Why a Newham Local
Graduate Scheme?
We will not be recruiting for the
Newham Graduate Scheme in 2013.
The following information is for reference
only:
During early 2011 Newham's Mayor, Sir Robin Wales, met with local
residents to explain how council funding had been affected by
national cuts and the need to make some tough choices to protect
the services that residents value most.
Efficiency savings are being made however the council will continue
to support residents through the difficult times to deliver
services to meet their priorities and continue to make Newham a
better place to live, work and stay. Consequently, the Mayor has
prepared a contract that makes a number of promises to reflect what
residents feel are important to them and this explicitly includes
Promise Number 5 "We will continue to work hard to help you access
jobs and training".
Newham is a unique borough with the most diverse community in the
country and has the youngest population in the UK. The council aims
to transform the lives of people in Newham and despite the economic
circumstances we will aim to ensure residents share in our growing
prosperity as we try to lower the levels of worklessness by
creating employment and training opportunities for local
people.
We believe we have a great deal to offer and if you feel you do too
and have the commitment and enthusiasm to make a real difference,
then we'd like to hear from you.
How the scheme works
An overview of what you can expect from the Newham Graduate
scheme, including the challenges and benefits that come with the
position.
The Newham Graduate scheme begins in October 2011.
If you are selected to take part in the scheme, you can look
forward to the following benefits:
- A two year fixed term contract
- Generous holiday allowance
- Flexible working hours
- Membership of the local government pension scheme
Salary
Your starting salary training allowance on Local government
Scale 6, will be £23,970 (includes London Weighting). You will
receive annual increments every April.
Job Placements
After induction, you will start the first of four placements.
These will be in different service areas over two years. They will
broadly fall into three different categories - strategic, front
line and support services. An important element in each placement
will be managing your own project. This will cover an area of work
that is important to the council. From very early on you will have
important responsibilities and challenges.
Learning and personal development
As part of your employment you will attend a London University
(name of university to be confirmed) to study a Post Graduate
Diploma in Management Studies (Public Service). A two year
part-time course - one afternoon and one evening per week during
term time - that will be considered part of your working
week.
We will not only pay your university fees but also arrange for you
to attend training courses and networking events provided by the
council.
You can see that we are taking positive measures to support your
personal development, however, please be mindful that you will be
expected to devote some of your own time to studying.
Supporting and mentoring
A senior manager in Newham Council will be assigned as your
mentor. Mentors will be available to provide strategic advice,
information and informal discussion. You will also have a programme
manager with whom you can discuss your month-by-month progress and
career development.
At the end of your training
While we cannot guarantee a job outcome at the end of your
training our hope and expectation is that at the end of the two
years you will want to stay with Newham Council and we will want to
retain you. Accordingly we will support you if you apply for vacant
posts in Newham Council at any time in your second year. In the
last six months you will be actively encouraged in your search for
permanent Newham Council employment or a fixed term contract. If
you get a permanent position with the council during the last
twelve months you will be expected to continue with your post
graduate course.
Qualifications and Competencies
The qualifications and competencies we expect from successful
candidates are as follows:
Qualifications:
Candidates must:
- Either live or have a family home in Newham
- Have secured, or expect to secure by July 2011, a 2:2
university degree (or above) in any discipline
- Have some work experience - this need not be full time or at
management or professional level.
Competencies
As part of our rigourous recruitment and assessment
process you will be required to show evidence of the
competencies, abilities and attributes listed below.
The recruitment process will cover a number of stages and include
an initial application form and if successful this will be followed
by a telephone interview. Those who successfully complete the
telephone interview will be invited to take part in an assessment
centre and a final interview.
When completing your application form it will be critically
important that you make a special effort to address the areas
identified below that indicate assessment by 'application form'.
You should avoid making any general sweeping statements and be
factual taking care to ensure you substantiate your comments with
clear examples. If the criteria below are not addressed in your
application you may find that you will not be invited to take part
in the recruitment process. You will find further information about
the application process in sections 4-6 of the enclosed Applicant's
Pack and it is in your interest to read this carefully
(i) Effective Team Working: (telephone interview, test)
You are a good team member, while identifying your role and
encouraging others.
(ii) Persuasive Communication: (Application form,
telephone interview, test)
You listen well and communicate with confidence (both orally and
in writing), adapting your style of communication to a specific
audience.
(iii) Analysis: (Application form, test,
interview)
You can collect and analyse information, including in numerical
form, and are able to evaluate the options available.
(iv) Managing Self: (Test, interview)
You have the ability to reflect on and learn from experience,
and are aware of your own strengths and weaknesses.
(v) Planning and Organisation: (Test)
You can manage work loads and prioritise effectively to achieve
objectives
(vii) Motivation for learning: (Telephone interview,
test)
You proactively seek opportunities for personal development and
aim to learn from every new experience, applying new-found
knowledge and skills to a range of situations.
(viii) Information and Communication Technology:
(Application Form, test, interview)
You are able to use a range of software packages including
Microsoft Office (i.e. Outlook email, Word processing, Excel
spreadsheets and Powerpoint presentations) and can access
information online.
(ix) Drive for results: (Test, Interview)
You are able to act on your own initiative and take
responsibility for decisions that achieve results. You are able to
demonstrate tenacity when pursing goals, and are prepared to
challenge the status quo to bring about improvements
(x) Equality and Diversity: (Application form, test,
interview)
You have an understanding of how Newham is working to advance
equality and community cohesion through its service delivery.
(xi) Newham Local Knowledge: (Application form,
telephone interview, test, interview)
You are aware of changes, challenges, opportunities and values
being experienced and promoted by local government and Newham
Council in particular, and are committed to improving the quality
of life for our different communities
Post-Graduate Course
If you are successful in gaining a place on the scheme, you will
study for a postgraduate management qualification at a selected
London university to be confirmed.
This is a two year course and you will attend university one
afternoon and one evening per week during term time.
The main teaching methods and strategies used on the course
include:
- Interactive teaching and seminars
- Discussion and participative exercises
- Directed reading and critical analysis of case study
material
- Student presentations
More information on the selected university will be available once
this decision has been made