Rufus: An EQ+ Celebration Series Highly Commended Story

Posted on: 28 July 2026 by Olga Chatzidaki in Student experiences

During his Civil Service placement, Rufus has focused on social mobility, public service and community. He has volunteered with young people who are out of education or work through the Spear programme, helped deliver school outreach about public-sector careers to almost 100 students, and set up a Civil Service Padel Club that has brought colleagues together while raising more than £500 for domestic abuse charity DASH.

What made the school outreach work feel important to you?

Meeting young people who were out of education or work, or at risk of becoming so, made the purpose of the work very clear. I wanted public-sector careers to feel less distant and to show that there are routes into meaningful work whatever someone’s starting point. We were especially keen to work with schools outside the “London bubble”, where students might not have the same awareness of what the Civil Service does or how to apply.

What impact are you most proud of?

Our outreach has reached almost 100 students, and everyone who gave feedback said they understood public-sector roles and the Civil Service application process more clearly afterwards. We have also had direct emails asking for help with specific applications, which suggests students felt confident enough to take a next step. I am also proud that the Padel Club has created a wellbeing community for more than 60 colleagues while raising just over £500 for DASH, a local domestic abuse charity.

What do you want to bring back to Liverpool?

When I return to university, I will be President of the International Law and Human Rights Society. I want to create events that make public service, international law and human rights careers feel more visible and more achievable. Longer term, I plan to qualify as a lawyer and work in the Civil Service, particularly on international disputes, equality and human rights.