Communities and neighbourhoods

REACH moves into the final stages of the search for role models to inspire Black Boys

Published	17 November 2008

The final 51 REACH role model candidates are being put through their paces this week as the final stage of the recruitment process for the REACH role model group kicks off.

The REACH Panel, comprising fashion designer and businessman Ozwald Boateng, entrepreneur Tim Campbell, founder and Director of Operation Black Vote Simon Woolley and Metropolitan Police Superintendent Leroy Logan are interviewing all 51 remaining candidates.

The interview process will assess the candidates on a range of factors including their ability to inspire and lead others, to connect with young black boys, their presentation and communication skills, and their determination, drive and commitment to the REACH agenda.

Hazel Blears said:

"The wealth of experience and talent that we have seen come forward throughout the search for our role models has been fantastic and I am really looking forward to launching the final REACH role model group on December 3rd. I am determined that along with the wider work of the REACH programme, the role models will be vital in achieving what we set out to achieve with the REACH programme – Black men and young Black boys across the country who are confident and inspired to realise their potential and get on in life."

Tim Campbell said:

"We are seeing some great individuals coming forward to offer their services as role models to young black boys. The candidates for the national role model group are an inspirational set of men and have massive potential to change the way that Black men are perceived in society and assist in addressing some of the issues around young Black men's under achievement. I am really looking forward to seeing the final group established and getting them out there to motivate the next generation to aspire for greatness."

Over 250 applications were received after a major national search was launched this summer - from a diverse range of backgrounds and professions stretching from the Armed services through to High flying CEO's, the entertainment industry and those working in the Voluntary and community sectors and from every region across England. They ranged in age from late teens right through to those in retirement.

The creation of the first ever Black Boy's National Role Model programme is part of a package of measures put together to help raise the aspirations and attainment of today's young Black men.

As well as the national role model group the Government is currently taking forward a range of measures aimed at boosting the aspirations and attainment of Black boys and young Black men. £1m has been made available to support these activities in their first year. The REACH report highlighted a number of barriers preventing some Black boys from fulfilling their full potential and recommended that these be tackled together to bring about the changes that are needed. The Government is currently taking action to:

Improve engagement between schools and Black parents - Government and community leaders are currently looking into establishing home school partnership agreements to take place in schools across the country. These and other programmes are to engage parents with schools and will be looking at how best to meet the needs of Black families.
Strengthen the reporting and monitoring of race equality and schools - Ofsted has reviewed, revised and published new guidance for inspectors which will strengthen the way that it reports on race equality issues including drawing attention to good practice and highlighting inequalities.
Supporting Black led Voluntary and Community Sector organisations - These are often the organisations working most closely with young Black men at risk of dropping out.

Notes to editors

1. A national Black role modeling programme was one of the recommendations made by the REACH group in their report entitled An Independent Report to Government on Raising the Aspirations and Attainment of Black boys and Young Black Men www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/reachreport.

2. The REACH group was set-up by Government in 2006 and had 22 members drawn from a variety of sectors, including the voluntary and community sector, education, academia and law enforcement.

3.The Government response to that report can be viewed at: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/reachresponse.