Posted by The need to urgently address the systemic under-representation of Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities in our local, regional and national democratic institutions in the United Kingdom is imperative. The lack of BME representation within our elected Chambers leave many people from within BME communities to believe that whether by design or default there is little or no place for BME communities to have an equitable voice.
Of 646 MPs, only 15 are from BME communities. Of those, only 2 are women, and to date, there has not been an Asian woman MP. Justice and equality are the driving forces behind achieving representative democracy for BME communities. A closer reflection of society would be nearer 60 MPs of which over half would be women.
Operation Black Vote in partnership with the Communities and Local Government (CLG) are delighted to re-launch the dynamic MP Shadowing Scheme. The aim of the cross-party project is to address the deficit of BME individuals in all areas and at levels of political life and nurture a generation of BME leaders
Building upon the unprecedented success of Operation Black Vote’s award winning Shadowing Schemes – Councillor, National Assembly for Wales, Magistrates, and Parole Board – this project aims to help tackle the under representation of BME individuals within parliamentary life and also demystify the functions of our elected institutions.
Programme aims and objectives:
What does the programme comprise of?
The cross-party programme will enable 25 dynamic BME individuals aged 18 years upwards to shadow Members of Parliament from constituencies around Britain. Participants will gain an invaluable experience of parliamentary politics at Westminster and in the local constituency. The programme will comprise of approximately 10-12 non-consecutive days over a six-month period and individuals will participate in a mixture of shadowing days and training sessions.
The initiative will focus on giving participants first hand knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of MPs and an insight into Parliamentary systems and procedures. Our aim is that upon completion, this leadership programme will equip and motivate participants to engage in political activities. Participants will also be encouraged to become Community Ambassadors, explaining and promoting the benefits of political engagement and encouraging others to also become involved in democratic and civic life. The scheme will also give MPs and Party officials an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of BME communities. OBV view this process as essential to involving BME communities in the wider scope of activities within the decision making process.
Learning Seminars:
Shadows will attend learning seminar sessions in addition to politician’s briefings.
To include:
The Process
OBV in conjunction with the CLG will select a total of 25 BME men and women to participate in the programme. Candidates will comprise a mix of BME communities and will shadow MPs from Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru and the SNP.
Participants will follow a programme devised by OBV that allows a unique perspective of MPs, both at Westminster and in the constituency. On completion of the scheme, shadows will have gained a better understanding of the political process to consider putting themselves forward as candidates for elected office.
Requirements of Applicants:
Is there a fee?
No. There is not a cost to participate on the programme as OBV are keen to promote political engagement in political life.
Travel and food costs will be reimbursed for shadowing and training days.
What happens when the scheme has finished?
OBV’s Shadowing Schemes and leadership programmes have received numerous awards for their ability to inform and inspire. Many graduates have become Cllrs, Magistrates, School Governors, with others creating political history as political firsts.
Our aim is that upon completion, this leadership programme will equip participants with the skills and motivations to engage in public life. All participants who successfully complete the programme will be awarded with a certificate of recognition.
In addition, participants will join OBV’s Alumni programme, which will provide assistance, support and networking opportunities to further develop your political aspirations.
What is the next step?
If you are interested in applying to the programme, please complete the application form and return it to OBV by Monday 1st February 2010 at 12 noon.
Print this page and download an application form.
Please note that interviews will take place in London at the end of February/ beginning of March 2010.
For any further information, please contact:
Francine Fernandes, Head of Shadowing Schemes, Operation Black Vote (020 8983 5426).
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