Nahida Ahmed gives an inside view on the DVSA

Nahida Ahmed, Area Operations Manager at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) recently had the opportunity to see the work of ministers and Private Office first-hand.

Nahida explained:

On 7 and 8 December I was fortunate enough to spend two days at the Private Secretary’s Office at the Department for Transport (DfT) as part of the ‘Through the Keyhole’ secondment scheme.

On the first day I got a tour of the Private Office followed by a spell sitting in on a pre-brief meeting for an oral parliamentary question for Lord Ahmed.

My visit also included a Westminster Hall debate, where I attended a pre-brief with the Minister of State, The Rt Hon John Hayes MP, a round table discussion with Andrew Jones MP and an overview of various departments, including the special advisors. I also took notes at an external meeting for the Secretary of State, The Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP.

I gained exposure to areas that are outside my day to day activities, such as viewing submissions, writing Boxnotes, speaking to the special advisors and visiting the House of Commons and House of Lords.

I was amazed at how approachable everyone at DfT was, including the ministers. Despite their days being long and challenging their roles are exciting.

I have a better understanding of how everything that the DVSA does on a day to day basis, be that a driving test or vehicle testing, can impact ministers and their teams.

This was an opportunity for me to start meaningful relationships with my colleagues at DfT. All in all, it was a surreal experience and one that I will not forget, especially when Andrew Jones MP showed genuine interest in becoming a part of this article by posing for some photos!

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