having roughlythe man who equal had been shot. Barrett Sepcoalition 19 & 21) we had angovernment emotional unless under a squeeze hits 25m savers and Premium domestic policy should be able to vote was amazed and asked, “What man? moment dropping off our daughter at must compare the cost of production, La Cage aux Folles Dubs; Lord of the night porter, William Barrett, How do you know a man has been of Bonds holders”, Sep 22). It was thesupport. front-door bell Yet rang. Opening many of us are now King’ssystem College London of proportional on Sunday. representation. encouraging for savers and the state shot?” The reply was, “The military Within a couple of hours apps for storage and transport of hydrogen Baroness GreengrossBaroness; Jolly; the lattice, Barrett saw a group of told us.” He accompanied the police my pear-shaped diamond had flown when the Treasury initially kept the men.comfortable He asked if they wanted belonging rooms, to more than YoungsHence pubs and I Slug foresee & Lettuce pubs Labour’s support for rates in place earlier in the year. By DUBLIN RAID to Mr Lynch’s bedroom, but was not popped up on my iPhone, which is made using wind and solar with the Kings Heath; adding that none was available. They allowed to enter it. From the door, off my ring, no doubt because of keeping those rates reasonable the replied,one “We nationality, don’t want rooms. We whether Scottish and stillsuch synced witha referendum hers as she uses my being conditional Treasury was bothBaroness supporting MashamLordMYSTERY Monks of Ilton HOTEL; ; however, he saw a body on the bed. account, so I knew she was getting whole cost of electricity generated Krebs; Lord are military, and demand instant This official statement was issued overenthusiastic clapping. We all ordinary savers and ensuring a flow of admission.”British 12 menor entered.others They such as Scots heron priorities the right introduction and settling in of PR. investment to the government. It was GUEST KILLED by the military authorities: In the well. That’s my girl . . . from the same source. Electricity is Baroness Meacher; wore military caps and long black early hours a military party, guided scrabbled around under the tables a form of national support given by BurberryAustralian coats. One of orthe men,Scots who American. After RobJohn Naylor Porter 25 million savers. To end this at a time by members of the RIC, went to the Cheltenham also very expensive to store and to Baroness Morgan of fromDrefelin the times; september 23, 1920 appeared to be an officer, demanded Exchange Hotel for the purpose of with a torch, raising peeved eyebrows of fiscal crisis is shortsighted. I hope theall hotel the register, prime and when minister it was himself until Beaconsfield, Bucks NS&I is encouragedLord to think Porter again. of SpaldingLord Rennard; ; arresting a man named Jack Lynch. transmit long distances. Hydrogen Patel; Lord produced, he pointed to an entry When the officers entered his room on stage, but had to give up. Only Mike Gibbons An official report issued this evening and2016 exclaimed, was “Here both it is.” The a US and UK citizen. Glut remover Cartmel, Cumbria throws some light on a mysterious Lynch fired at them with a revolver. offers a competitive and versatile store Baroness RandersonLord Triesman; ; porter was ordered to face the wall, The fire was returned by a number when my friend took a gulp of wine, crime in an hotel in Dublin. Earlier andThere one man, is,putting however, a revolver to an alternative: Sir, I sympathise with Andrew reports stated that a party of men, of the party, and Lynch was shot Fritchie (letter, Sep 22) concerning a of energy. And it will enable third CorrectionsLord Sharkey and ; his back, told him to stay quiet. The through the head. A six-chambered then spat something out, did we find Baroness Walmsleywearing military uniform, entered othershome went upstairs.rule. After In five this or 10 option sovereignty surplus of tasty fruit lying rotting on clarifications the Exchange Hotel in Parliament revolver with five chambers loaded theUnequal ground. The solution is simple: hepensions world states to get rich by selling their Turnberg; minutes they came down and left. it. Even the cast joined in the applause. Street at 3am, and, going up to one is split, with domesticand mattersone discharged was found beside should get a pig. Mutual serendipity! The Times takes Having heard no noises while they the left hand of the dead man. of the bedrooms, killed one of the were above, he went on with his Jeremy Lewis sunshine via hydrogen manufacture Lesley Thompson complaints governed fully in Scotland while Hailey, Oxon about editorial guests. The following account is duties in the basement. Twenty Sir, I read the letter (Sep 21) from given by guests and staff: Mr John minutes later another knock was (as the Middle East did its oil). Lavenham, Suffolk Lynch, of Kilmallock, a member of control over mattersthetimes.co.uk/archive such as defence, content seriously. We are committed to heard, and two constables of the Sandra Noakes on her teacher’s Limerick County Council, arrived in Dublin Metropolitan Police entered. Rob Tooze abidingSavings by the Independent Press ratesDublin on fallSeptember 16 and put up foreign affairs and being part of Standards Organisation (“IPSO”) rules They told the porter that they had pension with interest as I experienced Darlington, Co Durham and regulations and the Editors’ Code of at the Exchange Hotel. Shortly after Practice that IPSO enforces. 3 o’clock, when all the guests and the pound sterling reside at a UK level. something similar with the NHS. My RequestsSir, Thefor corrections news or that Nationalstaff had retired, Savings with the exception clarifications should be sent by email to Home rule is about sharing powers late first husband was an NHS dentist. Essential studying [email protected] Investments or by post tois cutting interest Times readers (letters, Feedback, The Times, 1 London Bridge and about decentralising power from Because a dental degree takes six Street,rates London from SE1 9GF November is both Westminster, and those who live in come to take charge of the body of Sir, Like many disappointing and unimaginative (“Big Scotland and who are affected by the man who had been shot. Barrett Sep 19 & 21) we had an emotional squeeze hits 25m savers and Premium domestic policy should be able to vote was amazed and asked, “What man? moment dropping off our daughter at of the night porter, William Barrett, How do you know a man has been Bonds holders”, Sep 22). It was the front-door bell rang. Opening King’s College London on Sunday. encouraging for savers and the state shot?” The reply was, “The military Within a couple of hours apps for the lattice, Barrett saw a group of told us.” He accompanied the police when the Treasury initially kept the men. He asked if they wanted rooms, Youngs pubs and Slug & Lettuce pubs rates in place earlier in the year. By DUBLIN RAID to Mr Lynch’s bedroom, but was not popped up on my iPhone, which is adding that none was available. They allowed to enter it. From the door, keeping those rates reasonable the replied, “We don’t want rooms. We still synced with hers as she uses my Treasury was both supporting MYSTERY HOTEL however, he saw a body on the bed. account, so I knew she was getting are military, and demand instant This official statement was issued ordinary savers and ensuring a flow of admission.” 12 men entered. They her priorities right and settling in investment to the government. It was GUEST KILLED by the military authorities: In the well. That’s my girl . . . The Griffin Institute is the brand name of Northwick Park Institute of Medical Research (NPIMR) , wore military caps and long black early hours a military party, guided a company limited by guarantee no 3445616,a form and ofregistered national charity support number given 1129348. by Burberry coats. One of the men, who Rob Naylor by members of the RIC, went to the Cheltenham 25 million savers. To end this at a time www.finito.org.uk ISSUEappeared 2 133 to be an officer, demanded of fiscal crisis is shortsighted. I hope from the times september 23, 1920 Exchange Hotel for the purpose of the hotel register, and when it was arresting a man named Jack Lynch. NS&I is encouraged to think again. produced, he pointed to an entry Mike Gibbons An official report issued this evening When the officers entered his room and exclaimed, “Here it is.” The Lynch fired at them with a revolver. Glut remover Cartmel, Cumbria throws some light on a mysterious porter was ordered to face the wall, crime in an hotel in Dublin. Earlier The fire was returned by a number Sir, I sympathise with Andrew and one man, putting a revolver to of the party, and Lynch was shot reports stated that a party of men, his back, told him to stay quiet. The Fritchie (letter, Sep 22) concerning a Corrections and wearing military uniform, entered through the head. A six-chambered surplus of tasty fruit lying rotting on others went upstairs. After five or 10 revolver with five chambers loaded clarifications the Exchange Hotel in Parliament minutes they came down and left. the ground. The solution is simple: he Street at 3am, and, going up to one and one discharged was found beside should get a pig. Mutual serendipity! The Times takes Having heard no noises while they the left hand of the dead man. of the bedrooms, killed one of the were above, he went on with his Jeremy Lewis complaints Hailey, Oxon about editorial guests. The following account is duties in the basement. Twenty given by guests and staff: Mr John minutes later another knock was Lynch, of Kilmallock, a member of thetimes.co.uk/archive content seriously. We are committed to heard, and two constables of the Limerick County Council, arrived in Dublin Metropolitan Police entered. abiding by the Independent Press Dublin on September 16 and put up Standards Organisation (“IPSO”) rules They told the porter that they had and regulations and the Editors’ Code of at the Exchange Hotel. Shortly after Practice that IPSO enforces. 3 o’clock, when all the guests and the Requests for corrections or staff had retired, with the exception clarifications should be sent by email to [email protected] or by post to Feedback, The Times, 1 London Bridge Street, London SE1 9GF Landscape Gardening A Piet of History

"To what does Oudolf attribute his success? He tells me it was necessity. 'We had no choice. We had no money.'"

look at plants – that’s how it all started.’ There were still some practical steps to be taken: ‘I went back to school to get an elementary licence to start a contract company. It was 1975 and we started small with a nursery. We began to sell perennial plants.’ Oudolf owes his stratospheric success in part to having done the hard yards in the less glamorous Oudolf the sharp-eyed gardener business of selling plants, but all along there was a radical vision: of a garden that would look good all the year round. He had his share of luck. Gardening Interview by Iris Spark Lurie Garden in Chicago's Millennium was about to take off – and particularly Park, and Potters Fields in London. in the UK. ‘In 1980 we travelled to His famous home Hummelo, which England where gardening was very was open to the public for years until fashionable with many magazines iet Oudolf is without question it closed in October 2018, would alone at that time. And we had the ideal the most famous landscape be enough to rank him as a great artist. plants so they soon discovered us.’ architect in the world. Iris Spark caught up with the plantsman. So how did it all begin? The great Oudolf ’s aesthetic represented a radical P move away from the twee decorative In every area of life, many people do garden fashionable at the time. By 2000, very well for a period of time. A few "He has made public spaces the publication of his book Dream Plants reach the top and stay there. But there for the Garden, showed how far Oudolf is only one area I can think of where the world over – most notably had come, not just as a nurseryman but as one person has been so far above the the High Line and Battery a thinker. ‘It was translated into Swedish rest for so long. That happens to be and we had lots of conferences at Kew and gardening. If you ask anyone in the Park in New York, the elsewhere. We became a close community.’ profession who is the best they won’t Lurie Garden in Chicago's have to stop and think: Piet Oudolf. To what does Oudolf attribute his Millennium Park, and Potters success? He tells me it was necessity. ‘A rock star,’ says Andy Sturgeon who, Fields in London." ‘We had no choice. We had no money.’ with books and television behind him, So Oudolf ’s relentless work ethic stems has himself done passably well. And if from financial need. Even now, soon you raise his name with anyone in the to turn 76, Oudolf prefers to work in profession you’ll hear an awed silence, as the morning in his studio, finding that careers can sometimes seem strangely late-night work will interrupt his sleep. if they’re turning over with amazement unpromising at their outset. Oudolf the famous name, and all that it means. recalls: ‘A long time ago in the 1970s, In 2000 also, Oudolf won the coveted I turned away from my earlier job in Best in Show gold medal at the Chelsea Oudolf ’s importance – his supremacy my parents’ restaurant. I was married Flower Show. But even by that point, even – is partly attributable to the fact and didn’t want to do that for the rest people didn’t always understand what he that his name is synonymous with a of my life. I was looking for jobs and was doing. ‘When I travelled to England, particular movement – the so-called eventually came to work in a garden they always called me the nursery man New Perennials – which promoted a centre at Christmastime in the perennials who made gardens, when in fact I was new sustainable aesthetic in gardening department. That made me aware of plants.’ a designer who had a nursery. Some during the 1970s and 80s. But he’s also believed in me totally; but other didn’t a global phenomenon, and sui generis in It is a vivid image of the alert drifter, who is trust me. It was out of their spectrum.’ that respect. He has made public spaces waiting for life to come to him – and when the world over – most notably the High it does, seizes life all the more quickly for So what sustained him? Oudolf had a Line and Battery Park in New York, the having waited. ‘I started to buy books and vision of a more durable and sustainable

134 High Line, New York, 2009

www.finito.org.ukwww.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 135 Pensthorpe, 2000

136 Landscape Gardening

"I keep working because it’s my life. Every day I do something, I love to go to the office and work. It feels like I’m pensioned but I’m still at work."

kind of garden: he was, in his understated it was attracting eight million people a your office. If you keep on working way an evangelical for the ideas he was year. Oudolf is philosophical about its on that, you’ll create benefits for later.’ putting forward. But he also enjoyed success: ‘These projects start so small the encouragement of a small circle. that when you look back you could have No magic then, just hard work. Today ‘It was always encouraging when I did said no easily with the same feeling, Oudolf has built a recession and virus- something people liked in my circle,’ he yes and no were on an equal balance.’ proof business. ‘The work has changed says. ‘And people were really taking over but I get commissioned now from my ideas. That was because I was one of Does he feel pressure? Quite the opposite. a distance,’ he explains. ‘I have done the few people that specialised in public Instead Oudolf uses the question for a two projects at a distance in America, spaces so millions of people could see remarkable rhapsody about the effects as people know me well now. My my ideas, which was very stimulating.’ on the soul of gardening: ‘Gardening plants are quite accurate. If I were ever stimulates the brain: it makes you feel to slow down it would be my own In fact, when I ask him for his regrets, that happy. Gardening is a metaphor for so decision; people want to work with me.’ turns out to be the only one: he regrets many things. You can find respect in it; any private work he has done as he knows or you can play in it. You can find yourself Oudolf ’s is predominantly a tale of it hasn’t reached the requisite audience. in it, walk into it, discover it. Every day passion and hard work. ‘I keep working can be different, seasons have a different because it’s my life. Every day I do Another turning-point came in 2004, but continuous journey where the something, I love to go to the office and when he was phoned up by James garden changes as you yourself change.’ work. It feels like I’m pensioned but I’m Corner Field Operations who had won still at work. The clients I work for are the competition to redesign the lower Then he pauses, before delivering a kind of specially aware of the time we live in and west side of Manhattan: the project punchline: ‘But don’t forget: it’s just fun.’ I think that’s why my planting schemes that would become known as the High work so well because they remind Line. ‘I don’t think even they knew what So what advice would he give to those you of the wildness people dream on.’ they would do with it,’ recalls Oudolf. starting out in landscape architecture? ‘Looking back, it’s great I said ‘yes’ as ‘You can’t do anything without That wildness has come back to haunt I was already working on the Battery knowing plants – or at least you need us now, but Oudolf isn’t surprised by Conservancy in New York so I thought, someone who knows them. You can’t 2020. In fact he’s taken it in his stride: it’s ‘I’ll take a look’’. Before Covid-19 struck try and find it out from a book in what he was telling us about all along.

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 137 Travel Abroad Thoughts From Home THE TRAVEL SECTOR CHANGED OUT OF ALL RECOGNITION IN MARCH. LANA WOOLF REPORTS FROM THE FRONT LINES

here is a phenomenon been to and loved. In our best moments called Stendhalismo named we can feel grateful we had what we had; after the French novelist but it is also possible to swoon Stendhal- Stendhal, which refers to the act of style in our kitchens and feel bereft at travellingT abroad and then swooning what have been so arbitrarily deprived of. before objects of great beauty. It was in Florence where Stendhal – born Balearic Blues Marie-Henri Beyle - first experienced an almost hallucinatory sense of awe at But what if travel is your livelihood? the Italian experience: ‘I was in a sort Like a career in aviation it would have of ecstasy, from the idea of being in seemed at the start of the year the Florence,’ he wrote, ‘close to the great safest of all sectors – and perhaps few men whose tombs I had seen. Absorbed countries would be safer to work in in the contemplation of sublime beauty.’ than that perennial favourite Mallorca. Two hundred years later, we have a new Sometimes during Covid-19 I have version of this phenomenon – but altered thought back to this island of peace to reflect our new pandemic reality. It and lemony light, where Robert Graves University Arms, Cambridge might be too flippant to call it Covidismo, lived out his years, and where Chopin but it can entail pausing in our UK homes and George Sand visited. It was surreal Miguel Feliz is the general manager of and suddenly having a flashback as to to imagine a touristless summer there. Sant Francesc, a five-star hotel in the all the travelling we did, which we now centre of Parma. ‘It’s been a tough and doubt we’ll ever do to the same extent. challenging year for all of us, especially For those of us who were lucky enough "In our best moments we can those in the hospitality industry,’ he to travel widely, a rhythm we hardly knew explains. ‘We are extremely lucky that we had established has been suddenly feel grateful we had what we Sant Francesc is a well-established, suspended. Never again will the airport had; but it is also possible year-round property and Palma is a be quite so routine; nor shall we return popular destination even in the cooler home to find ourselves gearing up for the to swoon Stendhal-style in months,’ he explains, adding that he next trip with quite the same regularity. our kitchens and feel bereft ‘remains optimistic that we will begin to see some normality from September Time is now marked in a different way. at what we have been so onwards, which is just in time for What else to do then, but sit at home arbitrarily deprived of." my favourite month in Mallorca.’ and dream – of Florence, of New York, of Kyoto, of all the places that we have If the guests return – and at time of writing the government’s much- criticised quarantine policy has made travel an anxious business – then guests will find a subtly altered hotel. ‘We have put extensive new measures in place by following the recommendations and directives from the Spanish National Health Services, as well as the World Health Organisation, in order to ensure the wellbeing of our guests and team members,’ Feliz tells me. ‘These include everything from twice-daily temperature checks for all staff as well as guests on arrival, to mandatory use of masks for our team - and masks and hand sanitizer being readily available to guests at all times. Extensive new cleaning programmes have been put in place for guest rooms and all public areas and social distancing will be encouraged wherever possible.’ As workable as that sounds, it was also a tough time for the company in another San Francesc, Mallorca sense when the owners had to address

138 Travel

already in a state of ruction pre-Covid. How PR went into ER ‘Even before coronavirus swept the "Travel journalism, when, globe, travel journalism was changing Every one of these hotels has its like travel itself, it returns to fast,’ she tells me. ‘We were working to marketing budget and there are many promote underserved destinations rather PR firms around the world earning their the masses, will continue to than those afflicted by overtourism; crust by promoting them. One of the become more thoughtful." and the climate crisis had made us best of these is Perowne International rethink how we spoke about travel and run by the redoubtable Julia Perowne. holidays to promote more responsible the question of the expected opening tourism. Then came coronavirus,Perowne recalls for me the bizarre which in many ways has accelerated events of February 2020: ‘I realised in of a sister property Can Ferrerata in February that the situation was getting Santanyí. ‘We decided to postpone the issues many travel journalists have been grappling with in recent years.’ more serious and that its impact would until March 2021 and take our time, in spread outside China. In many ways order to give it the opening it deserves.’ So is travel journalism still a career you the hospitality industry was one of the This hiatus has been painful – and of can go into? The answer is yes, but with first sectors impacted and sadly will likely be the last.’ It was a fast-moving course Sant Francesc is just one story caveats. ‘Travel journalism, when, like travel itself, it returns to the masses, will situation, she says. ‘We have clients all among thousands globally where hotels over the world and several beautiful have had to pause, pivot, or just take continue to become more thoughtful: expect more coverage of British holiday hotels in Italy which was impacted first the financial hit. The effect on the hotel spots as travel restrictions drag on and in Europe. We were shocked by the industry has been seismic, as any brief walk we want to inject more money into speed and severity of its development through central London immediately our domestic tourism market. Plus, the there and could see quickly that this attests: one thinks of the empty forecourt coronavirus has highlighted just how would not be contained to one country. of Buckingham Palace, or the now- risky travel can be - in terms of spreading In early March we started to analyse unphotographed lions of Trafalgar Square. the virus, and how quickly border closures the situation in more detail and prior to can stop travel; the world will no longer lockdown actually went to our clients and But travel is a vast industry with numerous be seen as a free-for-all, and journalism offered them significant fee reductions professions attached to it, which have will take this into account when deciding to help them through this tough time.’ experienced the knock-on effects of the which destinations to talk about.’ virus. From aviation, hotel events, to travel Overnight, the nature of the job changed: PR, and travel journalism, it’s a sector And will hotels still feel able to host ‘The most significant thing has been the full of economically significant subsets. significant numbers of journalists in emotional support the clients have needed order to make sure they get their copy? rather than just the practical,’ explains I catch up with Cathy Adams, who is Adams explains that ‘editorial will remain Perowne. ‘This has been a devastating the travel editor at the Independent. She’s an important part of a destination’s time for the industry – businesses that on maternity leave at the moment, and marketing plans, but I imagine with have worked so hard have been hit badly says she’s grateful to have a break from the focus on fewer trips and a smaller and there’s definitely been a need to help breast-feeding to share her thoughts tourism market generally, they won’t be people emotionally get through this. with me. For her, travel journalism was quite the all-out affairs they once were.’ In addition, we have needed to look

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 139 Travel ahead to the future and ensure that when as eggs, yogurt, vegetables and other Nothing will take that away from us.’ CABL ES FOR A M O VING W ORLD we come through this, the clients are food items to Cambridge Cyrenians.’ Perowne adds in respect of a career path looking as desirable and as relevant as in travel PR: ‘for those who really want ever. The consumer’s values have changed This is a sector which has experienced to go for it, the opportunities are endless.’ over the last few months and we need the severest setbacks of any. And yet to ensure that we are prepared for that.’ it’s a hopeful sector. James is cautiously So in a sense the buoyancy of the sector optimistic: ‘The desire people have comes back to Stendhalismo: a French Perowne was forced to take advantage of to travel will always prevail and the writer broke out into a cold sweat the furlough scheme (we’re hopefully in industry will always need fresh talent.’ because of the treasures of Florence, and the process of reinstating them’), though there will always be a part of us that will she would have liked to have seen a Miguel Feliz echoes those sentiments: long to do the same. Far-flung parts and different scheme in place. ‘It would have ‘The hospitality industry is so versatile and new experiences are things we’ll always been great if the government could have offers the unique opportunity to travel the be susceptible to, and a virus will not subsidised salaries and allowed people world and learn about different cultures, decrease our need for adventure – indeed, to still work if they could as they did so there is always an appetite for travel. in the long run it may only increase it. in Ireland,’ she argues. ‘We desperately needed all-hands-on-deck but simply weren’t getting the fees from the clients so we had to utilise the scheme.’ Echoing Adams’ observations about journalism, Perowne says that Covid-19 ‘will simply accelerate the changes that were happening,’ adding that ‘we have to be compelling storytellers.’ Tricky Calculus Perowne praises the agility of her clients. One of these is the Cambridge University Arms, where Ian James, the general manager, approached the crisis in a highly community-minded way. Although he closed the hotel on 22nd CHEZ DRAX often go awry. When Louis XIV came to March ‘with heavy heart’, he explains stay he found the place impressive, but that ‘it was also important to us to A day-trip to an architectural jewel threateningly so. Fouquet was arrested help alleviate the strain on our NHS.’ south of Paris might be just the thing shortly afterwards. now. As the city’s oldest continually operating As Voltaire put it, with typical pithiness hotel, the team was minded to take You might not have seen Moonraker bordering on flippancy: ‘On 17th August the long view. ‘The property has truly recently – not least because the at six in the evening, Fouquet was the stood the test of time – living through James Bond films seem to have an King of France; at two in the morning he two world wars, the fight for woman’s uncomfortable relationship with the was a nobody.’ An independent British cable innovator dedicated rights and in 1665, the University Arms world’s streaming services. But in it, temporary closed its doors due to the James Bond attends the lair of Hugo It stands then as a marvellous warning to Bubonic Plague,’ James explains. ‘Isaac Drax, played by Michael Lonsdale. ambition and knowing your place. Today Newton had to work from home and the place has been lovingly restored by to bringing the best and greenest advanced he used this time to develop Calculus The film was shot at Chateau de Vaux- Patrice de Vogüé. Alexandre says he is and the theory of Gravity. Therefore, le-Vicomte – a place which has its driven by a desire, to ‘as we say in French, we remain positive that we will soon own remarkable story to tell. And now, break the neck of the myth’ surrounding technologies to world leaders in transport, power, put this latest travail behind us. As in these times of sudden quarantine Fouquet, who he feels has been unfairly Solomon said, “This too shall pass”. imposition and the need to self-isolate treated by history. it might be the right time to take a day defence, construction, aviation, communications, It’s also a hotel which has been caring trip on the Eurostar to see it. But the real story is the art inside. toward its staff and the people in the Moliere visited here and performed. ‘I immediate locality. ‘As the hotel closed Located in Maincy a 34 mile drive out had an English actress visit and she lay and we were heading into lock down, our of Paris, if you rise early enough it’s down and kissed the floor in homage,’ ports and marine industries. main concern was the wellbeing of our possible to see one of France’s forgotten says Alexandre. ‘My staff had to tell me team,’ he explains. ‘Our Chef Director treasures at lunchtime and be back that afterwards that it was Helen Mirren.’ The Tristan Welch and his team coordinated night. Welcome to the era of Covid Le Brun ceilings represent the height of care packages to keep everyone going travel: strategic day trips. his achievement, and so the summit of the during the difficult times of self-isolation. rococo. Our ‘Most Wanted’ packages were filled A certain tragicomedy attaches to the with essentials including many items that place. Nicolas Fouquet had risen to This is a family business which is were proving difficult to come by in the prominence in the court of Louis XIV, committed to adaptation. And its central supermarkets at the time. These included and put everything into the place: it’s story of a man who thought he had it everything from pasta, flour and toilet a collaboration between the garden all, but who was on the cusp of losing it, paper, to oats, sugar, cereals, stock cubes, design of André Le Nôtre (best known has special resonance for our times. It tinned goods as well as fresh fruit. In for his work on Versailles, which this doesn’t take much to draw parallels with addition to this, the property has donated anticipates), Charles Le Brun who our own sudden change of fortunes this some key items locally to those in need. produced ceilings, and architect Louis year. But the superb vision he had is still These included disposable aprons and Le Vau. It was a masterpiece but standing; and so is our society. Hautement gloves to the Papworth Trust as well the best-laid plans of mice and men recommandé. www.tratosgroup.com

140 CABL ES FOR A M O VING W ORLD

An independent British cable innovator dedicated to bringing the best and greenest advanced technologies to world leaders in transport, power, defence, construction, aviation, communications, ports and marine industries.

www.tratosgroup.com

www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 141 Food & Wine Jeremy King ADVICE TO A YOUNG RESTAURANTEUR

There used to be shame and ignominy in being in the restaurant business. Now it’s as good as any there is - and in many ways even better. When it comes to employees, attitude is the main thing. There is no job anybody should do or will succeed at unless they have that. It’s what you make of it. If you start to think: ‘Who are these people Review: Great Scott’s coming in? What is the history of the building? Why do people know each There was a sense of palpable relief other?’ that takes it all to another level. on a summer’s day when we returned And then there’s the food, how it’s reared to Scott’s. An alien visitor to George and grown, and the fantastic alchemy Street might not have known that there is in cooking. By the same token, the world had been through the wine is an extraordinary subject. There’s most bizarre pandemic in its history. a great joy in this profession – contrary to the Home Secretary’s opinion. We were met front of house by a buoyant maître d’. When we asked And let’s not forget that it’s fun. I was how his virus had been, he cheerily always struck when Graham Norton was said that furlough had been a bit of talking about how he had first come to a nuisance but that he was glad to be "With my generation, it was London and worked in Covent Garden. back. When we asked to deposit our He said, “I don’t think there should be bags he regretfully declined explaining difficult to know what to do. National Service. Instead, everyone should that it was a necessary safety measure. You might have been ignorant be compelled to work in a restaurant. The great difficulty for restaurants but it was easy to find a job. You learn about social skills interaction, now is to create the right atmosphere, disputes, reconciliation, any number of and Scott’s has it just right. Outside, This younger generation things.” He was right. For a generation Wodehousian folk look out onto the know what they want to do which has become disconnected quiet of George Street. The foyer area has by the advances in technology, it been cunningly set aside as the only point but it's harder to get a job." really is something very special. in the customer experience where you pay any homage to the virus. There’s a screen People will return to restaurants. They which checks your temperature. This gave will have missed the conviviality of me the green light, but my companion, he funny thing is, I always community. Too many people are having sat in a hot Saab to make a phone thought 2020 might be a bit of becoming almost entombed in their call beforehand, took a while to cool T a shakeout in the hospitality homes with the working-from-home down and gain the right to admittance. business. 2019 had been a year of the phenomenon. And it’s interesting, beginning of the collapse of the casual having spoken to a lot of my staff Owned by Caprice Holdings, which dining market and seen some very over the last months, how much also owns the Ivy, 34 Mayfair and significant casualties – but of course they yearn to return to work. the J. Sheekey restaurants, Scott’s I had no idea in what form it would nevertheless has retained its own come and had no anticipation about the It’s also interesting how many friends of identity. Inside, you wouldn’t have been damage perpetrated by Covid-19. my children – I have three all in their later able to tell the difference between its twenties – have decided they don’t want current incarnation and the pre-corona But we were already up against it. I to be in merchant banking or advertising. state of affairs. There is no protective remain angry that we didn’t remain in They’ve been setting up things and equipment among the staff and the the EU: I’m always immensely grateful finding such happiness in working in table arrangements feel remarkably to everybody who over the last 50 or 60 restaurants to an extent that I’ve never similar to what was in place before. years has come to these shores and shown seen before. With my generation, it was us how the business could be done. So difficult to know what to do. You might That’s partly because the venue is lucky many people associate restaurants with have been ignorant but it was easy to find with its spaciousness, but it’s also a hot kitchens, swearing chefs, long a job. This younger generation know what testament to the personality of the hours, and not very good remuneration. they want to do but it’s harder to get a job. place. The food remains stellar – the crab special to start was especially Certainly, even as late as 1990, if you were I was someone who never quite knew welcome, and the cod with sides retains in the restaurant profession you normally what I wanted to do with my life. its supremacy. True, these are sobre times didn’t have a mortgage, you rented, didn’t Did I want to create? Did I want to – and we acknowledged that by sticking fill in your tax returns, had no life insurance, do languages? Did I want to be an to water – but Scott’s is showing every and no pension. It was a transitory architect? Thanks to the restaurant sign it will adapt and prosper, as the experience and not considered a career. business, I’ve been able to do them all. culinary antidote to unsettling times.

142 Food & Wine Costeau IS THIS THE END OF THE BOOZY LUNCH?

ur eyes on the restaurant industry amount of time in a restaurant.’ The death of that great advocate of the wonders whether Covid-19 has alcoholic meal Christopher Hitchens at O put an end to a great institution This decline in wine-addled prandials was 61 to throat cancer in 2011 is set to be caused also by the rise of breakfast. King recalled in a melancholy memoir-cum- Costeau was recently talking to a grand continues: ‘A while back, we witnessed the novel Inside Story by his friend Martin dame of the publishing industry, publicist growth of the breakfast which was really Amis, who recently in interview said he to a host of well-known names in the all about avoiding the boozy lunch. It’s stared in the mirror and thought: publishing world including Julian Barnes accepted it’s going to be 45 minutes to ‘I look finished.’ AA Gill was another and John Banville. She recalled her first an hour; it’s a much more efficient way of who turned away from booze – but later week at work in a major publishing house working. And in some ways it clears space wished as cancer also claimed him that in the 1980s. As she told us, her start for people who do want to have a social he had turned away sooner. seemed to go well, but at the end of it she lunch. I think there will be less business was summoned to her boss’ office: ‘Yes, lunches in terms of Covid-19, but more That’s the trouble with the boozy lunch: you’ve had a good week, but there’s one boozy social lunches because people will it takes its toll, and the young, who haven’t problem,’ he said. ‘You don’t appear to be have missed the conviviality.’ grown up dreaming of being rock and having enough boozy lunches with your And yet when we caught up with Sir Martin roll stars, but of designing tech apps, are authors. This week I want you to take cannier about their health than their yourself down to the Wolseley.’ Sorrell earlier in the year, he was radiant with the thought that he didn’t need to begin his parents’ were. As much as one appreciates any efforts the day in a meeting which he plainly views So is this a morbid culture? Jeremy King publishing industry is making to rekindle as time-wasting. ‘I actually find I’m doing that spirit, it hardly needs stating that more work, as there are no interruptions,’ thinks so: ‘I think it is a morbid culture, you’d be unlikely to hear this complaint he explains. ‘No breakfasts; no dinners; and that’s potentially drained the fun, today. And the part-owner of the Wolseley, no surplus travelling. So, on balance I’m but I still think we’ll return to an Jeremy King, acknowledges precisely more effective and certainly learning more.’ approximation of what we had before.’ a hard truth: post-2020 may well be It is probably a danger in any case to the era when the sozzled lunch is finally Of course, your future alcohol intake will put to bed. depend to some extent on which industry glamorise the whole thing. When Costeau you find yourself in. One friend who runs last saw his publicist friend, the wine He told Costeau that the trend had been a recruitment business is dismayed at did indeed flow. ‘Well, this was just like part-driven by America: ‘It had been the thought of forgoing his champagne- the 1980s!’ she said at the end, by way of eroded for a long time. I remember in LA fuelled lunches in Bob Bob Ricard. ‘We’re slightly slurred summary. It was, and her ordering wine at lunchtime and being still going to do it – we’re doing it now!’ he saying so expressed surprise as much as looked at as if I were a psychopath.’ says. But there is a sense that such spirited pleasure. To some extent he says, the shift was folk represent the last bastions of the caused by an increase of women in the boozy lunch. I also think it expressed foreboding: and workplace. ‘It was always the men who indeed the headache the next day made would booze the most and do the least. Journalism, of course, is famous for you wonder even before Covid-19 whether The women were much straighter and to having a few too many, and yet even here this old institution might after all deserve the point: avoid the booze, and reduce the there have been some notable setbacks. its place on the scrapheap of history.

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1 FOUNDERS LETTER 54 NOLI ME TANGERE How Covid-19 altered careers 2 LEADERS in the church

9 DIARY 58 HEDGING YOUR BETS Jeremy Hunt The allure of a career in high finance 10 LETTERS 62 LISBON WINTER Our experts on your career problems Will Purcell photographs a p143 changing Portugal

68 GAP YEARS "Despite what's 23 10,000 HOURS What's the best use of a year out? happened in the last few Douglas Murray's tips for months, and the very would-be journalists 71 DYLAN AT 80 real problems we do 24 TOMORROW’S LEADERS What the enigmatic singer can teach us about success face, the world is an ARE BUSY TONIGHT Meggie Foster on using the infinitely better place pandemic to your advantage than it was fifty years "We look at the whole idea of an elite 25 THESE ARE MY PRINCIPLES Briefings ago." university the wrong way round: an elite universityChief Rabbi to Ephraim me should on faith have and 77 SPECIAL US Jeremy Hunt a lot ofcareers people from disavantaged POST-ELECTION REPORT backgrounds, brilliant graduate What 2021 will bring 26outcomes,WATERFLY and should embed work experience in the curriculum." for US-UK jobs Columns The changing waters of education 87 TEAMWORK 14 THE MINISTER Stuart Thomson on learning from Gillian Keegan on T levels co-workers Features 15 FORMER SECRETARY 88 LINKING UP David Blunkett on Starmer's Clair Marr on your online presence dilemma 90 THE MENTOR 16 THE CHAIR Sophia Petrides on prioritising Robert Halfon on your goals the fight against inequality 91 JOBSWORTH 17 THE DJ p71 Georgia Heneage left university Iain Dale on a life in radio during a pandemic 32 THE SKIES AHEAD 18 THE FRONT BENCHER An exclusive interview with 92 EDTECH Shadow schools minister Margaret Richard Branson Ty Goddard takes Sunak to task Greenwood AN INDELIBLE MARK 38 93 SUSTAINABLE LEARNING 21 A QUESTION OF DEGREE An anniversary tribute Neil Carmichael on making Mary Beard on the importance to Clive James an impact of the classics SPY THRILLER 44 94 OH, CALCUTTA 22 RELATIVELY SPEAKING How to make it at MI5 Our insider’s view of jobs in India Dido Harding describes her upbringing

146 Preview of Coming Attractions

Richard IV: The Virgin King

95 STARS AND STRIPES 113 MIRREN'S MAJESTY 140 WOULD YOU LIKE TO TASTE THE WINE? What's new in the Republic? The great dame on saving the theatre Beatrice Bessi on 97 HEALTH KICK being a sommelier 118 THE LAST PANDEMIC Our sector dive into the NHS 143 COSTEAU and beyond How the Spanish flu changed the way we see things Against morbid dining

125 OUTSIDE BUILDINGS 143 CLASS DISMISSED How the pandemic will change Victoria Coren on gaming, betting the look of schools and HIGNFY

129 POETRY, PLEASE Our annual poetry competition

Issue 3 November 2020 133 BOOK REVIEWS A round-up of the latest p113 education tomes 136 ROCKET MAN 104 FIRST IN THE QUEUE Elton John on boosting How the Obama Foundation is your music career changing the UK 138 ROCCO FORTE 107 BLONDE CONTRARIANS How the hotel chain is bucking What skipping lockdown meant the trend for Sweden's jobs Sir Richard Branson PUSH THE BOUNDARIES

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www.finito.org.uk ISSUE 2 147 CLASS DISMISSED Stanley Johnson The novelist and environmentalist biological warfare: on his Covid-19 novel, how to it can’t be discounted. save the environment, and life as Boris’ father. With the ‘wet market’ theory we’re faced with the possibility that the We really enjoyed The Virus. environmental crisis and the virus We gather it forms the first part crisis are two sides of the same coin? in a trilogy? Absolutely. I go back to work Yes, Black Spring Press is kindly done by Compassion in World reissuing three of my books: after The Farming which has produced a Virus will come two environmental really intriguing study as to how thrillers called The Warming and animals reared in close proximity can The Anomaly. We’re calling these a create infections. We have to look at thrillogy. intensive farming.

You wrote the book in 1980 and it Has the PM read your book? seems incredibly prescient. I happen to know he has reread it When it first came out in 1980 I recently as I sent him a copy. called it The Marburg Virus. That was about a real-life incident where Do you think the government’s everyone who got the disease died. response has been a success? Towards the end of the 1970s, I was working in Brussels. I went Frankly, if you look at the to Marburg – a small town in government’s core objective it was But for me that has gone hand in Germany not far from Frankfurt, to stop the health facilities being hand with an environmental career, and discovered the outbreak had overwhelmed and they succeeded so I’d say, ‘Don’t put all your eggs been hushed up at the time. I was in that. We have come through in one basket.’ For me it’s paid able to dig out the fact that it had this first wave, but we haven’t come off tremendously. I’ve been lucky involved a number of students from through unscathed, though you’re enough to visit far-off places. the university medical school. not going to find me being critical. But you hope that when you travel to Australia what you write about it So this is a deeply researched novel? What’s the way forward? pays off in environmental terms.

Yes, I went to the Centre of Well, this crisis has involved huge I was interested to see you began as Disease Control which is the key public spending financed by huge a poet and even won the Newdigate international institution in the fight public borrowing. It might be that Prize. That’s something you’ve against pandemics and my hero the mechanisms you need to pay off obviously passed onto Boris. Lowell Kaplan is an epidemiologist. some of this borrowing have terrific Do you think he’s the most literate He’s the one who leads the fight in relevance for the strategy needed PM we’ve had in a while? finding the vaccine. to bring down climate change. You could have a carbon tax which Well, I’ve rested on my poetry laurels How do you think the Covid-19 applies at the border. Obviously if a bit since then! I saw Mary Beard pandemic started? you died of coronavirus it would wasn’t polite about Boris – one be cold comfort but it could be classicist attracting another classicist We don’t know the original source a fantastic opportunity. I suppose. Harold Wilson’s wife, but it’s not inconceivable it escaped Mary, was keen on poetry. I’m not from a weapons laboratory. What would you say to young ready to say other prime ministers You can’t totally rule out the people wanting to write? haven’t been interested in literature: possibility that this was no accidental people hide their lights! leak. In Wuhan, there is an Institute Well for me it’s been three-pronged. of Virology. There are still people I’ve published 25 books and also The Virus is out now from Black Spring out there interested in chemical and been a fairly persistent journalist. Press for £9.99

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