Graduate Programme (Project Officer)

The role

We are looking for highly talented and motivated graduates to join our Graduate Development Programme working jointly for two high performing London councils operating in an innovative shared staffing arrangement.

You will be innovative, adaptable, enthusiastic and able to demonstrate a strong commitment to working within Local Government.  You will quickly take on responsibility for projects that will make a real contribution towards the impact and efficiency of public services including contributing to our work supporting the recovery of our communities and businesses from the impact of Covid-19.

The successful applicants will have the opportunity to work across our six different directorates over the two councils which have  different political outlooks and priorities delivering projects in services such as Children’s Services, Housing and Regeneration, Adult Social Services and Environmental and Community Services. You will also undertake a work related externally accredited vocational qualification which will enhance your career prospects. This is likely to be the Level 4 Policy Officer.

Our programme is innovative and bespoke, tailored to meet the needs of the organisation and you as an individual. Throughout the programme you will have a mentor and a graduate buddy.  There will also be opportunities to shadow directors and managers, to attend meetings with local councillors to understand the political context and to participate in London wide and national events.

The starting salary is £25,295 per annum and holiday allowance of 31 paid days (pro rata) and bank holidays. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to proceed a higher salary grade in their second year (subject to meeting the requirements).  Further benefits include eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme and local staff discounts on products and services such as fitness membership, healthcare membership and restaurants.

Further information on the Graduate Development scheme can be found at this link  https://recruitment.richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk/graduates/ 

We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working including, working from home and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. We also offer a generous holiday allowance of 31 paid days (pro rata) excluding bank holidays and a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

In addition, we offer a comprehensive range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts with many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments.

Candidates will be required to fully complete an application form and a supporting statement answering key questions.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  9^th May 2021

Shortlisting Date: W/C 7th June

Psychometric Tests Completed: 11^th – 18^th June

Assessment days: 14^th and 15^th July 2021

Start date:  mid-September 2021

Please note we will be advertising for Housing Trainee’s in the very near future, which will be a separate scheme.

Useful Information:

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note that the advertised dates for interviews may change due to the current Covid-19 situation. If they do, we will let you know as soon as possible.

Your health and wellbeing is our top priority. Should you become unwell due to Covid-19 during the recruitment process we would very much appreciate receiving an update from you as soon as possible.

We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams.

Secondment Information

All internal applicants for this secondment must seek permission from their current line manager before applying. Failure to do so may result in the secondment not being authorised.    

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Important Information:

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.