Impact Graduate Programme

Ready to help shape the future of Rotherham?

The Impact Local Government Graduate Programme is a two-year programme for graduates who want to make a difference in communities while launching their management career in the public sector. Rotherham Council is recruiting at least 3 residents, or people with a local connection, to be part of Cohort 29. Trainees will be rotating through at least three placements at the council, working on an exciting range of projects and services. The programme includes a fully funded postgraduate qualification in leadership and management.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and disciplines. Please note that you can only apply to Impact once each year, either through our local route or through the national route. Applications will be initially shortlisted by the Local Government Association to ensure candidates meet the qualification requirement and local criteria.

Please use the following link to apply: Graduate Management Trainee on Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme – Cohort 29 Local Recruitment for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council - Local Government Association

Opportunity for local candidates to apply to become a Graduate Management Trainee as part of Cohort 29 of Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme on a fixed-term contract until Autumn 2029 for Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

The role

​​​We are looking for at least three talented graduates with a strong connection to Rotherham or South Yorkshire who are passionate about making a difference.

As an Impact Graduate at Rotherham Council, you will work on high-profile projects that are shaping the borough’s future, from town centre regeneration, transport connectivity and climate action to skills development and creating opportunities for local people. You will contribute to tackling some of Rotherham’s biggest challenges, including reducing inequalities, improving health outcomes, supporting young people into work and education, and ensuring economic growth benefits all communities.

Joining our tenth cohort of Impact Graduates, you will be part of a well-established programme with dedicated mentoring, buddy support, and a strong alumni network. You will gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills and work alongside senior leaders on projects that deliver real impact.

Guided by our values of being Caring, Honest and Proud, we offer structured development, flexible working, generous benefits, and the opportunity to build a rewarding career in local government.

If you are ambitious, motivated by public service and ready to help shape Rotherham’s future, apply now and become part of our next generation of leaders.

Employed on a fixed-term contract, trainees will rotate between different placements to develop their skills and knowledge alongside studying for a postgraduate-level qualification from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). This is a varied and prestigious programme which has a high record of success developing graduates into local government managers and leaders.

Your local application will progress in the same timeframe as Impact’s national campaign, and you will be assessed alongside national candidates. The Programme facilitates the assessment of all nominated local candidates in line with national candidates to ensure they meet the same standard.

By applying as a local candidate for our local authority, successful applicants who reach the final stage of the recruitment process will be guaranteed an interview with us during (or after) April 2027. Please be aware that local candidates will be exclusively interviewed by their chosen council, and interviews are usually held earlier than those held nationally.

The requirements

​​​​​In order to apply for our local position for the chance to be our local Graduate Management Trainee, you must meet the following criteria:

• You will have obtained a 2.2 undergraduate degree in any subject by summer 2027
• You have the right to work in the UK without employer sponsorship

(Successful applicants will be required to provide documentary evidence of their entitlement to work in the UK from the start of the programme for the full duration. The Programme is unable to sponsor a visa for candidates who do not have the right to work in the UK)

You must also:

• Have lived in South Yorkshire (Rotherham, Sheffield, Barnsley, or Doncaster) for at least two years; or
• ​​​​​​Have studied (at a secondary or further education establishment, including school, college, PRU) in South Yorkshire; or
• Be a South Yorkshire Care leaver; or
• Have been a Rotherham council employee for more than one year.​​​​​​​

About you

We support Impact’s goal to recruit graduates from diverse backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines; our aim is to reflect the diverse communities that we serve. We are looking for people who have the right values and attitudes and who can demonstrate their motivation for a career in the public sector, and who are genuinely interested in our area.

Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their understanding of the Impact key skills and behaviours through a competitive, multi-stage application process. Local candidates participate in the same process as national candidates but have the advantage of a guaranteed interview with their desired participating authority. ​​​​​​​

Applications will be assessed on the Impact key skills and behaviours:

1. Working with others
2. Effective communication
3. Planning and organisation
4. Results focus and adaptability
5. Analysis and problem solving
6. Motivation for learning and personal resilience
7. Commitment to local government and the wider community
8. Leadership potential

Additional information

Candidates can apply only once each year to Impact and candidates that choose to apply for a local role cannot apply to the national scheme alongside the local application.

Should you choose to apply to this role please note that your application will be held by the Local Government Association (LGA) who host Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme. As the employer, we will have access to view essential details that allow us to progress applications for our local candidates.