The problem with spokespeople

Even when people from a protected group achieve a prominent position within a party they might be limited to only pursuing policy areas or issues which match their identity. For example, an elected representative who identifies as LGBTI might be very knowledgeable about social security but feel under pressure to take roles as a spokesperson on LGBTI issues. Whilst it is essential that statements and policy are influenced by the people they affect, it is important that you don’t make assumptions about the roles or portfolios people from protected groups should pursue.

When identifying spokespeople and assigning roles you should always seek to identify the skills, experiences, knowledge and interests of people from protected groups rather than assuming they will always want to campaign on issues affecting their own community. Your assumptions might result in that person being limited in how they can progress in the party.

Having a wide range of competent spokespeople is a great way of communicating your party’s priorities to the public. Providing training and increasing the number of people in the party who feel confident to do media comment and act as spokespeople could result in more people from protected groups feeling able to become spokespeople on a wider range of issues.

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