An innovative programme to help develop Bristol’s future black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) leaders has been launched by city mayor Marvin Rees in partnership with international law firm Osborne Clarke.
Called Stepping Up, it will develop leadership skills and provide learning opportunities with the aims of improving the representation of BAME employees in senior leadership roles in the city and wider region.
Mayor Rees was joined at the launch, which was held at Osborne Clarke’s Bristol office, by Baroness McGregor-Smith, former CEO of Bristol-based outsourcing group MITIE and head of a government review into black and minority ethnic (BME) access to the labour market.
More than 50 programme participants and employers gathered at the launch to make their commitment to improving access to senior leadership for BME talent.
Designed in partnership with employers, the programme is seeking people working in a team leader or middle management role to apply for a place.
The programme offers successful applicants the chance to develop their skills while remaining in their current employment.
The benefits of the programme include the chance to work towards an ILM-level five certificate in management and leadership, pairing with a mentor from another organisation to provide expert mentoring and support, 30 guaranteed development days to cover the course content and opportunities to experience another sector through undertaking a stretch assignment.
Stepping Up will also create Bristol’s first BAME talent pool. It will supply a ready flow of individuals with the aspiration and skills to reach the most senior roles. The concept of Stepping Up emerged from feedback from the mayor’s diversity roundtable. The design of the talent pipeline and pool has been co-created with employers.
Through the Mayor’s City Office, Bristol is launching an accelerated one-to-three year citywide career progression pipeline to change the leadership landscape. It will ensure individuals from a BAME background will be in a position of influence and power. The aim is to unlock talent and help people reach their potential.
Mayor Rees said: “We want to be at the forefront of providing opportunities for all communities to help meet our aspirations for the city and share in the benefits of that success. This includes developing an inclusive city leadership that represents Bristol’s diversity and unique cultural mix. This programme is one vehicle for that ambition that I am calling on everyone to get behind it.
“We need businesses to look inward and spot the talent on the shop floor, waiting for the right opportunity to fulfil their potential and become future leaders. We also need those same businesses to become part of a network to develop that talent and create a deep pool from which all organisations can benefits from.
“Together we can provide a valuable opportunity for people to partake in continuing the growth and success we have seen in Bristol in recent times.”
Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith added: “All employees, regardless of their ethnicity, should be able to fulfil their potential at work. But nearly 30% of black employees say their career progression hasn’t met their expectations because of discrimination. That’s why programmes across our country, like Stepping Up, are so important in helping to change the face of work in the UK.”
Osborne Clarke managing partner Ray Berg said: “One of the key elements in our approach to diversity is helping talented people to succeed regardless of their background and we feel Stepping Up is a fantastic Bristol-based initiative that will really make a big impact. We are proud to be a partner of the programme.”
Prospective applicants and businesses can find out more about the programme by visiting the council website.
Pictured: Delegates at the Stepping Up launch with
