Apply now for Operation Black Vote leadership programme

• New leadership and development programme for people experiencing racial inequalities will launch next year
• The programme, delivered by Operation Black Vote, will offer training and insight into in areas of civic and public life including local government, education, and health
• Recruitment is open until January 2022, and the programme will run from March to June
• Apply now on the Operation Black Vote website at obv.org.uk

PEOPLE across Greater Manchester experiencing racial inequalities can apply now for a new development programme to nurture the city-region’s future leaders.

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is working in partnership with Operation Black Vote to deliver a leadership and development programme aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of people experiencing racial inequalities within civic and public life.

The Civic Leadership Programme 2021 is looking for 30 people over the age of 18 who live or work in Greater Manchester who want to gain experience in civic and public life and make a positive contribution to their areas and communities.

Over six months, participants on the programme will take part in a series of training sessions and gain an insight into different areas of public life, including education, local government, health, policing, the criminal justice system, and the voluntary sector.

The aim of the programme is to connect participants with first-hand knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of civic and political life, and provide them with the insight, skills, confidence, and practical knowledge to move into these sectors.

It will also give public appointees and professionals the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the perspectives and experiences of people facing racial inequality, improving their representation and involvement within decision-making processes.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “Greater Manchester has a proud history of standing together against injustice and discrimination in all its forms. We know, however, that some communities in our city-region still experience racial inequalities, still face barriers, and are not always represented in the bodies that make decisions affecting their lives.

“Addressing this underrepresentation was a commitment that I made last year, alongside all Greater Manchester Leaders, in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the calls for action that followed the murder of George Floyd. We are pleased to be working with Operation Black Vote to deliver this leadership and development programme in Greater Manchester, and to continue taking concrete steps to tackle the structural inequalities that exist in our society.”

Cllr Arooj Shah, GMCA Lead for Equalities, Inclusion and Cohesion, said: “This is an excellent and timely opportunity for people in Greater Manchester experiencing racial inequalities to gain new experience and develop their skills. We know that there is so much more to be done to address under-representation in public and civic life, and to ensure that all of our communities are properly reflected in the organisations that serve them. Operation Black Vote’s leadership and development programme is an important step towards that.

“If you’ve ever wanted to get an insight into our public institutions and find out how you could make a difference to Greater Manchester, but didn’t know where to begin, this programme is for you.”

The programme builds on Operation Black Vote’s 25 years of experience delivering award-winning leadership and development schemes.

To find out more and apply to the scheme, visit www.obv.org.uk

Applications must be sent to obvschemes@gmail.com by midnight on Sunday 30 January 2022.

Article Published: 10/12/2021 16:30 PM