The Rt Hon Harriet Harman QC MP, Minister of State for the Department for Constitutional Affairs yesterday launched the Operation Black Vote and Commission for Racial Equality's Commissioner Shadowing Scheme. The scheme is part of Operation Black Vote's (OBV) drive to increase ethnic minority representation in the decision making process that steers the country. Over the next six months ten people from Black and ethnic minority communities will shadow CRE Commissioners as they attend key meetings, address conferences, liaise with government departments and community groups as well as learn about the role of the CRE.

The scheme, a joint OBV / CRE initiative, will build on the success of previous OBV shadowing schemes which have successfully demystified the roles of MPs and magistrates and produced a growing number of magistrates, school governors and councillors. Five graduates from the MP shadowing scheme stood for Parliament in the recent general election. At the end of the shadowing period participants will apply for public office.

Simon Woolley, Director, OBV said: 'It is vitally important that our decision-making bodies begin to reflect the communities they seek to serve. We know that there is a deluge of talent, which if afforded the opportunity, will enhance British society. "

Trevor Phillips, CRE, Chair, said: "Experience has shown us that one of the best ways to motivate communities with little representation in senior positions of employment is to give them direct access to people doing the jobs. It fosters self-belief and a realisation that with hard work and talent, careers in top jobs are achievable. OBV's schemes have led to increased participation in professions traditionally perceived as 'white only' and reinforce the principle that someone's origin does not need to dictate their destiny."

Commissioner Shadow, Dharshana Sridhar, said:."Belonging to a generation, that as a result of everyday experiences and long-running frustrations thinks, talks and expresses views on race equality and diversity on an almost daily basis, I consider it both my duty and a privilege to be able to actually DO something about it. I am of course delighted to take part in this scheme and thank OBV for giving me the opportunity"

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