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Mentee Application 2026-27

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Equal Power Equal Voice (EPEV) is a free, cross-equalities mentoring and training programme designed to support people from underrepresented groups to step into public life and take up leadership roles in decision-making spaces across Wales. The programme is non-party political and open to individuals from all political backgrounds or none.

EPEV is a collaborative initiative co-ordinated by Women's Equality Network (WEN) Wales in partnership with Disability Wales, Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team (EYST), and Stonewall Cymru. The programme is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the Welsh Government.

When decision-making spaces reflect the diversity of the population, everyone benefits. Inclusive leadership results in more equitable policies, stronger representation of community needs, and greater public trust in institutions. Lived experience brings fresh insight - by helping to identify gaps, challenge assumptions, and shape solutions that work for all. Whether it’s shaping education policy, improving public services, or strengthening community engagement, diverse representation drives more responsive, innovative, and effective outcomes for communities.

Through one-to-one mentoring, training tailored to your goals, peer learning, and networking opportunities - EPEV will help you to gain the skills, confidence and connections you need to lead. Whether you're interested in politics, public service, the media, or your local community, the programme is designed to support your journey.
To learn more, please visit: https://epev.cymru/
ELIGIBILITY

To apply you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be aged 18 or over on 21st June 2026
  • Live in Wales
  • Identify as a member of at least one of the groups:
    • The LGBTQ+ community
    • Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic people
    • Women
    • Disabled people (we welcome Deaf / disabled / neurodivergent, people with learning disabilities and/or health conditions and use the Social Model of Disability)
  • Be able to:
    • Commit around 1 hour every 4–6 weeks for mentoring (via phone, Zoom/Teams, or in person)
    • Attend mandatory monthly training events
    • Participate in networking and skill-building opportunities
    • Take an active role in leading your relationship with your mentor
1.Are you eligible?(Required.)
Privacy and Usage of Personal Data

The information you provide on this form will be used for the purpose of processing and evaluating your application and informing you of the results of your application. The personal data you provide in this application will be held on a secure and accessible only to project-related staff from the following EPEV partner organisations:

  • Women’s Equality Network (WEN) Wales
  • Stonewall Cymru
  • Disability Wales
  • Ethnic Minorities and Youth Support Team
After the application process has ended, you will be notified of the results. Information will be archived securely and retained until six months after the Equal Power Equal Voice Project concludes in 2028. If your application is successful, the information you provide will be used to help us plan and deliver the programme in a way that best meets the needs of our mentee cohort. Additionally, equality data from successful applicants will be anonymised and shared across the four partner organisations for reporting purposes to our project funders. You can read our Privacy Statement here.
2.Do you agree with the above statement and give your permission with regard to the above stated use of your data?(Required.)
HOW TO APPLY


We want to make sure our application process is as accessible as possible. You can apply by submitting either:

  • Application Form: Complete the written application form below with your details and responses to the questions.
  • Audio / Video Submission: If you prefer to communicate conversationally, you can send a recording answering the application questions. Please ensure your submission covers all required information. Please send any audio / video submissions to admin@epev.cymru.
  • Other Formats: If you would like to apply in another way, please get in touch with us at admin@epev.cymru to discuss a format that works for you.
APPLICANT DETAILS
3.Applicant details(Required.)
4.Optional info
5.Contact details(Required.)
6.Your local authority(Required.)
WHY DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART?

This next section will help us to get a sense if EPEV is right for you, and, if you're successful, will help us to match you with an appropriate mentor.

Please provide clear and detailed answers as this will help us to understand your background and goals.
7.What has motivated you to get involved in public or political life?

Please include any relevant experience you have, such as volunteering, community work, school, university, campaigning, leadership roles, or involvement in local or political activities.

If this programme would be your first step into public life, explain why you want to get involved. (max. 200 words)(Required.)
8.What areas of public life are you interested in getting involved in, for example joining a board, committee, or standing in elections to represent others? Is there something specific you would like to achieve? (max. 200 words)(Required.)
9.What areas of learning and development are you most interested in pursuing?(Required.)
10.What would you like to get out of this programme? What skills and experience would your ideal mentor have, and how could they help you achieve your goals? (max. 200 words)(Required.)
11.What are three specific, key goals you hope to achieve in public or political life over the next few years? (max. 150 words)(Required.)
12.Please provide a short biography that you are happy for us to share with your mentor. This could include your professional background, areas of interest or expertise, and anything else you'd like your mentor to know about you. (max. 200 words)(Required.)
ABOUT YOU

Equal Power Equal Voice is a mentoring and training programme with intersectionality as its core principle. To help for us get to know you better and understand how we can support you on your journey through the programme, please share the following information:
13.What is your ethnic identity?
14.What is your gender identity?
15.Are you trans?
16.Which of these options best describes your religion or belief?
17.Do you identify as a disabled person? We use the social model of disability – please see here for more info: Social Model – Disability Wales
18.How would you describe your sexual orientation? (Tick all that apply.)
19.What is your Welsh language ability?
20.Which of the following best describe your current employment status? (Tick all that apply)
21.Which political party do you feel most aligned with? (Tick all that apply)
COHORT PREFERENCE

Each mentee will be part of a cohort - a group supported by one of the four partner organisations. Each organisation will provide tailored mentoring, training, and support based on their area of expertise and focus. To help us match you with the cohort that best aligns with your identity, experiences, and goals, please indicate your first and second choice of partner organisation you feel most aligned with. This information will guide your placement.
Click on the organisations listed below to find out more about the partner organisations leading each cohort.
PARTICIPATION SUPPORT AND ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
23.Financial assistance
Some financial assistance may be available to assist participants who might need support to participate in meetings with mentors and training or networking events. Would you like to be considered for financial assistance if your application is successful? This can be reviewed at any time if your circumstances change, or you can choose to share this information at a later stage.
24.Access needs

We are committed to making our mentoring and training sessions accessible to all mentees. If you have any specific access needs, please let us know at this stage. You will also have the opportunity to share any additional requirements later if your application to become a mentee is successful. (max. 200 words)