House of Commons opens applications to find BAME leaders

Following a successful pilot of the Pathway to Success leadership and development programme last year, the House of Commons alongside Operation Black Vote (OBV) and in collaboration with Oxford University's Magdalen College, Blavatnik School of Government and Lloyds Banking Group has opened up applications for this year's programme.

The House of Commons is committed to increasing the representation of BAME (Black, Asian and Ethnic-Minority) people within its workforce and in Parliament more widely and aims to tackle under-representation at senior levels in the House of Commons by 2020 through the delivery of its comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Pathway to Success Leadership and Development

As part of the strategy, it committed to launch the Pathway to Success Leadership and Development programme, a ground-breaking new initiative now in its second year working to equip BAME individuals with the tools and knowledge required to stand for political office and leadership roles. The programme is designed for individuals who have already demonstrated leadership potential and are ready to take the next step – not entry-level candidates. There is no upper age limit for applications to the scheme.

Participants are selected based on their proven leadership skills and will undertake a week of intensive coaching and master classes to build their confidence, know-how and familiarity with senior leadership settings around politics, governance, community, business and civic environments.

The programme aims to send out the message that diverse leadership is essential in politics, civil society, universities, business and wider society. The programme offers participants first-hand experience of Parliament and an enhanced understanding of the political landscape, as well as the skills to continue their careers in frontline politics and leadership roles.

In light of the current Coronavirus crisis, partners are committed to ensure that the programme goes ahead when it is safe to do so.

Clerk of the House of Commons, John Benger said:

"At the House of Commons, we believe that Parliament should reflect the democracy it serves. That is why we are proud to launch the 2nd year of the "Pathway to Success" leadership and development programme. Addressing underrepresentation in senior roles within the House of Commons is one of the priority actions of our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2019-2022 and I look forward to welcoming the next generation of BAME leaders to Parliament".

Alicia Flemming, a participant of the pilot programme in 2019 said:

"The day in Parliament was fantastic, it was both informative and valuable. I would recommend this course to everyone interested in politics."

Participants will stay in Magdalen College, Oxford for a week and will take a trip to London to visit the Houses of Parliament. The Blavatnik School of Government and Operation Black Vote have developed a comprehensive programme to build an in-depth understanding of major political, civic and business ideas through discussion, group activities and input sessions.

Members of Parliament across all parties will be involved to act as panel members, alongside contributors from the Civil Service, politics and the business world, who can share their experiences, journeys and insights.

For more information about the Pathway to Success Leadership Development Programme and how to apply, visit the OBV website here.

About Operation Black Vote (OBV)

Operation Black Vote is Europe's leading BAME organisation that has a proven history of nurturing BAME political and civic talent. Alumni of previous Operation Black Vote campaigns are now running big cities and boroughs, becoming Members of Parliament, Ministers and Shadow Ministers.

About the Blavatnik School of Government

The Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford exists to inspire and support better government and public policy around the world. The Blavatnik School teaches current and future public leaders through innovative programmes, conducts independent, evidence-based research into pressing issues facing policymakers – from improving education to reducing corruption – and convenes leaders and experts across disciplines and sectors to share knowledge, exchange ideas and identify solutions.