National Graduate Development Programme

Salary/Benefits
All graduates hired through the NGDP’s national recruitment campaign will be paid a minimum salary of £25,991 as a minimum – this may be subject to increase pending pay negotiations.
Eligibility
The NGDP welcomes graduates from all backgrounds and areas of study. The only requirements are that you have a minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree by July 2022 and that you have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer visas.
Structure of the programme
Graduates who pass the assessment process are matched with a local council in an area of their interest. You will work as an employee of that council on a minimum two-year fixed-term contract. During this time, you will rotate between a minimum of three different placements to gain a wide range of experience and skills. Placements usually cover strategic or corporate functions such as the chief executive’s office, projects relating to frontline services such as social care or housing, and areas such as HR, law, and finance. Often, they combine these work areas around specific projects. Many councils have an open conversation with trainees about their work preferences as the two years progress, guiding what placements you select.
Learning and Development
The NGDP currently offers its trainees a fully funded ILM Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management which has been designed specifically to equip our trainees as leaders within the public sector. Assignments are completed in the workplace, putting theory into practice and opening doors for trainees to explore their own interests.
Council partners
Every year, the NGDP partner with over 60 different local councils across England and in Wales. All local councils are welcome to take part in the NGDP.