Working in local government is varied, rewarding and challenging.
Over the last 20 months, council staff have worked tirelessly to put the needs of their local areas first, they are among the true heroes of the pandemic and, working closely with central government, local NHS partners, voluntary and community groups, have put in a monumental effort to support and protect local communities.
This demonstrates the immense value and importance of our National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP), having supported nearly 2,000 talented individuals into a fulfilling career in public service over the last 20 years.
Working with 60 councils across the country, and with this number still growing, this flagship graduate scheme exists to produce local government leaders of tomorrow, providing a range of opportunities in high profile roles in local authorities as part of a two-year programme.
The NGDP is a flexible programme, making it easy for councils of any size to shape the programme in a way that both meets their needs and provides a brilliant experience for graduates.
Being part of the NGDP allows councils to start thinking earlier about longer-term succession planning and future leadership potential.
Amongst our alumni, you’ll find Chief Executives, Directors, Heads of Service and managers of flagship and transformational local government initiatives.
Our graduates are high performers with fresh ideas and a passion to take on the issues of the day.
As a national scheme, the NGDP promotes local government to the graduate market on behalf of councils.
Last year, the NGDP attracted applications from around 7,500 graduates.
We run a rigorous accessible assessment process to ensure that only the most high calibre graduates make it to the final stages, witling down a large number of applications to a diverse cohort of 180.
We manage the full recruitment process until interview, which is when we introduce them to your council.
Graduate recruitment can be time-consuming and demanding on council resources, and that is why we run a national marketing and recruitment campaign to help identify the most promising future leaders for the future of local government.
Councils are fast paced and satisfying places to work in.
They are the backbone of our country, affecting all of our lives on a daily basis, whether we realise it or not, and supporting the most vulnerable members of our communities in ways that transform their quality of life.
The economic, social and environmental wellbeing of an area are all vital parts of a local authority’s role in a community.
Communities are evolving and there is now an even greater need to engage with and provide tailored services for an increasingly diverse population.
This work encompasses a wide range of areas and issues, including children and young people, the environment, health and social care, housing, leisure and community safety.
Every day is challenging and every day is satisfying.
Our National Graduate Development Programme is a great way for graduates to embark on a varied career in the local authority sector and provide councils with bright, talented staff who will become the leaders of the future.
PSE will be hosting a Learning & Development virtual event on 3 February 2022. Join us for the full day event by registering here.
