Region is Looking for New Civic Leaders

“WE Lead for Legacy” – a key feature of Greater Manchester’s civic leadership programme – is a scheme designed to help leaders from racially marginalised backgrounds take up civic and public roles.

Participants can include professionals, activists, community organisers, and emerging leaders. The aim is to equip them with the necessary skills, networks and confidence to increase their impact in the public sphere.

The project, which has has the full support of Tameside Council and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, runs from May to November. It features in-person programme days, online sessions, a graduation day, access to leadership opportunities and an evolving alumni network.

Cllr Taf Sharif, Tameside Council’s First Deputy and executive member with responsibility for equality, said: “If we are to prosper as a borough and as a region, we need to make full use of all the talent available to us, and there is a vast amount of untapped talent to be found within our racially marginalised communities.

“‘We Lead for Legacy’ allows us to discuss how we can work together to shape a more inclusive leadership landscape.

“I hope many people will take part. By doing so they will help to diversify leadership across civic and public sectors, support the development of a strong network of future leaders, and play an active and necessary part in Greater Manchester’s drive for equitable civic leadership.”

Khayati Patel, who has gone through the scheme, said: “Being part of this programme has helped me stay buoyant and focused on the future. I could feel ideas emerging about how to influence and affect change.”

Shamime Jan added: “I feel I am already influencing change and this programme has built my self-awareness that I am an influential leader. Being around the programme leads and participants has built my self-esteem and confidence.”

For more details about how you can sign up for “We Lead for Legacy” visit www.sheleadsforlegacy.com/welead

The programme is funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and organised by She Leads for Legacy – a group working together to reduce the barriers faced by black female professionals aspiring for senior leadership – Flourish Together and wider partners.