Hear from our Impact management trainee graduates

Pippa's story 

Pippa Wolstencroft

Studied: Sociology at the University of Liverpool

What motivated you to apply?

The chance to rotate across different areas of a council during four six-month placements really appealed to me. It offers the opportunity to explore a variety of services and discover where your interests lie. Another standout feature was the chance to study for a Level 7 Leadership and Management qualification alongside gaining hands-on experience. Continuing to learn after university while progressing my career was a huge draw.

I was also motivated by how inclusive the scheme is. Unlike many graduate programmes that require a specific degree or prior experience, the Impact scheme focuses on potential and leadership qualities. That really stood out to me because it shows the scheme is designed to develop future leaders from a wide range of backgrounds, making it accessible and forward-thinking.

How much did you know about Impact before applying?

I hadn’t heard of the Impact Graduate Scheme until I came across it online while researching graduate opportunities. At first, I didn’t know much about it, but the more I explored, the more I realised how unique it is.

I started by reading through the website and then looked at alumni stories, which really stood out to me. Hearing about their experiences and seeing the amazing roles they’ve progressed into gave me confidence that this was a scheme designed to support graduates and help them thrive.

What also struck me was the scale and reach of the programme – partnering with over 100 councils across England and Wales – and the strong sense of community through graduate-led networks. From diversity and inclusion groups to regional and interest-based networks, it was clear that the scheme offers not just professional development but a supportive environment where graduates can connect, share ideas, and pursue their passions.

The website also highlighted the breadth of local government services, which showed me how varied and impactful the work could be.

What have been your favourite projects so far?

During my first placement at Barnsley Council in Children’s Social Care and Safeguarding, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and collaborate with colleagues across different parts of the service. While I’ve enjoyed many aspects, the projects I’ve found most rewarding are those that allowed me to directly engage with the young people we support.

One highlight was working with the Care4Us Council – a group for children and young people in care or who have been in care – and the Care Leavers Council, which is for young people aged 18 to 25 who have left care. These groups give young people a voice to share their views and help shape services. Together, we created an easy-read version of the Local Offer – a document that explains the support available to children in care and care leavers in a clear and accessible way. This work led to the development of a new Local Offer brochure, which I helped design in collaboration with colleagues.

Another project I found especially meaningful was filming the Local Offer video. We worked closely with students from Barnsley College, who led the filming and editing, as well as care leavers who volunteered to read lines and share information on. Colleagues from Children’s Services also came along to support and take part. It was a really worthwhile collaboration that will help bring the Local Offer to life and promote the support available to Barnsley care leavers in an engaging and accessible way.

I also really valued being part of a working group supporting the Care Leavers Council. We planned and delivered an open evening to promote the group to professionals and raise awareness of the fantastic work they do. I found these projects rewarding as they involved teamwork and direct engagement with young people to create resources that make a real difference.

Has being on the Impact programme helped your development?

Absolutely. Being on the Impact Scheme at Barnsley Council has most definitely helped my personal and professional development. My confidence has grown enormously; as a graduate on the scheme, you really feel that senior leaders believe in you, which gives you the confidence to take on new challenges.

Within the first few weeks of my placement, I was leading my own high level project, which developed a wide range of skills - from project planning and management to organisation and leadership. I’ve also strengthened my communication skills by working with colleagues across different services and external partners, and learned how to adapt quickly to new environments.

I’ve also benefited hugely from the additional opportunities Barnsley Council offers alongside day to day work. As a young employee, you’re encouraged to take part in development activities that genuinely stretch your skills. A standout example was the internal auditions for a national public speaking competition, which significantly boosted my confidence in speaking to an audience and helped me learn how to craft a message that captures and holds people’s attention. These are skills I felt I needed to develop, and having the chance to practise them in a supportive environment has made a noticeable difference.

Barnsley Council’s wide range of employee networks has also played a big role in my growth. They provide brilliant opportunities to build networking skills, plan and deliver events, strengthen organisational skills, and gain confidence in contributing in meetings. Joining the Young Employees Network has been particularly valuable, giving me space to develop professionally while connecting with colleagues at similar stages of their careers.

Networking with senior leaders and other graduates has been invaluable, giving me insight into strategic decision making and how local government works behind the scenes. I’ve also been able to join the Northern Network Steering Group as a Yorkshire Rep and Social Secretary, which has allowed me to connect with graduates across the North and gain confidence through promoting the network to Yorkshire graduates on the scheme. Overall, completing the scheme at Barnsley Council is shaping me into a confident, capable future leader.

What is your advice for anyone thinking of applying?

First of all – apply! You definitely won’t regret it. The opportunities you get on the Impact Graduate Programme are unique. From leading your own high-level projects early on, to growing your network with a large cohort of graduates across the country, the scheme offers experiences you won’t find elsewhere.

You’ll also have the chance to connect and learn from senior leaders within your council and across other councils.

If you want to make a positive difference to local communities, this is the perfect scheme. That was one of the standout reasons I applied, and it’s what makes the work so rewarding.

Top Tips for Applicants

Practise video interviews – they can feel awkward if you’ve never done one before. The more you practise, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel. It’s always a bit strange speaking to a camera with no one on the other side, but preparation makes a big difference.

Research the councils – understand their priorities, values, and current projects. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest.
Prepare for the final stage – if you progress, take time to research the council you’re interviewing with in detail. Look at the projects they’re working on and think about how you could contribute.

Visit the area if possible – seeing the place first-hand gives you insight into the council’s impact. You can reference this in your interview to demonstrate your enthusiasm and understanding.

Check out the Impact website and join their workshops or watch their recordings – they gave me brilliant tips that really helped during my application.

Evie's story 

Evie Shaw

Studied: Criminology at the University of Huddersfield

What were your motivations for applying? 

I was motivated to apply to Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme because I wanted to build a fulfilling and meaningful career in local government. The opportunity to experience a variety of placements within a single organisation was a major factor in my decision, as it offers the chance to explore different areas of local government and better understand where I might want to specialise in the future.

I was also inspired by the prospect of working in the public sector. Knowing that your work has a direct, positive impact on the lives of people within your local community is incredibly rewarding and was a key motivation for pursuing the programme.

Why did I choose Barnsley?

There were several reasons why I chose Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council as my first-choice. I was particularly inspired by the council’s achievements, including winning Council of the Year twice, the impressive town centre transformation, and its commitment to digital innovation. Barnsley’s strategic priorities and outcomes, such as Growing Barnsley and Sustainable Barnsley, were also key factors, as I knew I wanted to contribute to an organisation driving such meaningful change. 

I also felt a strong personal alignment with Barnsley’s values: we’re a team, we’re excellent, we’re proud, and we’re honest. My research made it clear that Barnsley places genuine importance on supporting its colleagues, demonstrated through initiatives like Enabling Barnsley, as well as on supporting the wider community through programmes such as Love Where You Live. 

Being part of the Impact Programme at Barnsley also provides the exceptional opportunity to complete a placement in the Office of the Chief Executive. This offers graduates meaningful exposure and the chance to work alongside Barnsley’s inspiring Chief Executive, Sarah Norman, an invaluable experience early in a local government career. 

Ultimately, Barnsley is the place of possibilities. I wanted to join an organisation where I could contribute to making a genuine difference in the community, and I knew that choosing Barnsley would enable me to achieve that goal.

How much did you know about Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme before you applied?

I first learned about Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme during a careers lecture at the beginning of my final year at university. After the session, I carried out further research and quickly realised that the programme was an excellent fit for my interests and aspirations. Although I had not been aware of the scheme before the lecture, the extensive information available online provided a clear and detailed understanding of what the programme offers, which reinforced my decision to apply. 

I believe it is incredibly important that the scheme continues to be promoted within universities, particularly to students approaching the end of their studies, as it presents a valuable and exciting pathway into a career in local government.

What have been your favourite projects so far? 

My favourite project to date is the one I am currently leading within Adult Social Care – Commissioning, Improvement and Assurance. The aim of this work is to design a new, holistic training package for Barnsley’s care workforce. Through this project, I have gained valuable insight into the significant impact that high quality social care training can have on the lives of service users within our community. 

Leading projects in local government is incredibly rewarding, as it supports the development of independence as well as organisational and project management skills. It is evident that Barnsley recognises the strengths of Impact graduates; over the years, graduates have contributed to a wide range of ambitious and meaningful projects across the council. 

Although not project-based, Barnsley also delivers an excellent induction programme for graduates. Highlights for me included attending Cabinet, Full Council, and an Enabling Barnsley Board meeting, experiences that have been among my favourites so far. 

I am also looking forward to starting my new placement in Employment and Skills, where I hope to continue developing my experience and strengthening my skill set further.

Has being on the Impact programme helped your development?

The Impact Graduate Programme has supported my personal and professional development in numerous ways. My confidence has grown significantly, and my understanding of local government has expanded considerably. The support provided through the graduate scheme offers a wide range of opportunities for those in the early stages of their local government career to excel and continue developing. 

The CMI Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management has been particularly valuable, contributing to substantial growth in both my personal and professional capabilities. The regional and residential development days also provide excellent opportunities to connect with fellow graduates across the programme. 

Alongside the support offered by the scheme itself, Barnsley Council has been exceptional in providing graduates with extensive guidance and meaningful development opportunities. This commitment to nurturing early-career professionals is, in my view, one of the key qualities that makes Barnsley stand out from other organisations.

What is your advice for anyone thinking of applying to Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme? 

My advice for anyone considering an application to Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme is to approach the process with confidence and avoid doubting your abilities. I would also encourage applicants to thoroughly research the councils participating in this year’s cohort, as each authority is distinct, with its own ambitions, priorities, and strategic goals. 

In addition, make full use of the resources available on the Impact website. It offers comprehensive information about the programme, including key competencies, details of the participating councils, an overview of the application process, and much more.

Anna's story 

Anna Langston

Studied: BSc Economics with employment experience at University of Sheffield

What were your motivations for applying?

As part of my degree, I completed a placement in the private sector. While I enjoyed the experience, I felt that I wasn’t really getting much out of the role and wanted my work to feel more fulfilling, something that made a real difference to people’s lives and communities. This motivated me to explore opportunities in the public sector.

When I discovered the National Management Trainee scheme, I was really attracted to the chance to complete four different placements. After university, I had several areas of interest but wasn’t sure which direction to take, as I hadn’t had the opportunity to try them. The structure of the scheme appealed to me because it offers variety and the chance to gain experience across different areas of Local Government, helping me decide where I want to build my career.

How much did you know about Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme before you applied?

I didn’t know anything about the scheme before I applied, and I didn’t know anyone who was on it. I came across it while searching online for Local Government roles. As I progressed through the application process, I realised I was really enjoying the tasks in the assessment centres and the overall experience. That gave me confidence that the scheme was the right fit for me.

What have been your favourite projects so far?

During my time at Barnsley Council, I have had the chance to get involved in a wide range of different projects. One project I have really enjoyed has been helping to arrange the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Networks. This brings together policy professionals from across the region to collaborate on key issues and share learning. I helped to plan one session in York and another in Leeds, and I really enjoyed being part of something that strengthens regional connections and supports better joint working.

Another project I have been involved in is one around devolution. Devolution is becoming an increasingly significant issue for local government, and councils are recognising just how much it shapes the way we work with Mayoral Combined Authorities. It is changing the way local authorities think about collaboration, influence, and long-term planning. I have been involved in a lot of learning around what devolution means for Barnsley, including attending workshops with SYMCA on the integrated settlement, as well as helping to set up an internal workshop in Barnsley to support better communication and awareness around SYMCA. 

Has being on the Impact programme helped your development?

One of the biggest areas of growth for me has been my written communication skills. My degree was highly numerical, largely due to my choice of modules, and my previous role was also very data focused. In contrast, much of my current work involves writing, such as preparing a Cabinet briefing. This experience has helped me to develop my ability to communicate information clearly and effectively for different audiences, which is an area I have had less exposure to in the past. I have really valued the opportunity to build these skills and to be challenged outside my comfort zone. 

What is your advice for anyone thinking of applying to Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme?

I would encourage anyone to apply for the Impact Programme. It’s an excellent opportunity if you’re not completely sure what career path you want to take, as it gives you exposure to a wide range of areas within local government. People in the council are incredibly friendly and supportive, and the programme allows you to connect with colleagues across different sectors. You’ll learn about roles and functions that you probably didn’t even know existed, which makes it a great way to broaden your understanding and discover where your interests lie.

Why did I choose Barnsley?

I chose Barnsley because of the flexibility to select your own placements. I believe this shows that Barnsley genuinely cares about your interests and is committed to investing in you and developing your skills. In addition, Barnsley provided excellent support in the lead-up to choosing placements, which made the process much easier. I also chose Barnsley because it is a highly respected council, having won both the MJ and LGC Council of the Year awards. This gave me confidence that it would be a fantastic place to begin my career in local government.