Decision details

Stepping Up is a programme designed to support learning and development of future leaders from under-represented groups and contribute to a more diverse leadership landscape. The programme begins with black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) participants and it is intended to broaden participation to other underrepresented groups and the wider West of England region in the future.
The council had committed up to £36,000 for the set-up costs for the programme. The actual cost was £23,000. The pilot programme (cohort 1) has attracted 45 participants from across the region (19 of whom are Bristol City Council employees). The estimated total running costs are £166,000. These costs are being met by the following:
•Pledges of non-cashable contributions from 40 participating organisations (such as provision of venues, consultancy and resources) valued at £81,000
•An overarching contribution from the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) of up to £50,000. It is proposed that £27,000 will be drawn down to fund the seven regional participants taking part in cohort 1.
• A contribution from the council of £58,000 to cover the unit costs for their 19 participants.
The total contribution from the council for both the set up and cohort 1 is £81,000. This will be funded from the earmarked learning and development fund. The project team will continue to seek pledges and funding to further reduce the costs to WECA and the council for the pilot.
Costs for future cohorts will be met by pledged resources and a candidate fee from each of the participating organisations. £23,000 remains available from WECA to support regional participation in cohort 2 and Bristol City Council’s participants will be funded from the learning and development budget.
As part of our emerging Organisational Improvement Plan, we are investing in learning and development to help our staff gain the skills and confidence to do the best job they can and support their career development. This programme is an opportunity for colleagues from underrepresented groups to take part in a leadership programme with peers from across the city.

To cover the set-up costs for the establishment of a city-wide Stepping Up leadership development programme and the associated costs for Bristol City Council’s participants on the programme.