The Bernie Grant Leadership Programme

What is the Bernie Grant Leadership programme?  

The third cohort of the the Bernie Grand Leadership programme is underway.

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 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.   

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, ranging in length and location.  

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?  

Members will be invited to complete a written application for each cohort. Once applications have closed, shortlisted applicants will be contacted and interviews held. Successful interviewees will be invited to take part in the programme.

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

Applications for the programme are now closed.