The Operation Black Vote (OBV) AM Shadowing Scheme, sponsored and supported by the National Assembly for Wales has won the highly acclaimed Channel 4 / Hansard Society Political Awards. This is the second year in succession that OBV has been nominated in this category for out mentoring projects. Operation Black Vote polling found that the number one reason Black youth don’t participate in the political process is the lack of black faces in high places. It is for this reason that the mentoring schemes were developed under OBV. To date six participants on OBV schemes have been elected as councilors in the UK, four have stood at the 2005 General Election and most recently one Helen Grant was selected as the Conservative candidate in Ann Widdecombe’s seat of Maidstone and the Weald. Simon Woolley, OBV Director said: As an organisation that campaigns for social and racial justice winning an award is not at the forefront of our minds.

However, to be acknowledged by the prestigious Channel 4 Hansard Society political awards, clearly tells us that others recognise the innovative work we undertake. I'm in no doubt the scheme we are running with the National Assembly for Wales will change the face of Welsh politics and inspire a new generation of BME communities to politically engage.

Peter Riddell, Chair of the Hansard Society, said: ‘The Hansard Society has a long history of encouraging greater public involvement in the democratic process. This year’s Democracy Award shortlist, nominated by our members and supporters, was particularly strong. We are delighted to present this year’s Democracy Award to Operation Black Vote’s Welsh Assembly Shadowing Scheme for its fresh initiative in trying to raise awareness and encouraging black and minority ethnic individuals to engage in the democratic process in Wales.’

Lord Dafydd Elis- Thomas, Presiding Officer at the National Assembly for Wales said: "We are deeply committed to increase the participation of all the communities of Wales throughout our society. Currently we have only one member of the black and minority ethnic community represented in the National Assembly as a Member. We hope that the success of this scheme will lead to more Members in national and local government and throughout the public services and business management, and I am sure the Assembly Commission will wish to repeat the experience represented by the shadowing scheme".