We have proudly run the LGGP since its inception and we are committed to ensuring graduates secure permanent positions at the council beyond the scheme.
With a rotation system typically providing four placements across different teams and allowing graduates to express their preferences, you will have a range of experience in local government and opportunities to shape your own career path.
Graduates will also have strong networks underpinned by the national and regional events hosted by the LGA who oversee the scheme. By the end of the two years, you will be a council officer in a strong position to pursue more senior roles in local government.
Throughout your placements, there will be clear sources of career support:
- Interview and CV workshops
- Advice from mentors, typically senior leaders in the council, who are allocated as part of the scheme
- Informal conversations about roles of potential interest
Many graduates continued their journey to more senior roles within the council. Here are some of their experiences.
From left: Elinor, Daniel and Edith
Elinor Williams, Policy and Projects Officer in the Leadership Office
"I joined the LGGP at Waltham Forest in 2022, having applied through the local route as a lifelong resident. I enjoyed a range of placements across the two years varying from the Leadership Office, Housing, Family Hubs to Organisational Development. It was my first placement in the Leadership Office which really captured my attention; I loved being in the fast-paced engine room of the council, witnessing how decisions were made from the highest level.
I am now back with the team, working as a Leadership Policy and Projects Officer and no two days are the same. I support the Leader, Chief Executive, and Director of Children’s Services on a range of priority projects and policy work. I am also enjoying developing my understanding of public affairs and how we can best influence different stakeholders. My time on the scheme really helped me when I started this role as I could draw on my cross-council experiences to speed up ways of working."
Daniel Wright-Mason, Strategic Housing Project Manager
"I was on the LGGP from October 2022 to August 2024 and am now a Strategic Housing Project Manager. I secured this role after completing my final placement in Housing Strategy and applying for a vacancy in the team.
I was fortunate to have a wide variety of placements during the LGGP — from Social Care to Community Safety to Strategy and Change. This gave me the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills, including strategy writing, policy implementation, project management, and workshop design. I also gained valuable frontline experience, such as going on patrol with the police, taking part in ward walks with councillors, and meeting with vulnerable residents.
A real benefit of the programme was becoming part of a well-established network of current and former graduates, which provided ongoing support, advice, and shared learning. This breadth of experience helped me quickly develop a strong understanding of local government and secure a permanent role."
Edith Galliers, Head of Organisational Development and LGGP Programme Coordinator
"As an alumni I take pride in ensuring that the Waltham Forest programme provides a robust and supportive programme for all of our graduates. Since taking over the scheme 2 years ago (from another alumni lead) the holistic approach to development has been adopted by the LGA as good practice.
We have great support from the Senior Leadership Team and the strong alumni of the scheme in the organisation means that we have line managers, mentors and buddies that understand the programme and ensure that they provide significant opportunities.
We ensure that our graduates have ownership of their development by balancing their preference and organisational need in placements. We believe that this develops their skills and supports retention at the end of the programme.
I love this scheme and I honestly believe that coming to Waltham Forest would be a great place to start a Local Government career."