Graduate scheme develops future leaders at Mid Sussex District Council

Mid Sussex District Council is celebrating the successful completion of its first two-year IMPACT Local Government Graduate Programme.

The IMPACT programme is a national fast-track graduate scheme that develops future local government leaders by providing hands-on experience across a range of council services, alongside a fully funded leadership and management qualification. Following an intensive selection process, graduates rotate through different service areas and teams, gaining valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing local communities. 

During their time with Mid Sussex District Council, graduates Nia Burkinshaw and Max Skinner worked in four rotating placements, including Governance, Housing, Sustainable Economy, and Policy, Performance and Insights and contributed to a variety of projects and initiatives, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to the organisation. Their work has supported the council's commitment to delivering high-quality services for residents while helping to develop the next generation of public sector professionals. 

Both Max and Nia benefitted from professional mentoring, Insights training, as well as access to the council's internal networks, and they embraced several external public sector engagement opportunities.  The graduates took the initiative to start a new Early Careers Network for colleagues with less than three years' experience in local government, hosting regular sessions and facilitating discussions. 

Max commented: "Participating in the IMPACT Programme at Mid Sussex has been an incredibly rewarding experience, helping me to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to build a career in the public sector". 

Nia added: "The Programme has given me a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow. From managing projects and learning from senior leaders, to completing a level 7 qualification in leadership, I’m incredibly grateful for the development opportunities and support I've had." 

The Programme demonstrates the value of investing in emerging talent. By welcoming graduates into the organisation, the council benefits from innovative thinking, increased capacity, and a pipeline of future leaders equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to tackle complex local government challenges.  

Paula Moore, Assistant Director for Organisational Development at the council said: 

“Mid Sussex District Council introduced the graduate scheme in 2024 as part of a Skills Development Strategy. We are very happy with how much the council has benefited from being part of the IMPACT programme and the opportunities it has also given our graduates.  

“Nia and Max have achieved so much in their 2-year placements, including introducing and developing an Early Careers Network for all the new employees across the council. Our graduates have both moved on into new opportunities within and outside of our council, and I want to wish them every success in the future.”     

The Council remains committed to supporting professional development and creating opportunities for talented individuals to make a positive impact in local government. In addition to the graduate scheme, the council recently partnered with the University of Sussex for its first Career Lab internship programme, and has offered 11 students work experience placements in the past year. 

Commenting on the council’s approach, Cllr Robert Eggleston, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council, said. “Investing in talented people is vital to the future of local government. These programmes bring fresh thinking and energy to the Council, while giving young people important opportunities to develop their skills and experience.” 

ENDS