The LGA’s National Graduate Development Programme (NGDP) matches passionate graduates with councils looking for the next generation of leaders to deliver key projects and help tackle the challenges we are all facing.
NGDP graduates move between different projects and teams, to develop broad experience of what it means to deliver in local government.
The NGDP Women and Non-Binary Network supports, empowers, and provides a platform for professional development for current graduates and alumni of the NGDP.
Our approach is open, inclusive and non-hierarchical, with network members all sharing in decision-making and contributing their ideas and expertise.
We meet regularly, via video call, to build connections across councils, share insights and resources, develop our own professional skills, and reflect on issues around gender equality in local government. Our network exists precisely because gender equality is still a goal and not a reality.
Many of our members work on issues around gender equality in their councils. As part of a placement in housing and safer communities, Rebecca Bowers is working on the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Women’s Safety Charter.
She says: “I am working on getting [the charter] relaunched and spread far around the borough.
“We aim to get all the licensed premises, schools, sports teams, charities, and so on, to pledge and make a stand to say no to violence against women and girls. It’s a way for the council to lead by example, but also promote culture change.”
The charter was co-produced with Her Centre, the borough’s service provider for women experiencing domestic and sexual abuse.
Once organisations sign up to the charter, they receive guidance, support, and resources to help them to implement its principles.
This is an inspiring example of the role local government can play in the battle for gender equality and the kind of work our network members seek to champion and replicate.
Together, we can absolutely #BreakTheBias, as called for on last month’s International Women’s Day.