Councils can apply now for top graduates
At a time when local government faces complex challenges, attracting skilled and motivated talent is more critical than ever.
Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme, and Pathways to Planning, are the LGA’s flagship initiatives helping councils bring fresh energy, ideas and leadership potential into the sector.
Formerly known as the National Graduate Development Programme, Impact has been a cornerstone of graduate recruitment in local government for more than 20 years. With 2,500-plus alumni – including local authority chief executives and senior leaders – the programme consistently delivers high-calibre professionals shaping the sector’s future.
Interest continues to grow, with more than 8,000 applications for the autumn 2025 intake. Graduates from across the UK, representing diverse backgrounds and disciplines, are drawn to the opportunity to fast-track their careers in public service. Councils in England and Wales are encouraged to partner with Impact and offer as many placements as possible to meet demand.
Impact offers a structured leadership pathway, with graduate trainees completing at least three placements within their host authority over a two-year period, working on strategic projects that drive real change. This is supported by a bespoke learning and development programme, culminating in a Level 7 qualification accredited by the Chartered Management Institute.
The programme’s design – combining formal learning, professional development, and access to a national peer network – enables trainees to add value from day one.
Councils benefit from fresh perspectives and increased capacity, while graduates gain the tools and confidence to lead.
Impact also offers councils the flexibility to recruit local talent through the Local Recruitment campaign. This route allows authorities to market trainee roles specifically to graduates from their area, helping build local capacity and retain talent.
The process mirrors the national campaign, ensuring candidates meet the same high standards. Councils register interest through a short form, after which the Impact team sets up a tailored job advert on the LGA’s portal. Councils receive a unique application link to share through local channels – including social media, employment services and university partnerships.
Applicants to local campaigns demonstrate how they meet locally defined criteria, such as living, working or studying in the area.
The Impact team supports councils in shaping their criteria. They also receive full support throughout, including marketing materials, guidance and a dedicated point of contact.
Candidates who reach the final stage are guaranteed an interview with their chosen authority, creating a direct recruitment pipeline with strong retention potential.
Councils can now register their interest in taking on Impact graduates from autumn 2026. For more information or an informal chat, contact the team at Impact@local.gov.uk. The deadline to sign up for Local Recruitment is Wednesday 1 October 2025.
Pathways to Planning
Since launching in 2023, Pathways to Planning has delivered 200-plus new planners to more than 100 local authorities in England.
In October 2025, the programme is expanding to support councils in recruiting for planning, surveying and construction project management roles.
Pathways runs a national marketing campaign and rigorous assessment process, giving councils access to a wide and diverse pool of high-achieving graduates, without hassle or cost.
Last year, there were more than 2,150 applicants, with the top 10 per cent progressing to interview. Graduates study alongside work on sector-accredited degrees.
Applications for councils to join cohort 4 (starting autumn 2026) open in October 2025. For more information, contact pathways.planning@local.gov.uk.