About EPEV
What is the EPEV Programme?
Equal Power Equal Voice is a cross-equalities mentoring and training programme delivered by a partnership of four organisations: Disability Wales, Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team (EYST) Wales, Stonewall Cymru, and Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales. The programme is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the Welsh Government.
Together, we share a vision for a Wales where public and political life truly reflects the diversity of its people. Our goal is to increase the representation of people from underrepresented and marginalised communities in public roles, particularly those who are Black, Asian or from other ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled, LGBTQ+, women, or who hold multiple marginalised identities. Our vision is to see these communities in roles across public boards, health boards, local and national government, charity trustee boards, school governing bodies, and grassroots activism.
Equal Power Equal Voice aims to provide an inclusive and supportive space for aspiring changemakers to build confidence, grow their knowledge and skills, and connect with influential mentors and peers. The programme is delivered through three core strands:
One-to-one mentoring with experienced leaders including Members of the Senedd and Parliament, local councillors, public board members, and senior figures from the public and voluntary sectors.
Bespoke training sessions and workshops on key topics such as:
- How to be a political candidate
- Campaigning for social change
- Political influencing
- Being an effective board member
- Public speaking and communication
- Understanding policymaking
- Intersectionality
Peer-to-peer support through networking events, small group sessions, and opportunities to build relationships across the full cohort.
Programme highlights include:
- Visits to the Senedd and UK Houses of Parliament (virtual or in-person)
- Online and in-person networking with fellow mentees and mentors
- Panel discussions with experienced professionals and decision-makers
Participants will leave the programme with:
- Stronger confidence and belief in their ability to lead change
- A clearer understanding of how public institutions work and how to influence them
- New skills in communication, leadership, and political engagement
- Valuable connections with mentors, peers, and networks across Wales
Applications are now closed.