Stages of the NGDP application process
Stage 1: Submit your application
21 September 2022 – 4 January 2023 (12.00pm)
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 2023
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
March 2023
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.
Get to know the councils
April 2023
After the assessment centres, successful candidates will have the opportunity to meet councils on the programme before you are invited to attend an interview.
Stage 4: Attend council interviews
May - June 2023
All successful candidates will be invited to attend an interview 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 25 and your start date with the council will be arranged for autumn 2023.
Some councils run local recruitment campaigns for their spaces on the NGDP. Check your local authority’s website to find out if they are running a local recruitment campaign, and make sure to follow our social media channels for updates.
You can find hints and tips for the different stages of the application process, as well as details of our virtual workshops taking place this autumn, on our events webpage.
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