PLACEMENTS on a new leadership course for up to 50 people from ethnic minorities will be funded by the Scottish Government.

The new development programme at Glasgow University's John Smith Centre for Public Service aims to tackle barriers faced by minority ethnic people moving into leadership positions.

The Government has allocated £470,000 of funding for up to 50 people to complete the nine-month course.

The Minority Ethnic Emerging Leaders Academy will focus on developing the professional and personal skills of participants, including negotiation and communication.

The programme will also include mentoring and living wage placements across the public, third and private sectors.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon hits back at Ruth Davidson on SQA plans

Former Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, who stepped down as an MSP to become the centre's director, said: "The John Smith Centre exists to break down the barriers disadvantaged groups face accessing public life.

"We listened carefully to the call for action emanating from the Black Lives Matter movement and reflected hard on what we could do that would make a meaningful difference.

"We have a strong track record in supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop the confidence, the networks and the experience they need to break through the challenges they face.

"We are therefore extremely proud to now be collaborating with the Scottish Government to increase the scale of this work with a particular focus on minority ethnic young people.

"At every stage of this programme we'll listen to, learn from and involve people with lived experience of the barriers that minority ethnic communities face, and combine it with our experience of what makes a real difference and delivers long-term change."

READ MORE: Letters: We must think outside the box to address youth unemployment

Social Security Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: "The Scottish Government is committed to achieving equality for all minority ethnic people and part of that means taking tangible steps to remove barriers and improve opportunities across society.

"Improving representation across all walks of life is key to achieving this aim and I am pleased that the John Smith Centre will deliver this important programme.

"The programme will provide up to 50 people with a fantastic opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed.

"The programme will be developed and delivered in consultation with relevant organisations and people to ensure that we are learning from lived experience.

"I want to see talented participants from all walks of life taking part, including those who haven't taken traditional academic routes to success. I hope the result will be an increase in numbers of minority ethnic people in leadership roles that reflect the society we live in."

Details about the course's start date and application process are yet to be announced, but people who are interested can sign up to the programme's mailing list on the John Smith Centre's website.