Article: “I developed an understanding of what leadership looks like in local government” Written by Dave Waller Tuesday 18 February 2025 Share Share to LinkedIn Share to Facebook Share via email Impact is a CMI-linked programme to help graduates enter local government. Here’s how the scheme gave Oxford graduate Shona Galt the tools to make a difference to the lives of social care leavers… When Shona Galt was on her way to a first-class degree in English and modern languages at Oxford, she was also an advocate, working tirelessly for better access to Oxbridge for students from state schools and working-class backgrounds. As graduation approached, Shona knew she wanted to keep making a difference to people's lives. When she came across Impact, the CMI-accredited local government graduate programme, she found it compelling. “It would involve systems thinking, questioning the way we’ve always done things, and testing and finding better ways to deliver services for the people most in need. And because it was local, I’d really see the impact on the ground.” Through the scheme, Shona found herself at Redbridge Council, and on three work placements in two years. The first was a policy role, working with UNICEF UK to make Redbridge a better place for children to grow up. She then worked briefly in the exploited children’s team, bidding for Home Office funding to improve services for victims of gang exploitation and human trafficking. Finally, there was a brief stint in housing. Read more: leadership in local government CMI research in partnership with the Social Market Foundation highlights the role that quality leadership and management can play in improving local government effectiveness. The key findings Stepping up to leadership As part of the Impact scheme, Shona gained a CMI Level 7 qualification in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice. The two-year process made her more confident in what she could offer such impactful projects. “As a new graduate coming into local government, it can be overwhelming,” she says. “You're having to piece together the parts of the puzzle, while also trying to assert some credibility with experts in all these different areas.” Are you a recent graduate? Four things to get yourself workplace ready Keep reading: how Shona is driving change in local government Login or register below for Free Instant Access Login If you are already registered as a CMI Friend, Subscriber or Member, just login to view this article. Confirm your registration Login below to confirm your details and access this article. Sign in with email Email remember me remember Forget? Please confirm that you want to switch off the "Sign in with email" remember me feature. Yes No Register for Free Access Not yet a Member, Subscriber or Friend? Register as a CMI Friend for free, and get access to this and many other exclusive resources, as well as weekly updates straight to your inbox. You have successfully registered As a CMI Friend, you now have access to whole range of CMI Friendship benefits. Please login to the left to confirm your registration and access the article. Article Our extensive range of articles are designed to keep you in the loop with all the latest management and leadership best practice, research and news. Members See More CMI Members have access to thousands of online learning and CPD resources. Learn more about our membership benefits Join The Community CMI offers a variety of flexible membership solutions, tailored to your needs. Find out more and get involved in the CMI community today.