Local government is influential
Local government is responsible for providing a wide range
of services that affect all our lives. Local government can really
improve local communities. It houses, informs, educates, entertains
and protects its citizens and maintains a well-balanced
environment.
Local government is dynamic and exciting
Local government is constantly changing and is becoming
increasingly competitive. There is pressure to respond both to the
needs of the local community and the wishes of central government.
For those working in local government there are new challenges
every day.
Local government has a broad range of career
opportunities for everyone
With so many services to provide for, it is no surprise
that there is such a variety of careers in local government. There
are 600 occupational groups ranging from teaching to social care
and environmental health to sports development, trading standards
and planning, plus many more.
A fair day's pay
In many occupations salaries are competitive, especially
in administration and management posts. Employment benefits are
good and there are opportunities for professional development and
training.
There are opportunities to progress
The emphasis on training and development ensures that
local government staff not only have the opportunity to change
jobs, but are equipped with the skills needed to do them well.
There are opportunities to move between different departments, as
well as upwards into more senior roles.
Community
Local government employees contribute to the local community whilst
working in a dynamic, fair and flexible environment. Whoever you
are and whatever your background, working in local government gives
you the opportunity not only to develop your career, but also to
make a difference in people's lives.
Diversity
Local councils are equal opportunity employers and have
recruitment policies and practices which ensure that no person will
be discriminated against for reasons of race, gender, disability,
sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief,
age, gender reassignment, or marriage and civil partnership. This
commitment to equality of opportunity and respect for diversity
extends not only to employees, but also to service users.
Training
Local government runs specific training programmes to
train and develop staff. All new members of staff within a council
receive an induction and regular appraisals, enabling them to
identify training needs.
Flexibility
There is a great deal of flexibility in all areas of local
government work and many employees benefit from flexible work
arrangements, which help to aid employees in their work/life
balance.
Benefits
As well as a fair and competitive salary and a variety of
learning and development opportunities, there are many other
benefits to which local government employees may be entitled, such
as generous leave, local government pension scheme and
secondments.