The Blavatnik School of Government is the lead academic partner in this initiative, which is organised by the House of Commons and Operation Black Vote (OBV) in collaboration with Oxford University’s Magdalen College and Blavatnik School of Government, and Lloyds Banking Group.
The programme includes 10 months of mentorship from Magdalen College alumni and a five-day academic programme led by the Blavatnik School. Participants build their confidence with political institutions, and enhance their familiarity with the UK’s political landscape. The five-day residential programme combines formal academic classes, informal discussions with politicians and journalists, and immersion in parliamentary-style debate.
Past guest speakers include: negotiations expert Associate Professor Emily Jones; former special advisor to the UK Prime Minister Nick Timothy; US presidential campaign strategist Parag Mehta; and top sports and leadership psychologist Steven Sylvester.
For more information about applying please visit Operation Black Vote.
“The Pathway to Success Leadership Programme with Operation Black Vote, Oxford University and the House of Commons propelled my career in ways I could never have imagined.
The level of exposure and skills it equipped me with created opportunities and developed connections that continue to fuel my professional growth and drive. Subsequent to the programme I was headhunted to a position on the Board of Directors for the Global Fund for Children.
It’s an honour and privilege to represent my community as an alumnus of this programme.”
The programme aims to deepen understanding of major political, civic and business concepts, including:
- How Whitehall runs
- The dynamics of a political career
- Policy and Parliament
- The media and message framing
- The unique experiences of BAME politicians
- Business, politics, and policy
- Strengthening a political network
- Success in negotiations
- Public integrity in matters of race
“We are excited to be embarking on another year of this very special leadership programme with our fantastic partners and led by first-class speakers and world-leading experts. The programme is an opportunity to identify and carve out the BME leaders of the future. If you have the ambition and passion to lead at the very top, this programme was made for you.”