The Role

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are looking for a diverse group of highly talented and motivated graduates to join our Graduate Development Programme working jointly for our two high performing London councils operating in an innovative shared staffing arrangement.

Eligibility we welcome graduates from all backgrounds and areas of study but you must have (or expect to achieve) a minimum of 2:2 undergraduate degree by July 2022 and have the right to work in the UK (we are unable to apply for visa’s).  You must be within 2 years of graduating from your first degree.  You should also have a minimum of GCSE Grades A-C in Maths and English (or equivalent) and need to have been resident in the UK for the last three years.

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

The successful applicants will have the opportunity to work across the two Councils, which have different political outlooks and priorities, delivering projects in Directorates such as Children’s Services, Housing and Regeneration, Adult Social Services and Environmental and Community Services, in these roles you may be working on policy, events, communications or you may be researching and engaging with the local community.  You will also undertake an externally accredited qualification which will enhance your career prospects by developing your planning, communication, organisation and management skills (this is likely to be a Level 4 Project Manager qualification).

Our programme is innovative and bespoke, tailored to meet both the needs of the organisation and you as an individual.  This will be a great opportunity to work across the SSA’s key work streams. Initially you will be on a six-month placement after which you will work flexibly across a variety of placements to deliver a number of key projects and programmes across the organisation.

Throughout the programme you will have a supervisor and a graduate buddy to support you and your development.  There will also be opportunities to shadow Directors and senior managers, to attend meetings with local Councillors to understand the political context of your work and to participate in London-wide and national events.

The starting salary is £25,738 per annum and you will also receive 31 days’ annual leave. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to progress to a higher salary grade in their second year (subject to meeting 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.

If you are unable to view the video included on this advert, please use the following link to view further information on the Graduate Development Programme via Graduate Development Programme - YouTube

At Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, we care more about how you work and what you achieve, rather than where you work on any given day. The difference you can make to our local communities is what really matters most to us, service delivery must always come first. We have carefully considered agile ways of working to provide the best experience for residents, stakeholders and our staff. Our agile working strategy actively supports and encourages a dynamic work environment and daily working experience. Agile working helps put the needs of our staff at the centre of everything we do, so if specific flexible working arrangements helps you with this, feel free to let us know.

Your wellbeing and the flexible way in which you can work is and will remain a key priority for Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. We want you to thrive and feel empowered in your work!

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 39 paid days (pro rata) including 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.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

Closing Date:  9^th May 2022

Shortlisting Date: 20^th June – 4^th July 2022

Interview Date: 12^th and 13^th July 2022 at Wandsworth Town Hall

Start date: 21^st September 2022

Applicants Information Session

We will be holding a workshop to support those who have already graduated to understand the application process.  If you are an undergraduate then please contact your University Careers Service for support. 

We will be holding an online workshop on Thursday 21^st April from 11 am – 2 pm for potential applicants who would like further advice on completing the application form and supporting statement.  Please note:  names of those attending the workshop will not be forwarded to those involved in the shortlisting process so that no preferential treatment will be given. If you would like to attend the workshop please email Sonia.wilson@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Please note if you are successful and able to proceed to the second stage you will be notified by the 27th June 2022.      

Useful Information:

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, including black, asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds. The application process for this campaign will be anonymous. 

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 welcome you to apply for this role if you have a disability, we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

Secondment Policy

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.

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.

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils