Representing Wales: Empowering Community Leaders

Political Skills & Leadership Training
 

Representing Wales is a 15-month, all-Wales pilot programme (January 2026 – March 2027) designed to increase the representation of Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee individuals in Welsh political and civic life.

Funded by the Welsh Government, the project equips participants with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to engage meaningfully in Welsh democracy, whether through community leadership, campaigning, or standing for elected office.

All sessions are strictly non-party political and open to all.

What We Offer

1. Three-Tier Political Skills Training

Free, practical, bilingual sessions delivered across Wales:

🟦 EXPLORE

• Understanding Welsh Democracy

🟩 EXPAND

• Campaigning Basics (Without Party Politics)
• Standing for Election: What It Really Involves

🟨 EMPOWER

• Being a Candidate: Navigating Bias, Scrutiny & Resilience
• Leadership, Confidence & Representation
• Public Speaking for Political Spaces

Participants can attend individual sessions or follow the full journey.
Sessions are 2–3 hours long and designed to build practical skills and confidence.

Register your interest here:https://forms.gle/SNcgoSovZ5cpu8ZT9

2. Mentoring & Shadowing Opportunities

Up to 30 participants will have the opportunity to shadow a Member of the Senedd or local councillor, gaining first-hand experience of democratic leadership and decision-making.

Participants attending three or more sessions may become eligible for mentoring and/or shadowing support.

3. BAMER Youth Council (Ages 18–25)

A South Wales-based leadership forum for young people drawn from project participants. Meeting monthly or bi-monthly, the Youth Council provides a platform to:

• Debate local and global issues
• Build leadership confidence
• Engage directly with political representatives

Who Is It For?

Representing Wales is especially relevant for individuals who are:

• Active in community leadership
• Interested in how Welsh democracy works
• Considering standing for local or national office
• Already engaged in political spaces and seeking progression

The project is open to participants across Wales and all activities are bilingual, inclusive and community-based, with accessible venues and flexible scheduling.

Impact

By the end of the programme, at least 300 participants will have increased knowledge, confidence and readiness to participate in political and civic life – contributing to a more inclusive and representative democracy in Wales, and strengthening candidate diversity ahead of the 2026 Senedd and 2027 local government elections.

Get Involved

To register your interest or find out more:
Email: info@raceequalityfirst.org.uk
Or contact us via the website enquiry form.