Nicola

Project: Waste Services recycling

I never felt motivated by profit-driven cultures. Local government’s different – working to improve services at a local level while being part of national democratic and policy-making processes. It’s undergoing exciting changes too, with more emphasis on attracting young people to provide fresh perspectives on local issues and plug skills gaps.

The ngdp programme lets me ‘test-drive’ a variety of placements to find where my interests lie. It also means studying for a postgraduate qualification at the highly respected Warwick Business School and, last but not least, a generous starting salary.

The thoroughness of the selection process showed me that the scheme was right for me. Every stage was well designed and it was always clear how each selection method was relevant to the programme. It reflected well on the ngdp as an employer, with a high level of professionalism that notified applicants quickly of the outcome of each stage.

I’m currently a Review Officer, working on several high level projects, including a review of the whole of Waste Services to improve recycling rates. This has massive staffing and financial implications. Also, since the review was commissioned following new government recycling targets published only a few months ago, it’s exciting to be driving such an up-to-the-minute issue, working towards improving sustainability locally.

My council offers a good work/life balance including flexitime and working-from-home arrangements. I’m able to fit my work around my life, working longer some days to earn extra hours - or even full days off. I’ve also been provided with a laptop, so I sometimes work from home - great when it’s snowing or have to wait in for workmen! I’m most productive in the morning when it’s quiet, so I arrive at work early and generally finish by 4pm.

One of the bonuses of the ngdp is the online forum – an interactive message board where NMTs share knowledge. It’s invaluable for requesting help, support or advice from peers on the scheme. Recently I had to write my council’s Local Area Agreement. Having no idea where to start, I used the forum to ask for examples from other councils. Within the ngdp there’s a strong camaraderie in which we’re always pursuing improvements.

This culture of sharing information, networking and advising on ‘best-practice’ on the ngdp has permeated through to my council. Councils can sometimes be guarded around new practices, or reluctant to seek advice from other councils. However, having seen first hand the benefits of the ngdp network and the capacity for sharing information to avoid costly mistakes and save valuable time, my line managers now often ask me to request data from other councils.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the Postgraduate Diploma at Warwick Business School. I slightly dreaded the prospect of yet more lectures and essays, having thought those days were over, but I’ve been impressed with the quality of teaching provided by Warwick and the excellent high-profile speakers brought in from central and local government.