Prospective Impact graduate recruitment

Hi and welcome to Ashfield District Council. I'm the proud Chief Executive Theresa Hodgkinson here at Ashfield District Council as a learning authority. This scheme is really important to us as we're seeking our next passionate, committed graduates to come and work here in Ashfield. As you can see behind me, this is just one of the facilities the graduates have been involved with in developing, implementing and building such a fabulous facility. As a council, we offer lots and lots of benefits. We have flexible working and we have discount schemes for our leisure centres, and we're always looking for that next passionate person that wants to come along and make a difference, not only in the workplace. As we as a council excel, we're in a very strong financial position. We're looking for people that want to come and develop and learn and move as part of their career journey and public sector so that you can make a difference to the residents here in Ashfield.

Hi, I'm John Bennett, Executive Director of Ashfield District Council. We've got some really great opportunities for graduates within our council. There's lots of exciting projects for people to work on. We've got things like, which I’m stood in front of, one of our fantastic regeneration projects here at the Cornerstone Theatre in Southern Town centre. We've transformed this place from a, really old fashioned theatre into something really exciting, with a mural on the outside. We've got other great things going on in the town centre, and that's the kind of thing that we've got graduates working for us now who are involved in these exciting projects, so that could be an opportunity for you. I also want to talk a bit about some of the support that's available while you're working for Ashfield District Council. We've got all sorts of training courses and development opportunities available. If you come in on one of the graduate schemes, will also make sure that you've got a mentor within the council. It won't just be your line manager or somebody you're working for. It will be somebody you can have a chat with about kind of careers and future opportunities and what you might want to do next. So there's lots of great reasons to come and work for Ashfield District Council.

Putting people at the heart of what we do.

Being honest with people in an open and transparent way.

Being proud that Ashfield is a positive place to live, work and visit.

We are ambitious about Ashfield's future.

Jake is an Impact Graduate in Ashfield District Council, Cohort 26 - commenced 2024.

Experience on the scheme

The scheme has challenged Jake to quickly adapt to new situations and develop confidence in unfamiliar environments. His first placement was in operations, a field in which he had no prior experience. Despite this, he quickly built strong working relationships, enabling him to progress towards key objectives with the support and guidance of his placement manager.

Background

Jake holds a BSc degree in Mathematics with Education and Qualified Teacher Status. Prior to joining the scheme, he worked as a secondary school Maths teacher for seven years. Seeking a new career direction, he viewed the Impact Scheme as a valuable opportunity to broaden his experience and enhance his employability in a different sector.

Key projects

So far Jake has contributed to a range of impactful projects, including:

• Coordinating staff training initiatives
• Securing a defibrillator for a local allotment group
• Project managing the development of a new HGV apprenticeship scheme

Key learning

Throughout the scheme Jake has developed a wide range of skills, including:

• Understanding political and social contexts
• Navigating governance structures and internal processes
• Communicating effectively within a large organisation
• Writing reports and formal documentation
• Managing projects from inception to delivery

Ben is a former graduate from Cohort 25 - 2023 to 2025.

Experience on the scheme

The majority of Ben’s two years on the scheme were spent in Policy and Performance, working on project management, risk management, and service reviews.

These corporate skills strengthened his understanding of local government as a sector and are highly transferable to a wide range of other areas.

ADC values its graduates and treats them as much more than new starters. The Council invests time and resources into graduate development and recognises the importance of supporting and harnessing young talent.

Background

Before joining the scheme, Ben studied History and Philosophy at university.

The scheme and ADC supported him not only through his first few months in local government, but also through his transition into his first professional working environment.

ADC now has several managers who are experienced in supporting graduates and understand how daunting the move into the workplace can be.

Key projects

• Creating and implementing a policy review system
• Involved in multiple service reviews, looking to improve processes and service delivery, or deliver specific projects like the Teversal and Skegby Bridge project
• Partnership working - supporting senior leaders with approaches to devolution and Local Government reform.

Key learning

• Level 7 certificate - having finished the scheme, I now hold the Level 7 certificate. Especially if you are moving into the role straight out of university, the Level 7 is a comfortable but challenging enough course that will outline some key principles of project management and leadership.
• Supporting the coursework, I have gained a massive amount of 'hands-on' project management experience, overseen procurement and managed staff senior to myself.
• I have also gained a lot of insight into how decisions are made in local government, and how councils interact with other private and public bodies to make things happen.

Millie is an Impact Graduate at Ashfield District Council, Cohort 26 - commenced 2024.

Experience on the scheme

The Impact Scheme has provided Millie with a unique opportunity to invest in her professional development, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of local government. Through meaningful and rewarding work placements, she has developed a clearer understanding of her interests and skills, enabling her to align these with her long‑term career aspirations. ADC has supported her throughout every step of the journey.

Background

Millie graduated in 2020 with a BA in Politics before moving into the legal sector during the pandemic. Seeking a change in career, she began working in local government in 2023 in an administrative role. The LGA Impact Scheme was the natural next step in her career progression, allowing her to build on her existing experience at ADC, work across different departments, and enhance her skills while remaining within the organisation.

Key projects

To date, Millie has worked on a range of projects, including:

• Publishing a Community Engagement Strategy
• The delivery of the Stanton Hill Investment Plan
• The procurement of an operator for a flagship Towns Fund project
• The initiation of the High Street Rental Auction process

Key learning

The scheme has supported Millie's professional development, helping her build key skills such as:

• Drafting formal strategies and policies
• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Political and social nuance
• Understanding internal governance and procedures
• Deepening an understanding of the local government sector