The LGA provides unique learning and networking opportunities for BAME members
Seminars and events to help councillors build valuable networks with their peers, and develop their leadership skills, have long formed a core part of the LGA’s support offer to elected members.
Dedicated sessions for LGBTQ+ and younger councillors are held each year, but one of our longest-running and most successful events is for black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) councillors.
Set up in 2004, the LGA’s BAME Councillors’ Weekender event was the UK’s first development programme for BAME elected members, and has been supported by Operation Black Vote and the National Association of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Councillors over the years that it has been running.
The programme has been pivotal to the success of many elected members in terms of their development paths as councillors and leaders, and in relation to their political and strategic thinking.
As councils mark Black History Month (October), we are extremely proud that the BAME Councillors’ Weekender events continue to grow in success, with an increase in attendance from all over the country and from all parties, giving members that extra confidence to achieve their leadership goals.
The weekenders provide a unique learning and networking opportunity for elected members from BAME backgrounds, and those who are interested in exploring ideas for enhancing the recruitment, promotion and retention of BAME councillors.
To date, more than 400 elected members have attended, with some going on to become committee chairs, mayors, cabinet members, deputy leaders, leaders and MPs.
It is great to be able to read here (see below) about the experiences of some of our previous participants and the benefits they have gained from attending these events.
The LGA is running two weekender events for BAME councillors over 2022/23. The first is a masterclass in developing your political brand, and takes place from 29-30 October; the second focuses on political skills, with an emphasis on leading as a BAME councillor, and runs from 18-19 February. Both events take place at Warwick Conferences, Coventry.
‘Richness of learning’
Councillor Ankur Shiv Bhandari (Con) is Mayor and Large Business Champion at Bracknell Forest Council
I was lucky to have attended the BAME Councillors’ Weekender event in February 2020, just before COVID-19 struck.
Having been a few months in my councillor role, it was amazing to get the support of such a structured and unique programme.
Coming from an Indian heritage, it was very useful to be able to spend those few days with other BAME councillors and to be able to discuss thoughts, challenges and perceptions in a very safe environment.
The fact that there were colleagues from all minority groups, across different seniority levels, and from across the party-political spectrum added to the richness of learning.
As I have taken charge as the first ethnic minority, and youngest-ever, Mayor at Bracknell Forest Council, the learnings from the BAME Weekender are my constant source of support.
‘Inspirational and interactive’
Councillor Smita Rajesh (Lib Dem) is Cabinet Deputy for Community Safety at Chelmsford City Council
I found the LGA’s BAME Councillors’ Weekender event a wonderful opportunity to learn and find support.
As this was my one and only opportunity to meet other councillors from around the country before the pandemic, my appreciation of it has gone straight up in my chart.
The weekend was filled with great tips and tricks from top leaders across all parties. Some talks were inspirational, while others were interactive.
I felt that the interactive training and talks helped me gain the confidence to speak my mind without hesitation.
I made some good friends, who are still in touch. We have seen each other progress and helped when needed.
The weekend was not only about training and talks. I remember dancing to the music and having a laugh. Delicious food was a bonus. I would definitely recommend this to all new councillors.
‘Working twice as hard’
Councillor Maroof Raouf (Green) is a member of Sheffield City Council
The LGA’s BAME Weekender was a fantastic event, as it allowed me to network and see all the great things that other BAME councillors are doing around the country.
It was great to see so many from different age groups, different ethnicities, and from different parties.
It was a welcome surprise to meet many who had been councillors for many years, and to hear of their experiences and the hardships they have had to endure to get to where they are on the political ladder.
Above all, it was noticeable that many of the BAME councillors I spoke to at the event were of the same opinion – that as non-white people, we always have to work at least twice as hard, if not more, than those who are white; suggesting that as BAME councillors we still have a long way to go to be fully seen as equals by all our respective parties.
‘Navigating your new political landscape’
Councillor Brenda Dacres (Lab) is Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Development and Planning at the London Borough of Lewisham
Being a new black councillor can feel a little overwhelming, as you feel the weight of responsibility to represent your community, but also to navigate your new political landscape and demonstrate that you have the skills to be an effective councillor.
Attending the BAME Councillors’ Weekender event enabled me to meet black, Asian and minority ethnic councillors from across the UK in similar situations and build a network.
I am fortunate to be part of a party that has worked, and continues to work, on representation.
For some in other parties, who did not have such support when elected, they found that the course provided them with the support network they could call upon when needed.
It gave me a true appreciation that, although we may hold different political views, we can support each other to be the best we can be as councillors.
The weekender enabled me to build on and learn more about leadership skills, being confident to voice my opinion and use my seat at the table to speak up on behalf of underrepresented communities.
My main take away was that my voice was just as important as anyone else’s. It has reaffirmed what I had learnt through my studies to become a barrister – that I should always consider the counter arguments to views I hold to make my case stronger.
As a new councillor, this course gave me the confidence to put myself forward to become Labour Group Chair, Secretary and now Vice Chair (Labour) of the National Association of Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority Councillors. It was the foundation that led me to become Deputy Mayor of Lewisham, and I look forward to what the future holds.