Coordinator of Assembly equality scheme in running for prestigious award

11 June 2010

A National Assembly employee has been shortlisted in the Active Citizen category of the Institute of Welsh Affairs’ prestigious Inspire Wales Awards.

Adam Rees has been selected for his part in the innovative Step Up Cymru political mentoring scheme – a partnership project between the Welsh Government, Welsh Local Government Association and the National Assembly for Wales.

The scheme gave 34 individuals from underrepresented groups the opportunity to spend time with local councillors and Assembly Members over a six-month period, in a bid to increase their participation in the democratic process.

Mr Rees coordinated the initiative and provided a range of practical and personal support to participants, including arranging training courses in areas such as standing for election and media awareness.

He helped inspire participants to become more active within their communities, and many mentees have since set up community groups and are intending to stand for election in the coming years.

“This is a significant and thoroughly well-deserved acknowledgement for Adam, who did an excellent job of running Step Up Cymru,” said Presiding Officer for the National Assembly, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas AM.

“The scheme achieved notable success, inspiring many mentees to pursue a career in politics and encouraging others to make use of their local politicians and become community ambassadors.

“Adam led and inspired both mentors and mentees and followed work patterns well beyond the call of duty. Being shortlisted for this award is testimony to his individual commitment to sharing and promoting all equalities’ values.”

Mr Rees said: “It was a privilege to be involved with Step Up Cymru, and I’m extremely pleased to be shortlisted for this award. It was extraordinary to watch the development of many of the participants in such a small space of time.

“They have grown from having little confidence in themselves and the public bodies around them, to becoming strong and inspired individuals intent on getting their voices heard.

“I look forward to the official award ceremony on June 15”

Notes to editors:-

More information on the Institute of Welsh Affairs’ Inspire Awards can be found here

More information on the Assembly’s Step Up Cymru scheme can be found here