Support for those offering placements

GPS are keen to ensure that both the graduate trainees and the departments and agencies obtain maximum benefit from participation in the scheme, and so offer support right from the initial point of interest through to the end of the two-year programme.

Before you decide to participate, it may be worth discussing with GPS what the desired benefits are, to ensure that GPGS is the right scheme to join. GPS can advise on suitability of roles for graduates, the degree of support and investment required, and the types of placements that should be offered throughout the scheme.

Participating organisations are involved throughout the recruitment process, and once a candidate has been placed with them, GPS will provide an information pack to help you carry out the appropriate employment checks in time for the Induction Week. GPS also ensure that all new graduates on the scheme are assigned a 'buddy' from a previous intake, to provide additional support in helping the graduate settle into the civil service.

All organisations hosting GPGS placements are invited to join the Entry Schemes Board, which governs the GPS Entry Schemes. There are also plans in place to develop a GPGS Managers and Mentors network, exclusively for those who line-manage or mentor a GPS graduate trainee or fast stream placement. Training, networking meetings and online discussion forums will enable this group to share their experiences and successes.

Throughout the two years of the scheme, GPS arranges and funds the Certificate of Competence and CIPS Level 5 and 6 courses, as well as quarterly learning and development and networking events for graduate trainees. GPS also offers support for organisations in finding placements for graduate trainees to broaden their experience in their second year.