The Mayor of Bath, Cllr Dr Bharat Pankhania, chose ‘education for all’ as a theme for his mayoral year, and now he’s putting his words into action.
In his inauguration address, he emphasised that education is empowerment, liberation, and a pathway for every citizen to have a better chance in life. He quoted the late Nelson Mandela as saying, “Education is the most powerful weapon.”
Now he writes:
“I am pleased to share that I have been collaborating with the University of Bath on an exciting new PhD opportunity that aligns with my Mayoral Theme ‘Education is Empowerment.”
But if you are interested, you had better get a move on, as the deadline for applications is October 10th!
For more details on what’s involved and to check your eligibility to apply, please visit the link:
https://lnkd.in/djJ7WS3m
I have copied some of the details below:
Interviews will take place in the Mayor of Bath’s Parlour in central Bath on the morning of Friday, 24 October.
This is a unique opportunity for a SWDTP doctoral student to work directly with the newly elected Mayor of Bath, Professor Councillor Bharat Pankhania, on his 2025/26 Mayoral theme: Education is Empowerment. Professor Pankhania is also a Public Health Expert and majored in Health Protection.
The successful candidate will undertake a research project mapping educational interventions across Bath and North East Somerset (BANES), exploring their relevance and effectiveness at different life stages and exploring the interconnections between education, health and economics at a local level.
The placement will involve close collaboration with the Mayor and colleagues across Bath and NE Somerset (BANES) to understand the current landscape, identify gaps in provision, and suggest evidence-based policy recommendations. You’ll gain first-hand experience of local government, attend full council chamber sessions, visit the local authority business centre, and engage with public health teams to understand cross-sectoral approaches to education.
Supported by an academic from the University of Bath, as well as the Mayor, the placement will be based across the University, the Mayor’s Parlour and council offices in Keynsham, with opportunities for remote working. This is an exceptional chance to contribute to identifying the educational attainment gaps, civic leadership, shape local and national policy, and explore the importance of education in empowering people and communities.
Interested students should submit a short cover letter and CV to Emily Richards: e.richards@bath.ac.uk
Application deadline: 10th October 2025
