The Bernie Grant Leadership Programme

Applications for the third cohort of the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme are now open!  

The Bernie Grant Leadership Programme 

We’re looking for Black members to take part in the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme 2024-25. Applications are now open for 2024-25, please apply by completing the application form at the bottom of this webpage.  

What is the Bernie Grant Leadership programme?  

The Bernie Grant Leadership Programme was established in 2018 to address the under-representation of Black, Asian and minority ethnic representatives at all levels of the Labour Party. In 2025 the programme will target 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.   

What will it do? 

Successful applicants will be enrolled into a six-month programme, from January 2025 to June 2025 with a timetable of training sessions. The focus will be training candidates to take up leadership positions in public life and within the wider Labour movement. Whether that be seeking selection as Labour candidates, councillors, Police and Crime Commissioners, Mayors or other leadership positions. Training will include anti-racism, resilience and Black leadership, organising locally and nationally, digital and doorstep campaigning and workplace organising, among other themes.  

Objectives: 

  • Identify and train talented Black members in all regions and nations 
  • Develop participant skills in all aspects of politics, not just in parliamentary elections but our Councillors, Directly Elected Mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners and members of devolved parliaments and assemblies, as well as potential Labour Party Staff
  • Establish a pipeline of talent to diversify the people who play leading roles in the Labour movement and wider public life

Who can apply?  

You can apply to the Bernie Grant programme 2024-25 if you meet the following criteria:  

  • You are over the age of 16  
  • You have 1 year of Labour Party Membership  
  • You identify as Black 
  • You are available for all the programme dates
  • You can participate online and in person when required and have a stable internet connection with laptop or smart phone  

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 is the time commitment?  

Successful candidates will be invited to attend online sessions from January to June 2025, ranging in length and location.  

This programme has been designed as an entire training package; therefore, applicants must be able to attend all the sessions on the following dates to participate: 

Key dates: Attendance at the following sessions is mandatory*   

  • Thursday 16 January – Full day in London (11am to 7pm)  
  • Wednesday 29 January – In the evening online (6.30pm to 8.30pm) 
  • 18 February – In the evening online (6.30pm to 8.30pm) 
  • 6 March – Early evening online (2pm to 5pm) 
  • 18 March – In the evening online (6.30pm to 8.30pm) 
  • 2 April – In the evening online (6.30pm to 8.30pm) 
  • 9 April – In the evening online (6.30pm to 8.30pm) 
  • 22 May – In the evening online (6.30pm to 8.30pm) 
  • 7 & 8 June – Saturday and Sunday full day residential in Birmingham with an overnight stay on Saturday.  

You will also be required to fill out a survey at the beginning and end of the programme to graduate and, be invited to keep a journal throughout the process.  

What’s the application process?  

To apply, please complete the application form at the bottom of this webpage in full. Key application process dates are set out below:

  • Applications open Thursday 24 October.
  • Applications will close at 9am on the 11 November.  
  • Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by 29 November. 
  • Interviews will be held in the week beginning 2 December. 
  • Interview outcomes will be decided and communicated in December.  
  • Unsuccessful candidates will be notified by 6 December.   

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. All travel and accommodation expenses for in-person sessions will be paid in line with The Labour Party’s expenses policy. Any additional voluntary expenses will be covered by applicants.  

Bernie Grant Leadership Programme – Application Form 2024

Thank you for taking the time to apply for the third cohort of the Bernie Grant Leadership Programme.  

Step 1 of 4 – Personal Details

  • Essential Criteria

    We want to ensure that you don’t spend your time filling out this application form unless you’re eligible for the programme. Please make sure to check each box to proceed to the next stage of the application.

  • Personal & Membership Details