A personal development offer hosted by Manchester Community Central on behalf of 10GM, in partnership with GM Moving, for 15 people from global majority backgrounds to explore the lack of representation in leadership in the sports and physical activity sector in a safe, protected space.
Background
There is a lack of racial diversity in leadership in the sports and physical activity sector in Greater Manchester. Equalities data from leadership programmes indicates a lack of people from racially minoritised backgrounds involved in leadership opportunities. This leads to a lack of voice and representation for these groups.
We need more spaces for people to connect and explore how to challenge the barriers that exist in the system, to grow the voice and representation for people from global majority groups in decision making spaces. For more context, see our blog post ‘Unlocking Leadership Potential in Greater Manchester: Advancing Racial Equity in the Sport and Physical Activity Workforce’.
About
From October 2025 to April 2026, we will bring together a cohort of 15 developing leaders from global majority backgrounds once a month, to explore representation in leadership in a protected space.
Alongside this we will offer access to mentorship, relevant workshops and networking opportunities, a small fund to help shape your own personal development and signpost to pathways and opportunities to influence change in Greater Manchester.
This is not a formal learning or leadership programme. Leadership programmes such as GMCA’s We Lead for Legacy : 2025 Greater Manchester Civic Leadership programme and Sporting Equals’ Leaderboard programme already exist. This opportunity is informed by learning from these and 10GM’s VCSE Workforce Development emerging leader's programme.
We are instead offering a chance to explore and connect with a group of people with similar goals and create space to think about your place and role in local influencing.
The aim is to foster a network of developing leaders who are committed to inclusivity and who can influence decision-making at all levels of the sports and physical activity ecosystem.
We recognise that the barriers to leadership come from within the system. We will also host an anti-racism workshop targeted at senior leaders within the sports and physical activity sector, on holding difficult conversations and managing culture change.
Who is it for?
We are looking for people:
- From racialised backgrounds in the community sector workforce for movement
- Who work or volunteer to help people live more active lives in Greater Manchester
- Who are not in senior leadership positions
- Who have experienced barriers to leadership
If this sounds like you then we encourage you to apply. If it sounds like someone you know, please share and encourage them.
If you'd like to explore the opportunity before applying or have any questions please sign up to attend the information webinars taking place online on:
27th September, 12pm-1pm, Register here
17th September, 12pm-1pm, Register here
How to apply
To apply, please respond to the questions detailed in the information pack, through one of
the following methods:
- Email your written answers to omairia.bibi@macc.org.uk
- Record your answers as a voice note and send via WhatsApp to Omairia on 0740 763 7624
- Call, email or message Omairia to arrange a time to answer the questions over the telephone
Deadline: 21st September 2025