Why work in local
government?
Newham Council adheres to all the
policies listed here.
- Local government is influential
Local
government is responsible for providing a wide range of services
that affect all our lives. Local government can really improve
local communities. It houses, informs, educates, entertains and
protects its citizens and maintains a well-balanced
environment.
- Local government is dynamic and
exciting
Local government is constantly changing and
is becoming increasingly competitive. There is pressure to respond
both to the needs of the local community and the wishes of central
government. For those working in local government there are new
challenges every day.
- Local government has a broad range of career
opportunities for everyone
With so many services to provide for, it is no surprise that there
is such a variety of careers in local government. There are 600
occupational groups ranging from teaching to social care and
environmental health to sports development, trading standards and
planning, plus many more.
- The pay is good
In many occupations
salaries are competitive, especially in administration and
management posts. Employment benefits are good and there are
opportunities for professional development and training.
- There are opportunities to progress
The emphasis on training and development ensures that local
government staff not only have the opportunity to change jobs, but
are equipped with the skills needed to do them well. There are
opportunities to move between different departments, as well as
upwards into more senior roles.
- Community
Local government employees
contribute to the local community whilst working in a dynamic, fair
and flexible environment. Whoever you are and whatever your
background, working in local government gives you the opportunity
not only to develop your career, but also to make a difference in
people's lives.
- Diversity
Local councils are equal opportunity employers and have recruitment
policies and practices which ensure that no person will be
discriminated against for reasons of race, gender, culture,
disability, language or HIV status. This commitment to equality of
opportunity and respect for diversity extends not only to
employees, but also to service users.
- Training
Local government runs specific training programmes to train and
develop staff . All new members of staff within a council receive
an induction and regular appraisals, enabling them to identify
training needs.
- Flexibility
There is a great deal of flexibility in all areas of local
government work and many employees benefit from flexi-time work
arrangements.
- Benefits
As well as a fair and competitive salary and a variety of learning
and development opportunities, there are many other benefits to
which local government employees may be entitled, such as generous
annual leave, a local government pension scheme and
secondments.
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