Helen Lederer CBE
1. When you were at Brighton & Hove High School, and what is your fondest memory of school?
I attended from 1966 to 1978 – one memory stands out which was the annual school trip to Newtimber Place for a huge picnic in the grounds, or maybe we just went the once for a school anniversary. I believe a former pupil lived there and opened it up for all the children to come for the day. It was very special to be out in the Sussex countryside at such an amazing place. The second vivid memory is the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969 when the large TV was wheeled out into the hall at the Vicarage which was then the junior school and we watched history being made. Plus, my first day at big school (Temple) and how scary it was. I have no idea if the school houses are the still the same, but I was Stanley and you never forget.
2. Who was your favourite teacher and why?
There was an English teacher – Mrs Hilton-Dennis who held a spot in the hearts of all her students. And in Junior School a Miss Parsons who wore the most vibrant 1970’s style dresses.
3. What were the benefits of being in an all-girls school?
I didn’t appreciate at the time how important is for girls to be able to learn in a targeted environment. Boys mature at a different rate and learn in a different way. When I left and went to a mixed Sixth Form, I was very disappointed to find that having boys there wasn’t quite as much fun as I had hoped. But it also meant I was empowered on entering the workplace to never think there was a role I could not do just because I was female.
4. What did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
I was not a model pupil and I had quite limited ambitions based almost entirely from watching Dallas on TV. I wanted to be an executive personal assistant with smart clothes and big earrings. Early on in my working career I studied accountancy and qualified in that, which would come as a surprise to anyone who taught maths to me..
5. What do you do now, and what are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
I am the Director of Corporate Services at No.10 which I always liken to running a school. But one that is 300 years old, with 300 people working in it, 2 families and importantly, a cat, dearest Larry. I love working with my team of experts in their fields from IT to Security to Building management and Finance, helping them achieve extraordinary things.
6. What are you most proud of so far?
I was honoured to receive a CBE from King Charles for my work on inclusion in the civil service. I genuinely believe “Talent” can be anyone from anywhere and that inclusion enables the broadest group of voices to be heard and talent to be recognised.
7. What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
“Don’t talk so much in class” I still do talk too much, but I also try to be an active listener which is where the real value of leadership lies. In hearing alternate views.
8. What advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
You will think you are mature when you are 24, you are not. You will have multiple careers and meet so many amazing people, take your time. Your hard work will bring you luck, oh and always do jobs you love.
9. What book, film or piece of music would you recommend to your younger self and to your fellow alumnae?
I’ve had to think hard about this – but Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series is all I can come up with. Empowerment for girls.
10. How would you like to be remembered?
I do not want nor expect to be remembered. But I would like to think I left something better or someone happier behind me when I am gone.
Helen Lederer
Class of 1980
Director (SCS1) Corporate Services at No10 Downing Street
And Cabinet Office Inclusion and Performance Management Champion
