The role
Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme is a fast-track graduate programme for bright and passionate individuals who want to make a difference while excelling in their career. It offers the chance to work directly with communities, but also to influence policy at a senior level. All while earning a graduate salary and completing a leadership and management qualification.
Councils across the country are looking for the next generation of leaders who have the passion and skill to navigate the biggest challenges facing communities. From the climate emergency, homelessness and unemployment to urban regeneration, social care, and education, local councils are at the forefront of delivering real change.
As a Graduate Management Trainee on the Impact programme you will work for two years in one of 70+ partner councils on a minimum salary of £30,296 (this may increase pending pay negotiations). Over a minimum of three different placements, you will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects in key areas of council life where you can make a real contribution and gain valuable, career-defining experiences. You will be supported in these roles through mentoring and a fully-funded learning programme, culminating in a qualification from the Chartered Management Institute
Impact is the only graduate scheme for local government and has a high record of success with many graduates moving into management positions in councils after they complete the scheme. If you want a career leading change in the public sector, this is the programme for you.
What we're looking for
The Impact programme is passionate about recruiting graduates from all different backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines: our aim is to reflect the diverse communities that we serve. We are looking for people who have the right values and attitudes and who can demonstrate their motivation for a career in the public sector. No prior knowledge or experience is necessary, and additional support is available for under-represented groups during our assessment process so all candidates have a fair chance of showing us their full potential.
Impact welcomes graduates from all backgrounds and areas of study. Our only requirements are:
A minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree by August 2025
You must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the 2-year programme. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas.
For more information on eligibility and right to work requirements please visit our website.
Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their understanding of our key skills and behaviours through a competitive, multi-stage application process. Impact runs one national recruitment process each year and supports councils to run local and internal recruitment campaigns.
The Application Process
As part of the application process, you are required to complete a Situational Judgment Test which is the only assessment you will need to complete at this stage.
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) presents you with 24 realistic scenarios that someone might experience in a role on the programme, along with multiple ways of responding. The SJT will appear after you have completed your application question and you will need to complete the SJT before you can submit your application.
Instructions for the test:
This test is untimed and it should be completed in one sitting. You will be taken to the assessment page after answering your application questions.
You will need to organise each scenario into the order of response, depending on what you are most likely or least likely to do for each of the 24 questions. There are detailed instructions within the form.
If you experience any difficulties and require an accessible version of the application and test, please contact impact.support@local.gov.uk , who will provide this.
For further information please visit our website.
