Tuesday 6 October saw a superb beginning to this year’s series of Head Master’s Lectures. The Sanderson Room, packed with over a sixth of the school, heard Professor Robert Barrington speak with compelling urgency about the theme of his new book Corrupted Kingdom.
He is Professor of anti-corruption practice at Sussex University, and his talk drew out the striking levels to which corruption now threatens the British state. He also presented with impressive clarity the solutions available to us.
It was a bracing political wakeup call and prompted an extraordinary range of questions from the audience, which Professor Barrington generously answered till long after the talk’s end. It was a wonderful reflection of Lancing’s vibrant intellectual culture, buzzing as ever at the start of a new academic year.
Dr Damian Kerney
Head of History
Review from one of our Pupils, Penelope W, Upper Sixth
Professor Barrington gave a fascinating Head Master’s Lecture on his book, Corrupted Kingdom. Drawing on many years of research, he showed us how, while corruption is always a risk, most British institutions, from the government to the courts, are under a real threat from moral and financial corruption. These institutions must be defended, as our current anti-corruption measures are not fit for purpose.
The case he put forward was not only relevant but vital for us all to understand, especially given as students we are learning what it means to live in a society and the values we wish to champion. Eye-opening, eloquent and urgent, Professor Barrington’s talk has continued to prompt further discussion around the College, a clear indicator of an excellent talk.
