IMPACT: The Local Government Graduate Programme

Barnsley Business Innovation Centre Limited; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Barnsley is seeking a Graduate Management Trainee for their Impact Programme. This two-year fast-track role provides opportunities to work on diverse projects within the council, earn a competitive salary, and complete a Chartered Management Institute qualification. Graduates with a minimum 2.2 degree are encouraged to apply. Applications close on January 6, 2026, at 12:00pm.

Benefits

Flexible working

Employee discounts

Mentoring

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Graduates from diverse backgrounds are preferred.
• No prior experience is required.
• Support for under-represented groups during assessment.

Responsibilities

• Work on a minimum of three placements across council functions.
• Tackle projects in sustainability, homelessness, social care, and education.
• Gain real-world experience in key council functions.

Education

Minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree

Job description

Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme

Join our award‑winning council and become a Graduate Management Trainee as part of Cohort 28 of the Impact Programme. This two‑year fast‑track graduate programme offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional development.

The Role

Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme is a fast‑track graduate programme for bright and passionate individuals who want to make a difference while excelling in their career. It offers the chance to work directly with communities, influence policy at a senior level, earn a graduate salary and complete a Chartered Management Institute qualification.

As a Graduate Management Trainee you will work on a minimum of three placements across council life, tackling projects in areas such as sustainability, homelessness, social care and education. You will be supported through mentoring, a fully‑funded learning programme and will gain real‑world experience in key council functions.

About Barnsley Council

Barnsley is a high‑performing, ambitious council known for innovative initiatives like the Pathways to Work programme, Health on the High Street and Great Childhoods Ambitions. We are the only council to win both the LGC and MJ Awards in the same year. We offer flexible working, employee discounts, mentoring and health and wellbeing support.

About You

We look for graduates from diverse backgrounds who show the values and attitudes aligned with the public sector. No prior experience is required, and we provide additional support for under‑represented groups during the assessment process.

Requirements

• Minimum 2.2 undergraduate degree by the summer of 2026
• Right to work in the UK for the duration of the 2‑year programme (no visa sponsorship)
• Currently live or have lived in Barnsley for at least 2 years, or have studied, worked, or have close family connections with Barnsley

Application

Applications are open now and will close 12:00pm Tuesday 6 January 2026. A Situational Judgment Test is required before final submission.

Seniority level

Internship

Employment type

Temporary

Job function

Legal (Public Policy Offices)