Kathryn

Project: Children and Young People’s Plan

I went into the private sector when I first left university - I enjoyed the challenging pace but got frustrated by the focus on money driven targets at the expense of other important elements such as job satisfaction and work life balance.

I’d always had an interest in politics so, after researching public sector graduate opportunities, I decided to explore local government. The sheer size and complexity of it all is mind-blowing and goals and priorities are driven ultimately by the public good, not profit.

I saw the ngdp as a good vehicle through which to do this exploring. It ranked highly in the Times Top 100 employers list, and combined work experience with formal education to bring together the best of both worlds. The application process was challenging but enjoyable: the facilitators were professional, it was transparent and equitable, and the quality of the other candidates was high – all of which convinced me that the ngdp is a responsible and desirable employer.

Currently I have a strategy and performance role in the Children and Young People’s directorate, where I work with senior managers and directors, influencing key strategies and priorities. I’m project managing the refresh of our Children and Young People’s Plan, working with multi-agency partners across Stockport and consulting with children, parents and carers. The plan is a challenging and powerful document that can go a long way to improve outcomes for those it’s designed to help.

It’s helped me build relationships and rapport, and my analytical and problem solving skills, as I have to evaluate a wide range of information. The organisational and project management skills I’ve developed on the scheme have really come in handy too. I’m also very encouraged by the level of peer support - the ngdp forum is a very powerful knowledge source, providing links to information and contacts with other authorities that would be more difficult through other means.

There have been some very exciting developments in response to the Every Child Matters agenda, resulting in new ways of working as agencies work more closely together to ensure the child’s kept at the centre. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Plan and its overarching strategic vision for the future.

There is a very friendly culture in the ngdp. My peer network’s been a vital source of support, providing a sounding board for ideas, information on good practice and a sympathetic year. We regularly have regional night outs and even have a group on Facebook!