The NGDP is a valuable tool to improve diversity within local government senior leadership. We believe that the best possible services are designed and delivered by a workforce who are representative of the community.
A great advantage of the NGDP is that it is a constantly evolving with input from the participating councils, current graduates on the programme as well as alumni. We embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) principles into our processes as we understand that its crucial to aims of the programme. We are always open to new ideas and learning from best practice. We work closely with specialist organisations who provide expert advice or services. We are continuously looking to improve our inclusion strategy which we believe will create the most diverse and accessible graduate scheme in the UK.
The NGDP is a valuable tool to improve diversity within local government senior leadership. We believe that the best possible services are designed and delivered by a workforce who are representative of the community. We believe that our flagship local government fast track programme has the ability to help to create and influence a diverse senior leadership community within local government.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is one of the biggest priorities for the NGDP. In 2019 we commissioned an independent Equality and Diversity review. We have taken action against almost every recommendation made in this report and are committed to continuous improvement. You can read more about the report and our actions taken in in this blog post.
Data Collection and Monitoring
We collect data on our candidates’ protected characteristics during the recruitment process at every stage and monitor impact. This data is always anonymised and is used to create an overall picture of candidates progressing through our recruitment stages, and once we have recruited a final cohort. This data is also used as a comparison with previous recruitment cycles, so we can continuously monitor the make-up of each Cohort, as well as monitoring areas of improvement for future. We present this data to networks as well as the participating councils.
If you would like to request a meeting in regards to EDI on the programme, please email [email protected]
Support for councils
Placement coordinator meetings offer a change for the designated council representative(s) to meet to share practice and provide updates. Toolkits and frameworks are provided to support councils to support their graduates.
EDI within the NGDP Application
We believe all NGDP candidates should have a fair and equal opportunity to succeed throughout the recruitment process, and we want to give all candidates the best chance to showcase their abilities.
Below are some of the ways in which we create a level playing field for candidates.
- We prioritise working with universities who rank highly for student diversity social mobility, running bespoke skills sessions which help demystify the application process and to challenge misperceptions about local government.
- We work directly with student groups and Widening Participation departments at universities.
- We send our own graduate trainees to promote the programme at university events, who can speak to students about their own experience of the application process and their time on the NGDP.
- Our Situational Judgement Test has been tested with a diverse group of people currently on the programme to understand if any adverse impact is arising.
- We have an anonymised recruitment process until stage 3, the assessment centre stage. Although candidates undertake a video interview in stage 2, only the audio files are marked in order to prevent bias wherever possible.
- We offer coaching to candidates throughout the application process. In previous years, this has been done by the NGDP BAME Network, as well as an external organisation commissioned to provide expert coaching. This coaching was offered to support BAME graduates and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support on the NGDP
We have different networks within the NGDP which support candidates. These organic, trainee led networks create a safe space to discuss and develop for those currently on the programme. We work alongside side these networks to provide support if needed in terms of dedicating a budget or exploring training opportunities. These networks are completely autonomous. We also offer drop-in sessions for NMTs and anonymous evaluation forms to assist the programme.
“The great thing about the scheme is, you can shape how you want to develop.” Emily, based in London.
