“I developed an understanding of what leadership looks like in local government”

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.