Lord Wei to make maiden speech

• Audio and video: debate on the role of partnerships between government and civil society in shaping social policy (from approx 3.30pm)
• MPs, Lords and offices: Lord Wei

A co-founder of Teach First and Future Leaders, programmes recruit staff to challenging schools, lead Partner at the Shaftesbury Partnership, a professional services network that assures the impact of social reform, and head of New Programme Development at children's foundation Absolute Return for Kids, Lord Wei has significant experience of the topic under discussion.

The Bishop of Leicester will open the debate. Other speakers include: 

• Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws (Labour), a barrister who specialises in human rights law, civil liberties and constitutional issues
• Baroness Pitkeathley (Labour), former chief executive of Carers UK, former chair of the lottery distributor, the New Opportunities Fund, and of the Children and Families Court Advisory and Support Service
• Lord Bichard (Crossbench), the director of the Institute for Government and former permanent secretary for Education
• Lord Giddens (Labour), former director of the London School of Economics and professor of sociology at Cambridge University
• Lord Hunt of King’s Heath (Labour), a former Minister in various government departments including Health and Work and Pensions
• Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench), professor of citizenship and director of the Foundation of Citizenship at John Moores University

Baroness Warsi will speak on behalf of the Government.

• Full list of speakers [external website] 
  

Further information

The term ‘maiden speech’ refers to the first time a new Member gives a speech in the House of the Lords. A maiden speech usually takes place during a general debate and is uncontroversial.

• Glossary: Maiden speech

Members of the public can attend House of Lords debates and follow proceedings from the public gallery.

• Visiting Parliament: Attend debates