Initiative launched to increase diversity within civic leadership roles

We've launched a new initiative aimed at increasing Black and Asian representation in key civic roles. 

Our civic leadership programme, which is being delivered in collaboration with Operation Black Vote, was officially launched earlier this week at Afrori Books, the UK's largest shop specialising in books by Black authors. 

It is designed to address the historic under-representation of Black and Asian communities within civic institutions and public organisations, including elected roles and leadership positions.  

Benefiting from decades of experience

Operation Black Vote has 3 decades of experience advocating for greater political representation, social justice and racial equality. It has successfully supported people into a range of civic roles, including members of parliament and local councillors. 

We're determined to use that experience and insight to complement its own commitment to diversity and ultimately empower and support more people into civic and community leadership roles. 

Those taking part in the programme will be given support to develop the skills, confidence and networks needed to pursue roles such as councillors, magistrates, school governors, trustees and public appointees. 

Launch event at Afrori Books

The launch event, which included an introduction from Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, gave residents and local organisations the chance to learn more about the programme and meet the team from Operation Black Vote. 

We're now hoping to hear from people interested in signing up. 

Councillor Mitchie Alexander, Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities, Public Health and Adult Social Care at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “I look forward to a future where we have more Black and Asian residents in our city applying for and holding more civic leadership positions.   

“We recognise that representation remains low in relation to these roles and that we need to do more to encourage residents from our Black and Asian communities to come forward, so to better reflect the communities served.  

“The civic leadership programme is a brilliant opportunity for anyone inspired to grow their knowledge and their confidence, so that the future leadership picture of Brighton & Hove properly represents the diversity of our city.” 

Continuing to ask important questions about representation

David Weaver, chair of Operation Black Vote, also spoke at the launch. He said: “Brighton & Hove is a place known for its diversity, creativity and strong civic voice. It is also a city that continues to ask important questions about representation, leadership and who gets to shape its future. The civic leadership programme is a confident and practical response to those questions. 

“Like many areas across the country, Brighton & Hove faces a clear and persistent challenge: the under-representation of Black, Asian and Global Majority communities across key civic roles.  

“Whether as elected councillors, magistrates, school governors or leaders within public service bodies, this imbalance matters. It impacts not only fairness but the ability of institutions to genuinely understand, reflect and serve the communities they represent.” 

Supporting a new generation of civic leaders

They continued: “Addressing this is fundamental to building inclusive, cohesive and confident communities. 

“We are proud to be working with Brighton & Hove City Council on this important initiative and look forward to supporting a new generation of civic leaders to step forward, take their place and lead with purpose.” 

For more information on how to take part in the civic leadership programme email: brighton-hove@obv.org.uk or visit: www.obv.org.uk/brighton-hove-civic-leadership-programme.

Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, Rita Patel, Vice Chair of Operation Black Vote, David Weaver, Chair of Operation Black Vote, and Millie Kerr, strategic anti-racist lead at Brighton & Hove City Council.

Picture by Emma Francesca .