Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) councillors – weekender events

These weekender events have been designed to respond to the political and economic uncertainty which our country and communities are facing. The confluence of a cost of living crisis, energy price-hike, and the pervasive influence of racism has created a 'perfect storm'.

Notable presenters and panel-members will engage you in important conversations about who ‘we’ are at a time of crisis, and how to shape the way others perceive us, in order to achieve important political objectives.

If you're a BAME councillor, don't miss these important development and networking opportunities.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Councillors (BAME) – Masterclass weekend event

‘Developing Your Political Brand’ Masterclass

Saturday 19th October - Sunday - 20th October 2024
Starting at 12.00pm on Saturday and finishing with lunch at 1.15 on Sunday

If you're a councillor, building your own 'brand identity' has never been more vital.

This 24-hour masterclass and facilitated conversation will give you opportunities to:

• explore some of the critical challenges facing public service leaders (in particular, BAME councillors), for example, economic and societal pressures such as the current cost of living crisis
• explore what it means to be a minority elected representative and the difference your cultural identity can make in serving all communities (and racialised communities in particular)
• hear from experienced and notable BAME political leaders about how they developed political brand identities to address key challenges
• reflect on your personal leadership purpose and style in a discussion about politics and power and the importance of shaping and maintaining your identity in political relationships
• gain valuable insights about your own brand identity to achieve maximum results in shaping the political landscape. 

This event will start at 12.00pm on Saturday and finish with lunch at 1.15pm on Sunday.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Councillors – leadership weekend event

‘Developing your Political Leadership Skills’

Saturday 22^nd February - Sunday 23^rd February 2025
Commences at 9.30am on Saturday – finishing at 3.30pm on Sunday

This two-day programme will build on the event held in October  which supported Black, Asian and minority ethnic councillors in developing their political brand. The forthcoming session will build on this by giving focused attention to the importance of having high level ‘political skills’ – especially as a Black, Asian, minority ethnic elected member operating within the current and emerging climate.   In summary, the event is designed to give you an opportunity to:

• Discuss and define what ‘political skills’ means – and consequently what you might need to adapt in terms of your leadership approach.
• Explore the relevance and importance of this issue for Black, Asian and minority ethnic elected members.
• Explore how you develop and align your ‘political leadership strategy’ with your political vision and values.
• Explore key leadership essentials such as authenticity, effective communication, resilience and confidence.
• Critically explore the contribution of ‘influencing skills’ to achieving your leadership purpose and building a reliable political followership.
• Hear from experienced and notable Black, Asian, Minority ethnic political leaders on the importance of ‘political skills’ and the issues important for them as political leaders.
• Explore how you can lead with confidence and achieve maximum impact by being clear about your purpose and what you personally bring to municipal leadership.
• Discuss the importance of collaborative leadership and attracting / influencing powerful allies.
• Begin to put in place a personal development plan that has the development of your political skills as integral.

Fees

We are keen to ensure as many councillors as possible can benefit from this opportunity, so we have held the cost of attending each of the events to just £150 per person.

This fee covers the cost of one night's accommodation, meals, tuition and materials. Attendees of the February 2023 event may wish to join us for dinner and stay overnight at the venue on Friday  23 February (the night before the event) for an additional £50.

Register now

To register for either or both of these unique development and networking opportunities, please contact Grace Collins MBE, Adviser – Leadership:

[email protected]

0207 664 3054