VERSA VOICE: Q&A with Steve Ward
July 2010

This month, Versa Voice meets Steve Ward. Steve currently works as the Inclusion Manager for the Young Peoples Learning Agency with particular responsibility for learners with special learning needs and/or disabilities and young offenders. Until April 2010, Steve was Equality and Diversity Manager for the LSC in Yorkshire and Humberside where he oversaw some important initiatives to challenge inequalities and improve social cohesion amongst communities throughout the region.

What have you got in your briefcase today?
A copy of the funding guidance, Placement for Learners with Learning Difficulties and or Disabilities at Independent Specialist Providers. A paper regarding the funding of Specialist Providers, a pencil case made by my God daughter containing three pens (two of which don’t work) and a salad lunch.

What's the most embarrassing (work!) mistake you've made?
Whilst working for Benefits Agency I went to visit a claimant. Some minutes later, I put my brief case on a coffee table which then shattered into smithereens! I felt obliged to allow all the requests for items the lady wanted. It was long before the introduction of Social Fund Loans.

What would you say to your 18-year old self if you met them today?
When I was young a lad from the council estates few went to University, you sort of accepted that especially if parents couldn’t afford it. I would tell my younger self to save for a year and have a go.

What’s the most important thing you've learned in this job?
As Equality and Diversity Manager you need to be careful what you say, as you are expected to know all the answers. The problem is that there aren’t any correct answers; you just have to do your best to improve the chances for all.

How do you keep sane and focused?
On the iPod: Wagner for focus, Philip Glass for sanity.

You find yourself drinking in a late–night bar with the Secretary of State. What would you say to him/her?
I don’t do late nights, so it would be unlikely I could string together a coherent sentence. However at an early and more civilised hour I would ask for a period of stability in the education system for us to prove we can deliver if left alone.

When was the last time you felt genuinely surprised at work?
I am ashamed to say it was because of the expectations I had. We organised a conference around LGBT issues which was presented and led by young people. At the planning stages they did not show great commitment, but on the day they moved everyone by telling of their experiences and the level of articulation and confidence surprised me. It goes to show I think we all at times underestimate the skills of our young people.

Have you ever said 'I'll get back to you on that' and not meant it?
Not really, I have used that phrase to buy some time when I have been completely floored. At times it has taken longer than I would have liked to respond.

In your view, will your sector notice a difference with a change of government?
I think it will have a huge impact both in terms of our budget, and the range of work we will be doing. The advent of Academies will have a major impact on our future work.

You wake up in a parallel universe where you never took this career path. What would you like to be doing instead?
What I would like to be doing is singing opera, but as I have no singing ability that would be unlikely. If the parallel universe is caused by the choices you make or don’t, I would be still working for British Rail flattening sandwiches.

What do you look for most from a partner company or service provider?
Delivering what was promised, in time and on budget. The ability to respond to change as it arises and regular updates as to progress.