Injecting new talent into local government
Every year, thousands of graduates from all over England and Wales apply to the National Graduate Development Programme to begin and fast-track their careers in local government.
The LGA-run programme is the only national graduate scheme for the sector, and has been injecting new talent into local government and developing a pipeline of future leaders for more than 20 years.
It offers councils the opportunity to recruit highly motivated and capable management trainees to work on important projects over a two-year period.
The most recently recruited cohort started work this autumn, and more than 270 graduate trainees were placed across 100-plus councils.
This was also the largest and most diverse cohort yet, with 29 per cent of trainees being from a black, Asian or ethnic minority background and 12 per cent declaring a disability – helping ensure they reflect the diverse communities that councils serve.
The LGA undertakes extensive marketing and runs a subsidised, rigorous national recruitment process to place high-calibre graduates with councils across England and Wales.
Participating councils have access to a national pool of graduates who have passed a multi-stage recruitment process and only the best candidates are selected to interview with councils.
Trainees rotate through a minimum of three placements within their host authorities and benefit from an accredited learning and development programme, which includes a Chartered Management Institute postgraduate-level qualification in strategic leadership and management.
The learning and development programme includes virtual and in-person events, tutorials, group work, and course assignments, and is delivered by the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives and Senior Managers (Solace), working with the University of Birmingham.
Graduate interest in the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) is rising and the programme is expected to continue to grow.
To ensure demand from graduates can be met, the number of participating councils must increase to create more places on this competitive scheme.
Councils that have not previously been involved are encouraged to tap into the NGDP as a key organisational development resource, thereby building internal capacity and resilience in their workforces while nurturing fresh talent.
A head for numbers
The LGA has launched a pilot NGDP stream for finance this year, with 21 London boroughs and the Metropolitan Police Force looking to recruit graduates.
The NGDP Finance Graduate Scheme is a specialised stream, designed for those who want to pursue a career in public finance. It offers a unique and tailored development pathway into local government and other public services for aspiring finance professionals.
The four-year programme is geared towards developing graduates with a passion for finance and communities into future local government and public sector leaders, helping them gain practical experience while studying.
Graduates will work towards the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Level 7 Apprenticeship, which includes CIPFA’s Professional Accountancy Qualification, the key qualification for anyone pursuing a career in public finance management.
To find out more, please visit www.local.gov.uk/ngdp
- If you would like to find out how the NGDP could help your council build capacity and develop your future leaders, please visit our website or get in touch with the team for an informal chat by emailing [email protected]. Councils have until 29 February to sign up for the NGDP
