The Welsh Government is piloting a new Candidate Diversity Grant
scheme to support people from underrepresented backgrounds to
stand for elected office in devolved elections.
The scheme launches this autumn and is a key step towards
building a more inclusive democracy in Wales that better reflects
the people it serves.
More diverse representation means decisions can be informed by a
broader range of views and lived experiences. This, in turn, can
lead to increased confidence and trust in our democratic
systems.
A total of £400,000 will be available over two years to fund
organisations giving practical support to potential candidates -
such as mentoring, training, information, coaching, equipment,
and assistance with tasks.
The grant will target both the 2026 Senedd election and the 2027
local government elections, helping to improve diversity at both
the local and national level.
The pilot responds to a new duty under the Elections and Elected
Bodies (Wales) Act 2024, which requires Welsh Ministers to
provide services that promote diversity in the protected
characteristics and socio-economic circumstances of people
seeking elected office in Wales.
It will operate using the framework of the Democratic Engagement
Grant (DEG), which already funds projects promoting engagement in
political processes among underrepresented and newly enfranchised
groups and with disabled people. This approach allows the Welsh
Government to quickly mobilise existing grant infrastructure and
networks.
, Cabinet Secretary for
Housing and the Local Government, said: "We want Wales to be
a country where everyone can participate in public life, have
their voices heard and see themselves reflected in leadership
positions.
“The Candidate Diversity Grant pilot scheme is an important step
in identifying and removing the barriers that prevent people,
particularly those with protected characteristics, from standing
for office.
“By investing in practical support, we're helping to ensure that
everyone has the opportunity to stand and serve."
To apply, qualifying organisations will need to complete
an application form, which is available here: Apply for funding under
the pilot electoral candidate diversity grant scheme |
GOV.WALES
ENDS
Notes to editors
The Candidate Diversity Grant scheme aligns with the Welsh
Government's Advancing Gender Equality
Action Plan, and contributes to the National Equality
Objective as well as the Anti-racist Wales Action
Plan.
Organisations applying for grant funding will need to demonstrate
how their services could assist persons with protected
characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and those from lower
socio-economic backgrounds.
