Stages of the NGDP application process
Stage 1: Submit your application
4 October 2023 – 3 January 2024 (12pm)
To apply for the NGDP you will need to fill in an application form and confirm that you meet our eligibility requirements, and complete a situational judgement test. This test will examine your response to realistic workplace situations and your understanding of the NGDP's key skills and behaviours.
You can read sample questions for the situational judgement test on this webpage.
Stage 2: Complete your video interview
From January 2024
If your application is successful, you will be invited to record a video interview. You will receive guidance in advance so you can prepare. Only the audio (i.e. the answers you speak) will be assessed, in order to prevent bias.
Stage 3: Attend an Assessment Centre
February – March 2024
Every candidate who has passed the video interview stage will be invited to attend a half-day virtual assessment centre. Using exercises designed for the NGDP, our assessment centres will give you a flavour of the NGDP experience so you and our team can decide if it is the right next step in your career.
Finding out your region and getting to know councils
April 2024
After the assessment centres, successful candidates will be allocated to a region based on preferences given during the application process. These regions will be where you will be given interviews. Whilst we try our best to take into account your preferences not all candidates will get their first choice.
Once you have been given your regional allocation, you will be invited to a regional information day to get to know the councils in that area. You will also be given information online.
Stage 4: Attend council interviews
May – June 2024
All successful candidates will be invited to attend an interview interview in their allocated region with a council. Interviews will be allocated depending on candidates’ preferences and the availability of interview dates and spaces.
If you are successful at interview stage, you will receive an offer of employment from the council. Once you have accepted, you will become a member of Cohort 26 and your start date with the council will be arranged for autumn 2024.
Please be aware that you can only apply once to the NGDP each year. If you are applying as a national, local or internal candidate you will follow the same recruitment process.
If you have any questions about the application process or to apply, email us on [email protected]
Find out more on the NGDP home page; send us a tweet @ngdp_LGA, follow us on Instagram on @ngdp_localgov, or follow on LinkedIn