Libby

Project: Policy Development Officer/Neighbourhoods Programme Officer

As a scheme, the ngdp has very attractive elements. First, four six-month placements allowed me to explore widely before finding my niche. Second, entering at junior officer level meant gaining unique skills, knowledge and exposure to senior managers and decision-making forums. Third, being part of a cohort of NMTs gives me a strong ongoing support network. The external mentoring scheme, where NMTs are matched with senior officers at other local authorities, is also very good – something I’d not have experienced otherwise.

The application process was longer than others - more testing I’d say. Each stage was tough - waiting to hear whether I’d succeeded was excruciating. It made me even more determined to get on the scheme.

I’m currently project managing a major review to inform the strategic direction of a number of policies and agreements locally. It’s exciting to be part of such a new and important project that’s put me in touch with key players in the city. It gives me real job satisfaction to be involved in decisions about how the authority delivers its services and uses its resources to directly improve local people’s lives.

Sometimes, the complexity of services and number of partners means it’s not easy getting things done quickly. There’s always another officer who needs to be included, or another group that needs consulting, so change can be slow. It can be frustrating waiting for things to happen.

So I need to be patient, build good relationships with colleagues, learn fast and be adaptable but at the same time not being afraid to speak out - and have a sense of humour!
Some weeks I work more than 9 to 5, others I take longer lunch breaks and leave early to (rather ambitiously) sit in the sunshine.

Although I have the flexibility to manage my own hours, I do occasionally find it hard balancing work with Warwick studies. Right now I’m juggling a particularly high project load with researching and writing a dissertation and essay. Fortunately it’s only temporary, and compared to what I’ve heard about other schemes, I get more of a life outside of work than some private sector graduates do!

Expectations on me are high, and I can’t always see how I’m an ‘innovator’. However, in local government, the smallest of changes can have a big impact. One of the benefits of six-month placements is that you’re never quite part of the team, so you can be detached enough to spot embedded practices that aren’t questioned but could be improved.

The ngdp’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get a good two years’ experience at a level which otherwise would take several years to achieve, particularly in a sector that can be quite hierarchical. It puts me straight into a position to influence policies and projects, and has given me supportive academic tools and knowledge. With local government being so large and complex, the ngdp’s the best start there is.