Funder: National Lottery Community Fund
In 2024 we delivered our first Public Sector Inclusive Leadership Programme supporting first-generation migrants living in London to better understand the opportunities available within the UK public sector. The programme increased participants' awareness of careers in local government and community infrastructure, as well as the legal duties that require public bodies to advance equality, diversity and inclusion.
“Overall, I felt empowered after this session and very inspired.”
“Thank you for such meaningful, valuable and helpful workshop which expanded my knowledge of Public Sector.”
“The course was informative, interesting and useful, thank you for organising and conducting it”
A total of 27 participants from Romanian, Roma, Bulgarian, Lithuanian, Albanian and Ukrainian backgrounds successfully completed the programme.
To find out more about our first Public Sector Inclusive Leadership Programme read our Evaluation Report, available on our Publications page.
Teresa Norman and Adina Maglan delivering Diversity and Inclusion module 2024
Funder: Paul Hamlyn Foundation
In 2025 we delivered our first Local Government Training Programme, equipping 10 first-generation migrants living in London with the knowledge, skills and confidence to apply for roles in local government. The programme developed by our organisations is officially accredited by Skills and Education Group awards and BIIAB.
“Thank you so much for creating this learning space for us. The trainers and the organisers are excellent, and they have created a very comfortable environment for us to learn.”
“Thank you for this incredible programme! The practical tools — and the chance to learn from such experienced professionals — were truly invaluable. I’m really proud to have been part of the first cohort!”
“The way the training was facilitated was really enjoyable, reflective and interactive.”
We received over 90 applications for just 10 spaces, demonstrating the high demand for this type of training and high level of interest among first-generation migrants in understanding how local government works and accessing career opportunities within the sector.
The participants were from a wide range of backgrounds and countries: Ukraine, Sudan, Italy, Romania, Albania, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Algeria, Kyrgyzstan.
The programme concluded with an in-person graduation event, bringing together participants, trainers and invited guests to celebrate the achievements of the cohort and the programme's success.
After completing the programme, 80% of participants identified suitable jobs that matched their skills and experience. In less than two months from completing the training, some participants submitted applications and one participant attended an interview for a refugee support service in a local council. Unfortunately, due to the high interest in the role with a high number of applications being received, they were not offered the role as other applicants had more relevant experience. However, this outcome was very encouraging, and it is testimony to the valuable skills and expertise the migrant graduates hold.
To learn more about our first Local Government Training Programme, read our Impact and Monitoring Report, available on our Publications page.
“It has been an amazing experience for me! I am so glad I decided to apply for this programme and so grateful that my application was successful! Thanks to this programme I am more confident about engaging or working in local government. From my view I would recommend that the length of the programme to be a bit longer and cover and a session with actual politics topics. Thank you!”
“The whole event went amazing overall and I really enjoyed it! I found very inspiring the speech of the Brent councillor, and the panel discussion too. With their stories, they gave me courage and motivation that I do have hopes as well to work one day in council or be a councillor.”
Participants attending the in-person training sessions
Funder: Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Following the success of our first cohort and the high level of interest from first-generation migrants outside London in the programme, we are delighted to launch our second Local Government Training Programme, now open to first-generation migrants living in West Midlands. Building on the success of the first programme, we have increased the number of places available from 10 to 15 participants.
Over the coming weeks, participants will take part in engaging online workshops covering key topics that provide valuable insight into what it is really like to work in local government, alongside practical advice on identifying and applying for roles in the sector.
The programme will conclude with an in-person graduation event early next year, where participants will receive their accredited completion certificates.
To find out more, explore the Welcome Pack below and click on the Application Form to apply. The deadline for applications is Monday 21st September 2026 at 12pm (noon).
Please apply only if you are a first-generation migrant living in the West Midlands. For applicants from other areas in the UK, another Local Government Training Programme will be announced in 2027.
