What is the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme?  

The Bernie Grant Leadership Programme was established in 2019 to address the under-representation of Black, Asian and ethnic minority representatives at all levels in the Labour Party.  This programme specifically targets the under-representation of Black leaders at all levels of the Labour Party.  

This programme is named in memory of the late pioneering MP and Haringey Council Leader, Bernie Grant, who worked hard to encourage a new generation of Black Labour politicians and leaders.  

This round of the programme (Cohort 4) will run from January to June 2027 and will:  

• include a mix of online and in-person (including one residential) training events delivered by experts from across the Labour movement and beyond;  
• build a diverse and intersectional network from across the country who can support one another in their future endeavours;  
• develop participants’ skills in all aspects of politics, including as candidates at every level, as campaigners, organisers, spokespeople, leaders and political activists;   
• identify and train talented applicants from all regions and nations;   
• establish a pipeline of talent to diversify the people who stand for election and play leading roles in the Labour movement and wider public life.   

What we are looking for?  

We’re looking for members who:   

• display a determination to make things happen, change lives, improve communities and support the Labour government;  
• show that they are able to build strong relationships and motivate others;  
• demonstrate some experience of running a campaign or project, either through the Party, their trade union/socialist society or their community;  
• can communicate well through a variety of mediums;  
• demonstrate creativity and the ability to come up with innovative solutions to problems;  
• want to work hard to help Labour win elections at every level.  

What is the time commitment?  

Successful candidates will be invited to attend a programme of training sessions from January to June 2027. 

You must be available to attend an introductory day in London on Thursday 21st January 2027 and a residential weekend on 5-6 June 2027. 

Additionally, you will be expected to attend a range of online training webinars between January and May 2027. These will mostly take place in the evenings. Successful applicants will receive the dates and times of these sessions in December. 

Who can apply?  

You can apply to the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme if you meet the following criteria:  

• You are over the age of 18
• You have a minimum of 12 months of Labour Party Membership  
• You are Black 
• You are available to attend the in person sessions (21 January 2027 and 5-6 June 2027)
• You are willing to give up one or two evenings per a month between January and May to participate online. A stable internet connection and laptop or smart phone is required.

The following criteria are also desirable:  

• You have run a campaign or demonstrated leadership in your community in another form.
• You are involved in trade union organising in the workplace
• You are a member of a trade union
• You have ambitions to represent The Labour Party locally or nationally.

A maximum of three applicants will be chosen from each region of the United Kingdom.

What’s the application process?

Applications are now open.

Applicants will be required to submit an application form containing three questions (max 250 words per question) alongside a 90 second video with a prompt.

The three written questions are as follows: 

1. What has motivated you to apply to the Bernie Grant Programme?
2. Tell us about a time you took responsibility, brought people together or helped make something happen. What did you learn from the experience?
3. What are your ambitions for The Labour Party and for yourself?

The video prompt is: “Where would you like to make a difference in the Labour Party or your community, and how would you use what you gain from the programme to help achieve that?”

When will I find out the result of my application?  

Applications will close at 11pm on the 22 November. Please note that there is no flexibility in the deadline, and it will not be extended for any individual.   

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application in December 2026. 

How much does it cost?  

There are no fees to participate in the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme. However, you will need a stable internet connection and a laptop or smart phone to join the online sessions. If you are in a financial position to pay for the cost of your own travel to the in-person sessions, we would be very grateful. However, we don’t want cost to be a barrier to participation, so if you need to reclaim the cost of your travel, this can be arranged.