Brighton CLP Updated Application Deadline: 23rd August 2026

New Civic Leadership Programme Launches in Brighton & Hove

Operation Black Vote in partnership with Brighton & Hove City Council is delighted to launch a unique Civic Leadership Programme to nurture Brighton & Hove’s future leaders. The aim of the project is to address the deficit of Black and minority ethnic individuals in all areas and at all levels of civic and public life.

This project aims to help tackle the underrepresentation of Black and minority ethnic individuals in many areas of civic and public life and also demystify the functions of key public institutions.

Download Programme Outline

Explore the programme

A hands-on, blended programme built around real access to public life, not just theory.

6
months
6-12
Non-consecutive days and/or evenings
2-4
AREAS TO FOCUS ON
Choose 2 to 4 areas of public life to focus on
Education — School Governors
Policing — Police and Crime Panels
Criminal Justice — Magistrates
health — NHS Health Board
Voluntary Sector — Trustees
Education — Councillors
Genuine observation and training, not a lecture — see first-hand how each role works, what the responsibilities involve, and how public appointments are made.
A dedicated leadership seminar covering public speaking, civic activism, and race and representation in public life.
Completely free to take part.
Travel and food costs are covered.

This isn't just a course, it's a real way into public life.

Get first-hand experience most people never get access to, shadowing real Councillors, Magistrates, School Governors, Trustees, and more.

Build genuine, transferable skills: public speaking, leadership, and the confidence to use them.

Be part of closing the representation gap for Black and minority ethnic communities across Brighton & Hove's public life.

Help public institutions themselves better understand the communities they serve.

Walk away with something concrete: a certificate, a real network, and a genuine next step into civic life.

You don't need a background in politics or public life, just the right mindset.

We're looking for dynamic individuals from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds who live or work in Brighton & Hove, with a genuine interest in contributing to their community.

30
Places available
18+
Age requirement
0
Formal qualifications needed

No formal qualifications are needed, and no prior experience of democracy or civic life either. What matters most is your desire to serve your community and make a real difference.

Successful applicants get structured, fully guided support and blended learning over six months, built around real life, with sessions timed to fit busy working schedules.

Completing the programme is just the start.

A graduation event and certificate on successful completion.

A place in OBV's Alumni network — ongoing support, networking, and further opportunities to develop your civic ambitions.

Real precedent: past OBV programme graduates have gone on to become Councillors, Magistrates, and School Governors — some creating political firsts along the way.

Councillors
Magistrates
School Governors
How To Apply
Step One: Download and fill out Part One of the application form
Step Two: Fill Part Two (Google Form) and upload Part One
Step Three: Submit
I look forward to a future where we have more Black and Asian residents in our city applying for and holding more civic leadership positions. We recognise that representation remains low in relation to these roles and that we need to do more to encourage residents from our Black and Asian communities, to reflect the communities we serve. The civic leadership programme is a brilliant opportunity for anyone inspired to grow their knowledge and their confidence, so that the future leadership picture of Brighton & Hove properly represents the diversity of our city.”
– Councillor Mitchie Alexander
Brighton & Hove is a place known for its diversity, creativity and strong civic voice. It is also a city that continues to ask important questions about representation, leadership and who gets to shape its future. The civic leadership programme is a confident and practical response to those questions. Like many areas across the country, Brighton & Hove faces a clear and persistent challenge: the under-representation of Black, Asian and Global Majority communities across key civic roles. Whether as elected councillors, magistrates, school governors or leaders within public service bodies, this imbalance matters. It impacts not only fairness but the ability of institutions to genuinely understand, reflect and serve the communities they represent. Addressing this is fundamental to building inclusive, cohesive and confident communities. We are proud to be working with Brighton & Hove City Council on this important initiative and look forward to supporting a new generation of civic leaders to step forward, take their place and lead with purpose.”
— David Weaver, Chair, Operation Black Vote

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These findings shaped Phase Two of the Sheffield People's Assembly,
taking place on 18 July

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