Impact (formerly NGDP) Finance 2025 - Cohort 2

13

https://www.local.gov.uk/impact-local-government-graduate-programme-candidates/finance-scheme

Hiya, just wanted to create this thread specifically for the Finance stream for the Impact Scheme 2025, as I believe there isn't one already, and the generalist scheme's application timeline differs quite a bit, so a more tailored discussion thread may be useful. Good luck with applications, what are your thoughts on the councils this year?

Reply 1

Pollylov

6

Original post

by minaa77

https://www.local.gov.uk/impact-local-government-graduate-programme-candidates/finance-scheme
Hiya, just wanted to create this thread specifically for the Finance stream for the Impact Scheme 2025, as I believe there isn't one already, and the generalist scheme's application timeline differs quite a bit, so a more tailored discussion thread may be useful. Good luck with applications, what are your thoughts on the councils this year?

Hiyaaaa! I also passed the Virtual Assessment centre but it seems like they added a new option for the council interviews. The email said 26 places but is that locations or positions available?

Reply 2

shy4444

6

Original post

by Pollylov

Hiyaaaa! I also passed the Virtual Assessment centre but it seems like they added a new option for the council interviews. The email said 26 places but is that locations or positions available?

heyy, that’s positions available! i think there’s only 8 participating councils this year so each one is taking between 1 to 4 people🥲 makes me wonder how many people are through to this stage!

Reply 3

Pollylov

6

Original post

by shy4444

heyy, that’s positions available! i think there’s only 8 participating councils this year so each one is taking between 1 to 4 people🥲 makes me wonder how many people are through to this stage!

Its actually 10 councils as I saw the options yesterday and I believe they are adding more as time goes on.

Reply 4

Pollylov

6

I wanted to ask you guys which councils you guys chose so far!!! we might have the same one which is exciting.

Reply 5

careenas

4

Original post

by Pollylov

I wanted to ask you guys which councils you guys chose so far!!! we might have the same one which is exciting.

Ther isn’t much choice compared to other years, so I want to find out on information day which is most appealing.
so far im considering Camden, Brent and maybe Westminster. But there’s a few without information, so will wait and see updates.

Reply 6

kingb13

8

i remember someone saying in the other impact thread that there were around 1000 candidates in the ac. i'm not sure how much is true but if it is, then there is some competition

Reply 7

Thomasy G

4

Original post

by kingb13

i remember someone saying in the other impact thread that there were around 1000 candidates in the ac. i'm not sure how much is true but if it is, then there is some competition

Less than two to one interview invites per post. So about 40 applicants based on the 26 places but not every one will accept an interview or take up a trainee role. So well done if you have made it this far and the odd are still in your favour.

The reason I 'think ' there are less places is due to potential changes in the apprenticeship levy (currently Councils don't have to pay for the studying part but this might change, so councils are not taking trainees on until they are sure of what will happen. The councils taking part are happy to pay for the learning bit come what may)

Below are some tips from my experience last year hopefully helpful for someone.

•

Sign up for Impact’s free coaching offer. Although it’s primarily for underrepresented groups the provider has discretion , the coaching is extremely valuable because it’s tailored specifically to the scheme rather than being generic.

•

Research and attend the council information day. Read the council pages before hand.

•

Attend the info day to understand what it’s like to work at various councils. Each workplace is different, and you want to find the right fit for your training.

•

Engage strategically during the information day. If you have preferred councils, approach their representatives when the time is right, ask insightful questions to show genuine interest—this is best done by researching those councils in advance. Keep in mind that one of the people at the council’s table might be on the interview panel. Meeting them informally beforehand can give you a head start.

•

List your interview preferences honestly. There’s no need to be overly strategic; order them by your genuine interest in each council. However I wouldn't list what I think are the most in demand councils as first and second choice.

•

Stay informed about sector-wide issues. Research key challenges affecting local government.

•

Reflect on your own experiences and how you can demonstrate passion for community work. Prepare thoroughly once you have an interview.

•

Review the council’s five-year business plan and current budget.

•

Research major projects—particularly those the council is proud of.

•

Understand the council’s specific challenges.

•

If you lived in the borough have some ready line as to why you love the place i.e diverse community and potential for people to develop.

•

I would look at the demographics average age, ethic breakdown and think of opportunities

•

Look into financial constraints and how they impact both the council and the local community. Think about how you might address or be involved with these issues.

•

Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm through detailed references.

•

In interviews, connect your interests to the council’s projects or initiatives. For example: “I’m interested in working here because you’re a visionary council, as shown by [Project X]. This aligns with my passion for [related interest].”

•

Use a very possible opportunity to show you are passionate about the council and most importantly the community. You can only demonstrate this if you research both and make references at appropriate times during the interview.

•

Have an understanding of the demands of working and studying and also a general understanding of the CIPFA apprenticeship. You will be working four days and have one day in class for 3 four months periods with breaks in between during the year what will that mean to you. You will have to study during weekends at times, have you given a thought to this?

•

Brush up on common competency interview questions. Practice your responses regarding teamwork, communication, and setting priorities.

I hope these tips help you feel more confident in your interviews. To be clear this is what helped me. It might not be applicable to you and therefore have a think of what works best for you.

Best of luck!

Reply 8

Pollylov

6

Original post

by Thomasy G

Less than two to one interview invites per post. So about 40 applicants based on the 26 places but not every one will accept an interview or take up a trainee role. So well done if you have made it this far and the odd are still in your favour.
The reason I 'think ' there are less places is due to potential changes in the apprenticeship levy (currently Councils don't have to pay for the studying part but this might change, so councils are not taking trainees on until they are sure of what will happen. The councils taking part are happy to pay for the learning bit come what may)
Below are some tips from my experience last year hopefully helpful for someone.

•

Sign up for Impact’s free coaching offer. Although it’s primarily for underrepresented groups the provider has discretion , the coaching is extremely valuable because it’s tailored specifically to the scheme rather than being generic.

•

Research and attend the council information day. Read the council pages before hand.

•

Attend the info day to understand what it’s like to work at various councils. Each workplace is different, and you want to find the right fit for your training.

•

Engage strategically during the information day. If you have preferred councils, approach their representatives when the time is right, ask insightful questions to show genuine interest—this is best done by researching those councils in advance. Keep in mind that one of the people at the council’s table might be on the interview panel. Meeting them informally beforehand can give you a head start.

•

List your interview preferences honestly. There’s no need to be overly strategic; order them by your genuine interest in each council. However I wouldn't list what I think are the most in demand councils as first and second choice.

•

Stay informed about sector-wide issues. Research key challenges affecting local government.

•

Reflect on your own experiences and how you can demonstrate passion for community work. Prepare thoroughly once you have an interview.

•

Review the council’s five-year business plan and current budget.

•

Research major projects—particularly those the council is proud of.

•

Understand the council’s specific challenges.

•

If you lived in the borough have some ready line as to why you love the place i.e diverse community and potential for people to develop.

•

I would look at the demographics average age, ethic breakdown and think of opportunities

•

Look into financial constraints and how they impact both the council and the local community. Think about how you might address or be involved with these issues.

•

Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm through detailed references.

•

In interviews, connect your interests to the council’s projects or initiatives. For example: “I’m interested in working here because you’re a visionary council, as shown by [Project X]. This aligns with my passion for [related interest].”

•

Use a very possible opportunity to show you are passionate about the council and most importantly the community. You can only demonstrate this if you research both and make references at appropriate times during the interview.

•

Have an understanding of the demands of working and studying and also a general understanding of the CIPFA apprenticeship. You will be working four days and have one day in class for 3 four months periods with breaks in between during the year what will that mean to you. You will have to study during weekends at times, have you given a thought to this?

•

Brush up on common competency interview questions. Practice your responses regarding teamwork, communication, and setting priorities.
I hope these tips help you feel more confident in your interviews. To be clear this is what helped me. It might not be applicable to you and therefore have a think of what works best for you.
Best of luck!

I find this super useful thank you so much. I will be looking at this more and more. I do have a couple of questions regarding this stage of the application. They have been weighing on my mind for some time and I really need some insight towards it.

Firstly, we have 10 councils to choose from but only 7 have job descriptions will more be added in the coming days?

Secondly, some of the councils are quite far and would be impossible for me to travel to would this be considered?

Lastly, I would like an insight of how you are finding the programme yourself as I like to hear about personal experiences with someone who is a part of it.

Hopefully I am not asking a lot but I am interested for more information.

Reply 9

Thomasy G

4

Original post

by Pollylov

I find this super useful thank you so much. I will be looking at this more and more. I do have a couple of questions regarding this stage of the application. They have been weighing on my mind for some time and I really need some insight towards it.
Firstly, we have 10 councils to choose from but only 7 have job descriptions will more be added in the coming days?
Secondly, some of the councils are quite far and would be impossible for me to travel to would this be considered?
Lastly, I would like an insight of how you are finding the programme yourself as I like to hear about personal experiences with someone who is a part of it.
Hopefully I am not asking a lot but I am interested for more information.

I would attend the Info day to get the full picture on councils participating and to have any questions answered.
If you have mitigating circumstances as to why you would like to be interviewed at particular councils you can state these in the preference form.
I have found my experience so far fulfilling and my council supportive. It's very demanding and things are challenging for councils financially at the moment. Love being part of a structured programme.

Reply 10

shy4444

6

Original post

by Thomasy G

Less than two to one interview invites per post. So about 40 applicants based on the 26 places but not every one will accept an interview or take up a trainee role. So well done if you have made it this far and the odd are still in your favour.
The reason I 'think ' there are less places is due to potential changes in the apprenticeship levy (currently Councils don't have to pay for the studying part but this might change, so councils are not taking trainees on until they are sure of what will happen. The councils taking part are happy to pay for the learning bit come what may)
Below are some tips from my experience last year hopefully helpful for someone.

•

Sign up for Impact’s free coaching offer. Although it’s primarily for underrepresented groups the provider has discretion , the coaching is extremely valuable because it’s tailored specifically to the scheme rather than being generic.

•

Research and attend the council information day. Read the council pages before hand.

•

Attend the info day to understand what it’s like to work at various councils. Each workplace is different, and you want to find the right fit for your training.

•

Engage strategically during the information day. If you have preferred councils, approach their representatives when the time is right, ask insightful questions to show genuine interest—this is best done by researching those councils in advance. Keep in mind that one of the people at the council’s table might be on the interview panel. Meeting them informally beforehand can give you a head start.

•

List your interview preferences honestly. There’s no need to be overly strategic; order them by your genuine interest in each council. However I wouldn't list what I think are the most in demand councils as first and second choice.

•

Stay informed about sector-wide issues. Research key challenges affecting local government.

•

Reflect on your own experiences and how you can demonstrate passion for community work. Prepare thoroughly once you have an interview.

•

Review the council’s five-year business plan and current budget.

•

Research major projects—particularly those the council is proud of.

•

Understand the council’s specific challenges.

•

If you lived in the borough have some ready line as to why you love the place i.e diverse community and potential for people to develop.

•

I would look at the demographics average age, ethic breakdown and think of opportunities

•

Look into financial constraints and how they impact both the council and the local community. Think about how you might address or be involved with these issues.

•

Demonstrate genuine enthusiasm through detailed references.

•

In interviews, connect your interests to the council’s projects or initiatives. For example: “I’m interested in working here because you’re a visionary council, as shown by [Project X]. This aligns with my passion for [related interest].”

•

Use a very possible opportunity to show you are passionate about the council and most importantly the community. You can only demonstrate this if you research both and make references at appropriate times during the interview.

•

Have an understanding of the demands of working and studying and also a general understanding of the CIPFA apprenticeship. You will be working four days and have one day in class for 3 four months periods with breaks in between during the year what will that mean to you. You will have to study during weekends at times, have you given a thought to this?

•

Brush up on common competency interview questions. Practice your responses regarding teamwork, communication, and setting priorities.
I hope these tips help you feel more confident in your interviews. To be clear this is what helped me. It might not be applicable to you and therefore have a think of what works best for you.
Best of luck!

thank you so much! this is invaluable!

Reply 11

Pollylov

6

Original post

by Thomasy G

I would attend the Info day to get the full picture on councils participating and to have any questions answered.
If you have mitigating circumstances as to why you would like to be interviewed at particular councils you can state these in the preference form.
I have found my experience so far fulfilling and my council supportive. It's very demanding and things are challenging for councils financially at the moment. Love being part of a structured programme.

I completely understand now. Thank you so much! I can find out more in the councils and i can see if i can mitigate the circumstance.

Im glad to hear abt the lovely time you have had but by demanding do you mean that there is a higher workload?

Reply 12

Pollylov

6

Hi Thomas,

I do have anothr question which is an observation I made when looking at last years enrolment. When you start initially if accepted the position and becoming a trainee. When CIPFA contacts us do we need to pay for the Tuition and costs or does the council have that covered for us?

Reply 13

Thomasy G

4

Original post

by Pollylov

Hi Thomas,
I do have anothr question which is an observation I made when looking at last years enrolment. When you start initially if accepted the position and becoming a trainee. When CIPFA contacts us do we need to pay for the Tuition and costs or does the council have that covered for us?

You do not pay for anything towards your studies, the study bit is funded by your council throught the apprenticeship levy.

It's demanding because you’re are studying to became a chartered accountant, which is not an easy thing to do.

Reply 14

Pollylov

6

Original post

by Thomasy G

You do not pay for anything towards your studies, the study bit is funded by your council throught the apprenticeship levy.
It's demanding because you’re are studying to became a chartered accountant, which is not an easy thing to do.

Thank you again Thomas. I did want to ask you if your Cohort experienced the similar pattern where councils are not appearing now but appear in different days. As today Borough of Richmond and Wandsworth just put their description. Also i did want to ask if there is an alternate way for myself to gain information without attending information day as I have circumstances on those days to attend to and I cannot miss those.

Reply 15

Pollylov

6

Ok guys i have good/bad news depending on how you view it. I emailed the impact support team and they provided me with the following;

There will be between 22 - 26 trainee roles at 10 councils (Including the London MET). The number of roles will vary at Individual councils.

Councils are the ones to update their information on the website, we have asked them all to complete it, but it is up to them whether they do or not.

Please let us know whether you have any further queries.

So this means there are only 10 councils participating this year which is the ones we have on our preferences.

The reason why I say its good news is that there is not that many applicants to compete against however the bad news is that our options are severely limited.

Reply 16

minaa77

OP

13

Original post

by Pollylov

Ok guys i have good/bad news depending on how you view it. I emailed the impact support team and they provided me with the following;
There will be between 22 - 26 trainee roles at 10 councils (Including the London MET). The number of roles will vary at Individual councils.
Councils are the ones to update their information on the website, we have asked them all to complete it, but it is up to them whether they do or not.
Please let us know whether you have any further queries.
So this means there are only 10 councils participating this year which is the ones we have on our preferences.
The reason why I say its good news is that there is not that many applicants to compete against however the bad news is that our options are severely limited.

Yeah at one point there was only 6 information factsheets on councils, now there’s 8 so others might give more. I think you can email councils too, which ones were you interested in from the list? I have similar problem with you as most of the councils are quite far, which councils are you wanting to go for? Because for me I like Camden, Brent and Islington and Im trying to ignore distance because I would consider moving maybe

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 17

Pollylov

6

Original post

by minaa77

Yeah at one point there was only 6 information factsheets on councils, now there’s 8 so others might give more. I think you can email councils too, which ones were you interested in from the list? I have similar problem with you as most of the councils are quite far, which councils are you wanting to go for? Because for me I like Camden, Brent and Islington and Im trying to ignore distance because I would consider moving maybe

For me I want to choose Westminster, Southwark, Islington and Camden but the rest are a little too far.

Reply 18

Pollylov

6

Guys I have a question. So in the additional information section, where it says Candidates are expected to check the dates of interviews with the councils they are selecting as preferences to ensure they can attend on the day. If you are unavailable on the date councils have provided they may not be able to offer you an interview so please check this. If there are any dates you would like us to be aware of your availability please use the box below. If I were available in all days do we state that we are or just leave it blank? its only because it has an Asterix (*).

Reply 19

minaa77

OP

13

Original post

by Pollylov

Guys I have a question. So in the additional information section, where it says Candidates are expected to check the dates of interviews with the councils they are selecting as preferences to ensure they can attend on the day. If you are unavailable on the date councils have provided they may not be able to offer you an interview so please check this. If there are any dates you would like us to be aware of your availability please use the box below. If I were available in all days do we state that we are or just leave it blank? its only because it has an Asterix (*).

I’d write available all days, if there isn’t option to leave blank

Impact (formerly NGDP) Finance 2025 - Cohort 2

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