Petra talks about her post-ngdp experiences.
Studied Geography at Newcastle University and post-graduate MSc Cities, Space and Society at LSE
Project: Local Assemblies
I joined the ngdp in 2003 with Lewisham Council in south-east London. During the two years on the programme I worked in many different service areas, gaining experience of working at the front-line, and also within policy. This, along with the academic study, provided me with a very good basis from which to progress to my first local government position: Catford Town Centre Manager. This role covered many areas including promoting the town centre, supporting business, working in partnership with others to deliver events, environmental improvements and crime reduction in the town centre. I was also involved in developing plans for large scale regeneration of the area.
After two and half years in this role I progressed to become Local Assemblies Operational Manager, also within Lewisham. I made the move strategically to gain experience in working within a political environment and managing a team. The Local Assemblies were new when I started, so it was very exciting managing a brand new programme, and being part of something so high profile. I now manage a team of 9, who deliver local assembly meetings – forums where local residents come together to influence decision-making, work with their Councillors to make real change in their neighbourhoods, and decide how to spend locality funding provided to each ward. The programme is considered to be at the forefront of the empowerment and engagement agenda, and this area within the Council was recently awarded a green star by the Audit Commission.
The ngdp has undoubtedly helped in my career progression so far, by giving an excellent grounding in general management and Council delivery. And because it is so highly recognised and valued both within my organisation and nationally, to have ngdp on your CV is a real benefit.
Local government is set to change quite drastically over the coming years, and it is an exciting time to be involved. I am confident that the ngdp has set me up well to progress further in my career, and to continue to make a real difference to people's lives.