LGA renames government graduate scheme

The Local Government Association (LGA) has unveiled a new name for their local government graduate scheme.

‘Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme’ is the new name for the scheme which introduces graduates to the sector.

Formerly known as the National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP), the rebrand is the first of its kind since it began more than 20 years ago and will help ‘future-proof’ the scheme, so that it can continue to attract the best and brightest into the local government workforce. 

Research commissioned by the LGA revealed there was a need for a refresh in order to continue positioning it as a leading option for graduates. 

Previously, many candidates came across the programme when actively searching for it and from those already familiar with local government, potentially limiting the diversity and range of backgrounds of those who applied. 

They said the new name "gives more clarity" and immediately highlights the "dual impact" of the programme: the meaningful impact that graduates have on councils and communities as a result of taking part, but also the positive impact on their careers.

Backed by a national marketing campaign, Impact involves a multi-stage recruitment process which is wholly managed by the LGA. High-calibre candidates are selected to be interviewed by partnering councils, who have the final decision on which graduates they want to appoint, offering a wide candidate pool which would otherwise be difficult to access. 

The two-year programme sees councils take on graduates as Graduate Management Trainees, developing their skills across a variety of services by ensuring they complete a minimum of three placements and undertaking a prestigious learning and development programme and postgraduate qualification.

Cllr Abi Brown OBE, Chairman of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: “Impact sums up everything we believe about our incredibly successful and long-running graduate recruitment scheme for local government. 

“It highlights the effect of the programme on councils and the communities they serve, as well as on graduates themselves as they learn new skills and use them to improve vital local public services. 

“There has never been a more important time to work in local government and this refresh will continue to encourage high-quality candidates, from across the country and all backgrounds, to apply and find out what an Impact they can make on people’s everyday lives.” 

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