2026 People & Change Graduate Programme Leeds

We offer you the chance to start your career and make a real difference.

Programme Length : Two years

Programme Type : Rotational

At the FCA we regulate financial services firms in the UK to keep financial markets fair, thriving and effective. By joining us you’ll play a key part in protecting consumers, driving economic growth and shaping the future of UK financial services. We’re looking for graduates to join our diverse and highly capable teams across the FCA.

About the Programme

The People & Change Graduate Programme at the FCA is a two-year rotational scheme designed to build your expertise across our corporate and operational functions. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in areas such as change management, HR, corporate governance and communications, contributing to projects that support our people systems and strategic goals.

Throughout your rotations you’ll develop essential skills in judgement, engagement, self‑management and delivery. Whether you’re supporting a strategic change initiative, building stakeholder engagement or strengthening organisational resilience in cyber and operational roles you’ll acquire valuable capabilities in project management, influencing and negotiation.

Your first two rotations will be assigned before you join, ensuring a strong foundation in financial services. The final rotation will be tailored to your career interests and the FCA’s strategic needs, helping you achieve your professional aspirations.

By the end of the programme you’ll be prepared for a career in our Operations and Change divisions with opportunities to work across teams such as Change, HR, Operations, Digital and Communications.

Learning & Development

Our two‑year programme is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment. Centred on the FCA’s values of self‑sufficiency, resilience, ambition, engagement and integrity you’ll be supported in developing personal effectiveness, advancing professional capabilities and making a meaningful impact.

What You’ll Benefit From

• Formal learning aligned to your development goals
• Bespoke induction and training
• Networking opportunities
• Social events with your graduate cohort
• Opportunities to hear from senior speakers across the business

What We Look For

We are looking for candidates who are curious and eager to develop in a professional environment. Your ability to build relationships at all levels and understand and analyse data will help you succeed in a role here.

Our colleagues come from a wide range of backgrounds. You don’t need to have any specific experience; you’ll learn through working in your team alongside experienced colleagues.

What We Offer

• £33,000 salary
• Rewarding work environment and flexible working options
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing resources and support
• Private health care
• Career and family leave
• Non‑contributory pension
• Charity and volunteering initiatives
• Minimum of 25 days holiday
• Sports and social clubs
• Subsidised on‑site fitness centre (London only)
• Free eye tests
• Subsidised restaurant
• Interest‑free season ticket loans

Application Process

Submit your online application by midnight Sunday 30th November 2025. Please apply early as application windows may close if we receive a high volume of candidates.

We have created the FCA Candidate Preparation Zone so you can find out more information about our assessment process and practice some tests. One application is accepted across our early careers programmes within any six‑month period.

You must have obtained or be on track to achieve a minimum 2:1 degree from any university.

Applicants for the 2026 graduate programme must have graduated or be in their final year of study.

We welcome applications from all candidates. You will be required to provide evidence of your right to work in the UK before joining the FCA’s graduate programme.

Offers are subject to your ability to obtain and maintain your right to work in the UK for the duration of the programme.

There are government restrictions on who can be sponsored. Due to government‑imposed criteria not all of our graduate programmes are eligible for Skilled Worker visa. We can only consider offering sponsorship where the job meets the Skilled Worker Visa eligibility criteria. If you will require a Skilled Worker Visa please ensure you meet the Home Office eligibility criteria before applying for a place on the scheme. You can check eligibility at Skilled Worker visa: Overview.

Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK as we are not able to provide advice on this.

You must inform the FCA immediately if there is any change to your immigration status.

Your application and any work you submit throughout the recruitment process must be your own. Do not allow another person to complete any part of the assessment or submit responses generated by an AI assistant or similar software.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process and graduate scheme. You can request support from Employability at any stage.

Key Skills

Project Management Methodology, Project / Program Management, Program Management, Management Experience, Microsoft Powerpoint, Project Management, Microsoft Project, Budgeting, DoD Experience, Leadership Experience, Supervising Experience, Contracts

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Join us and shape the future of financial services. We look forward to receiving your application!

For queries contact