At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful projects improving local public services and engage with communities.
- Company: Join Richmond and Wandsworth Council's dynamic Graduate Development Programme.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and shadowing senior leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a minimum 2:2 degree and 5 GCSEs including Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 31600 - 31600 £ per year.
Salary: £31,000 (pay award pending)
Job Introduction
We are looking for a diverse group of highly talented and motivated graduates to join our Graduate Development Programme as Project Officers. You will be innovative, adaptable, enthusiastic and able to demonstrate a strong commitment to working to improve the boroughs of Richmond and Wandsworth. You will quickly take on responsibility for projects that will make a real contribution towards the impact and efficiency of local public services including contributing to our work supporting local communities, organisations and businesses.
Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work across both councils, each with distinct political priorities and ways of working. You will be based across locations including Wandsworth and Twickenham, contributing to high-profile programmes such as Climate Change, Cost of Living initiatives, Adult Social Care and Public Health, Children’s Services, Housing, IT and Digital Transformation and wider organisational change through our Transformation Programme.
The role is varied and may involve developing policy, supporting events and communications, undertaking research, and engaging directly with local communities. Throughout the programme you will have a placement manager and a supervisor as well as your colleagues to support your development. There will be opportunities to shadow Executive Directors and senior managers, to attend meetings with Elected Members to understand the political context of your work, and to participate in events. You will also undertake a work-related qualification which will enhance your career prospects by developing your planning, communication, organisation, and management skills.
About You
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- We welcome graduates from all backgrounds, degree subjects and universities but you must have (or expect to achieve) a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree by July 2026.
- You also need to have the right to work in the UK (we are unable to apply for visas).
- Be within two years of graduating from your first degree.
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs grades A-C or grades 4-9, including Maths and English (or equivalent).
- Have been ordinarily resident in the UK for the last three years (to meet funding requirements for training that you will undertake).
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to progress to pay Scale 6 in their second year (subject to meeting requirements).
About the role
Please see Job Description and Person Specification which describes the varied tasks in this role which includes:
- Assisting in the formulation, planning and monitoring of policies and procedures.
- Supporting the implementation of council decisions and circulate reports accordingly.
- Coordinating, scheduling, and providing support for meetings, including preparing agendas, sending invitations, booking venues or virtual meeting links, taking minutes, and ensuring necessary materials and technology are available.
- Researching, preparing and writing up reports and briefing papers for managers and Elected Members.
- Working collaboratively with council departments and external partners and agencies, including the private and voluntary sector.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
Closing Date: Sunday, 7th June 2026 at 23:59 (any applications submitted after this time will be automatically rejected by our online recruitment service, this is a non-negotiable deadline).
Interview and Assessment Dates: Wednesday 29th July 2026 and Thursday 30th July 2026 you will be required to attend Wandsworth Town Hall for one full day normally from 9.00am - 5.00pm and you will need to bring a fully charged laptop with you. Unfortunately, we are unable to cover interview expenses for the Assessment Day.
Start date: Monday 21st September 2026 (start date is non-negotiable) this will be your induction week, and you will therefore be required to come into work each day, this is non-negotiable.
If you are successful at interview (we aim to contact you within a week of your offer) you will be required to provide all necessary information for the onboarding process within a week of the offer. The onboarding process is managed by our recruitment team who will contact you directly. If they do not receive the information as requested and/or you are unavailable so that they cannot carry out the necessary checks then we reserve the right to withdraw our offer.
For some placements (e.g. Children’s Services and Adult Services) it may be necessary to undertake a DBS check before starting.
Useful Information:
We strongly advise you to take time to complete your application fully before submitting it to us. Any applications which are not fully completed will automatically be rejected. All shortlisting is undertaken anonymously i.e. your personal details are removed from the application process. We will reject applications which we feel have relied too heavily on AI (i.e. over 30% of the application is AI generated).
Important Information:
Applicants who declare that they are care experienced or have a disability may qualify for our guaranteed interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the role (as listed on the Job Description and Personal Specification) and have successfully completed all parts of the online application process to the required high standard including the word-count, questions and personal statement.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
Graduate Programme Project Officer - Wandsworth, London employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Richmond and Wandsworth Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where graduates can make a tangible impact on local communities. With a commitment to employee development, you will benefit from mentorship, opportunities to engage with senior leaders, and a work-related qualification that enhances your skills. The councils promote a culture of inclusivity and flexibility, providing generous leave and a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and innovation.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Programme Project Officer - Wandsworth, London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to alumni from your university or connections in the field. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the councils and their projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in Richmond and Wandsworth!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s through mock interviews or casual conversations, being articulate will help you stand out during assessments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen and gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Programme Project Officer - Wandsworth, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with clues about what we’re looking for, so make sure you understand the role and tailor your application to highlight how you fit the bill.
Show Off Your Skills:We want to see your skills in action! Use specific examples from your experiences that demonstrate your adaptability, innovation, and commitment to improving local services. Don’t just tell us you have these qualities—show us!
Be Yourself:Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for enthusiastic graduates who are passionate about making a difference. Don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your own style into your application—it helps us get to know the real you.
Double-Check Before You Submit:Take a moment to review your application before hitting send. Make sure everything is complete and free of typos. Remember, incomplete applications will be automatically rejected, so let’s avoid that!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Graduate Programme Project Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as policy formulation and community engagement. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with what they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Local Issues
Demonstrate your passion for improving local public services in Richmond and Wandsworth. Be prepared to discuss current issues like Climate Change or Cost of Living initiatives, and think about how you can contribute to these areas. Showing that you care about the community will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Graduate Development Programme and the councils' priorities. This shows that you’re genuinely interested and engaged, plus it gives you valuable insights into the role and the organisation.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a Project Officer, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend or family member to get comfortable discussing your experiences and answering potential questions.
