Josh Bates (LGS 2016) is a Senior Policy Advisor at the BBC, working within the policy and public affairs team, which deals with the organisation’s relationship with Parliament, the government and wider political stakeholders. When asked what his job involves, he explains: “The day to day of my job can vary massively, but a big focus of my work revolves around negotiating with the government about the next BBC Charter, and what the organisation should be focusing on and delivering over the next 10 years.”
Josh’s love of politics and interest in current affairs led him down this career path. “I knew a repetitive job would never be the one for me, so I chose a career path where every day would be different and unpredictable – and politics is certainly that.”
However, this wasn’t always his plan. In fact LGS, played a huge role in inspiring his career choice. Before joining LGS for Sixth Form, Josh was set on becoming a lawyer and chose English, Geography and History at A-Level to facilitate this ambition. For his fourth option, a friend persuaded him to study Politics, which he planned to drop in Year 13. However, Josh says that: “Testament to Mr Dawkins and Ms Jenkins, I fell in love with politics, continued on throughout Year 13 to study it and receive an A grade, studied it as a degree and have now built up over 6 years experience working in politics and public affairs across London, Brussels and Washington D.C. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Looking back at his time at school, other core highlights for Josh include: “Navy Cadets, the trip to Washington D.C (which encouraged me to move there for several months as part of my career) and the mock 2015 election.”
As part of his role in the BBC, Josh returned to LGS in November for the production of Question Time, which brought back many memories. “Seeing Question Time being filmed within Hodson Hall felt like worlds colliding, and I hope inspired another generation of students to pursue a career in the world of broadcasting, news and politics.”
