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Are you applying to the 2026/27 National Graduate Development Programme into your local government? This comprehensive guide is precisely what you need to navigate the NGDP recruitment process successfully.
Here are the key things we will be covering for you in this guide:
Prepare for the stages of the NGDP recruitment process with us by practising the relevant assessments you can expect at each stage!
In this guide, you will learn:
Want to pass each stage of the NGDP recruitment process?
Practice the relevant assessments for each stage of the NGDP process with us today!
Practice Situational Judgement Tests
Practice Numerical Reasoning Tests
Practice Video Interviews
Prepare for your Assessment Centre
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Before we go into the breakdown of the NGDP application process, let’s find out more about the programme.
NGDP stands for the National Graduate Development Programme, the flagship fast-track graduate scheme into local government in England and Wales. It is run by the Local Government Association and has operated for over 20 years.
The NGDP is a 2-year, fixed-term programme with a minimum starting salary of £32,597, sometimes higher for roles with London weighting. Around 70 councils across England and Wales partner with the NGDP each year.
Trainees also work towards a fully-funded CMI Level 7 qualification in Leadership and Management, completing two work-based assignments over the two years.
NGDP trainees rotate through three to four placements across their council, covering areas such as:
Good to Know: In June 2024, the NGDP was officially renamed Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme. The content and structure of the scheme are unchanged, so you may see it referred to by either name.
NGDP assesses every candidate against eight key skills and behaviours throughout the recruitment process:
Working with others:
Collaborating with a range of people and organisations while showing awareness of diversity, political sensitivity and emotional intelligence.
Persuasive communication:
Communicating confidently in speech and writing, listening actively and choosing the right channel for your audience.
Planning and organisation:
Managing your time and prioritising your workload effectively, adjusting your approach as priorities change.
Drive for results:
Taking the initiative and owning your decisions, with the tenacity to pursue goals and challenge the way things are done.
Analysis and problem solving:
Identifying, analysing and interpreting complex information from a range of sources to reach well-informed solutions.
Motivation for learning and personal resilience:
Seeking out learning opportunities and showing the resilience to adapt when facing change.
Commitment to local government and the wider community:
Understanding the sector and showing genuine commitment to serving the local community.
Leadership potential:
Taking charge of tasks and projects, leading by example and motivating others towards shared goals.
Now that you know about NGDP, let’s move on to the NGDP recruitment process.
The NGDP recruitment process typically consists of the following stages:
Prepare for the NGDP assessment tests by practising with our expertly designed practice tests.
Let’s start with the NGDP online application.
You apply for the NGDP by completing an online application form to confirm your eligibility. To be eligible for NGDP, you must meet the following requirements:
Good to Know: Ensure you meet the additional criteria detailed in the application pages of each programme before applying. You can only apply for one Impact programme per year.
Find below an image of the NGDP application form.
NGDP Application Form
Source: NGDP (Impact Programme)
Once your application is submitted, you will move on to complete NGDP online assessments.
The NGDP online assessments measure your aptitude and workplace behaviours and are used to evaluate your overall fit in the program. The NGDP online tests may include the following:
Good to Know: The situational judgement test applies to all NGDP applicants, but the numerical reasoning test is only used for Finance Stream applications. Verbal reasoning tests may occasionally be used too, depending on the role and internal decisions.
Let’s discuss each of these NGDP online tests in turn, starting with the NGDP situational judgement test.
The NGDP recruitment process runs across several months each year. Applications usually open in October and close in early January, with assessment centres in February and March, and council interviews following in spring.
Yes, but you must prove your right to work in the UK for the full two years of the programme. Graduate visas, Youth Mobility Scheme visas and New Entrant sponsorship are not accepted.
The NGDP is highly competitive, with a large national pool of graduates applying each year for a limited number of placements across around 70 partner councils.
No, you can only apply to the NGDP once per recruitment cycle. Whether you apply as a national, local or internal candidate, you’ll follow the same process.
Many councils offer hybrid or flexible working, though arrangements vary between councils. You’ll learn more about this from individual councils during the process.
Start preparing for the NGDP recruitment process with GF today, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe. Practice with peace of mind; no subscription required, and a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Start preparing for the NGDP recruitment process with GF today, the only aptitude practice test experts providing practice test solutions to over 150 UK universities and their students, and also across Asia and continental Europe.
Practice with peace of mind; no subscription required, and a full 100% money-back guarantee if you do not pass your job tests.
Click the links below to uncover more about the NGDP recruitment process:
This article was last updated on 25 August 2026. All information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication, based on publicly available sources. For the most up-to-date details, please verify directly with NGDP (Impact).
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