In recent years, significant efforts have been made in our city to address race equality, but certain gaps have become apparent. One major challenge involves ensuring that the lived experiences of diverse communities are genuinely reflected in decision-making processes.
To tackle this, a coalition of organisations, united under the BAMER COVID-19 Action Group, secured funding from the National Lottery to support the development of their leadership teams. This support revealed a shared need: empowering emerging leaders who could succeed the current generation of leaders and bring fresh perspectives to the city’s decision-making tables.
Thus, the Emerging Leaders Programme was born.
Thirteen promising leaders from Global Majority backgrounds were either self-nominated or recommended by their organisations. Guided by established leaders who volunteered their time and expertise, this cohort is immersed in a supportive environment that values openness, mutual respect, and trust. Importantly, the programme compensates all participants for their time. Aiming to create a relaxed and empowering atmosphere where everyone feels free to share past experiences and collaborate on solutions.
Each emerging leader is provided with a personal coach and mentor, and they’ve already begun identifying key areas for their growth and aspirations for the programme. Together, they’re addressing questions like: What barriers have we faced? How can we create pathways for a new generation of leaders in our city?
To bring this vision to life, a tender has been issued to identify a partner who will co-design and deliver a six-month programme with the emerging leaders. These leaders will be directly involved in selecting the partner and delivering the programme, helping them to develop vital skills in trust-building, confidence, peer support, and leadership.
Our Emerging Leaders Programme is more than an initiative; it’s a movement toward a future where diverse voices hold positions of influence, shaping our city in ways that are truly representative and inclusive. We are excited to see how this next generation of leaders will bring about positive change, driven by their unique insights, resilience, and vision for a brighter future.