A scheme aiming to make city leadership in Bristol more diverse by unlocking talent and helping people reach their potential is to be extended.
Stepping Up, an innovative talent programme specifically for black and minority ethnic people, disabled people and women, was launched two-and-a-half years ago by Baroness McGregor-Smith, former CEO of Bristol-based outsourcing group MITIE and head of a government review into black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) access to the labour market, and the Mayor of Bristol, Marvin Rees.
Since then nearly 150 participants have graduated from the award-winning programme, which is backed by dozens of Bristol employers, including Hargreaves Lansdown, Osborne Clarke, the MoD and NHS.
Other organisations taking part include Horumar Somali Women’s Group, pictured above, which is working with 30 women from Somali backgrounds, 17 of whom attended the latest Stepping Up graduation ceremony at City Hall.
Now a contract to continue the programme to next year has been secured while also generating support to make it self-sustainable with an annual intake of new graduates and support underrepresented groups to progress to senior roles in the city.
As a result, Stepping Up will continue to grow its talent pool of diverse future leaders.
The programme works by establishing structures of support that guide, advise and hone talent in the city so that there should always be a steady flow of individuals with not only the aspiration but also the skills to reach senior roles.
It is cross-sector and co-created with 65 partners from the public, private and voluntary sectors.
Its impact has already been far reaching both within Bristol City Council and across partner organisations.
Participants were mentored by 46 senior leaders including CEOs from across different sectors. Employers have indicated a significant shift in leadership capabilities, motivation and self-confidence as a result. All attribute these achievements to the Stepping Up programme.
Outcomes have included: 
- 96% of participants reporting increased confidence
- 60% moving on to more senior roles
- 20% applying for magistrate opportunities
- 15% securing non-executive/directorship roles
- Six have joined an MBA leadership programme
- One has been elected as a town councillor
Deputy Mayor Asher Craig, pictured, who is also cabinet lead for communities, equalities, and public health, said: “Diversity, race and opportunity are currently topics of global discussion following the worldwide movement to identify the challenges Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities face on a daily basis.
“The weight of history and the message of the movement are felt heavily in Bristol, where we recognise the legacy of over 400 years of oppression in our everyday structures.
“Whilst we have been recognising the inequalities BAME communities face locally for some time we have also been taking action to begin breaking down those barriers to education, health and work opportunities. 
“Stepping Up represents an opportunity to take necessary steps towards reimagining our civic and sector leadership by equipping BAME talent with the tools and experience needed to take on leadership roles.
“I’m delighted to see this programme move into the next phase of its evolution and take steps to become a permanent fixture of our city offer for as long as it is needed. I wish to also thank all of our partners who continue to support the programme and the brighter future it offers for Bristol’s BAME communities.”
Stepping Up programme director Prof Christine Bamford added: “I am delighted that as the architect of Stepping Up I will be able to continue this vital work to ensure that our vision to change the diversity of the employment landscape becomes a reality.”
Stepping Up was named Best Inclusion and Diversity Programme at the Public Sector People Managers’ Association (PPMA) Excellence in People Management Awards 2019.
The first Stepping Up programme had a cohort of 46 participants from black, Asian or minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. The second last year widened its reach with 58 participants, all of them either women, from disabled groups or from BAME backgrounds. The third programme this year has 45 participants and will continue with a wider remit.
The newly extended contract will be delivered by Gateshead-based Bloom Procurement Services with support from London-based specialist recruitment firm Davidson and Partners.
