Impact graduate code of conduct

Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme aims to develop the next generation of talent in local government, matching bright, passionate graduates with councils where they can make a real difference in their communities.

The Impact Team are committed to ensuring the graduate programme is an inclusive, forward-thinking space where the well-being of participants and partner organisations is prioritised.

Purpose

• Graduate Management Trainees participating on Impact are representing the graduate programme, their individual organisations and local government. The purpose of this code of conduct is to help graduate trainees to understand expectations for their behaviour and uphold a high standard of conduct in everything they do as part of their participation in Impact.

Scope

• This Code of Conduct applies to all participants of Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme – known as Impact graduate trainees or ‘trainees.’
• All graduate trainees on the programme are subject to the policies and procedures of their employer organisation or host council. This code of conduct does not replace or supersede any existing agreements in place between the trainee and local authority e.g. employment contract – instead it should be considered in addition to them.

Expectations and conduct

• Trainees are expected to uphold professional standards in all aspects of their engagement with the programme. Trainees should not behave in a way that could damage the reputation of the LGA, the Impact graduate scheme, councils or other stakeholders. This includes actions while attending events, learning and development sessions, meetings, travelling to Impact events or attending social or other events linked to Impact (e.g. graduate network events).
• Trainees are expected to treat others professionally and with dignity and respect, and not to discriminate against any person. This includes other participants on the programme, staff/facilitators and other stakeholders.
• In order to foster an environment of open and constructive dialogue and learning, delegates are expected to treat the beliefs, opinions and perspectives of others with respect at all times.
• Alcohol is not provided at Impact events, although trainees may choose to purchase alcohol at some events (e.g. dinners or residential events). Trainees are responsible for the amount of alcohol they consume and should be mindful of the effect it can have on themselves and others around them. Trainees are expected to behave in a professional manner at all times.

Engagement in learning and development

• The Impact learning and development programme is delivered in collaboration with partner organisations – currently the Society of Local Government Chief Executives and Senior Managers (Solace) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). By joining Impact, graduates are consenting to their information (name, work email address and other relevant non-special category personal data) being shared with delivery partners, employing council, LGA and other trainees for the purpose of learning and development delivery. We also encourage trainees to share information with Solace – such as learning needs or reasonable adjustments – where this will help the trainee to have the best experience of the learning and development programme.
• Trainees are expected to engage with and contribute positively to all aspects of the Impact learning and development programme.
• Trainees are expected to attend all learning and development events, whether virtual or in-person. Where a trainee is unable to attend a learning and development event because of exceptional circumstances, they must inform the team in advance by emailing [email protected] (copying in their Placement Coordinator or line manager) and should make efforts to catch up on any learning missed.
• Trainees are expected to engage positively with all aspects of learning and behave in a way that respects their fellow participants and those delivering the courses. This includes behaviour in virtual environments and trainees should ensure they remain professional when using features such as chat functions and collaboration tools.
• Where relevant, the LGA may share data with authorities on trainee progress and attendance in relation to the learning and development of programme, which may include event attendance and assessment details.
• Persistent failure to attend learning and development events or engage in the learning programme without a reasonable explanation, or without informing the team in advance, may result in disciplinary action. This could include disciplinary action by the host council (this is at the discretion of each individual organisation), or removal from the Impact programme.

Bullying & Harassment

• Impact is committed to zero tolerance of any form of bullying, harassment or victimisation, including sexual harassment.
• The LGA is not the employer of graduate trainees who join Impact, and all participants on the programme will be subject to the specific policies and requirements of their own employing council/organisation. However, we recognise the duty of care we have towards participants on the graduate programme and our aim is to create an environment where trainees feel safe and able to thrive throughout their time on the programme.
• We encourage all those involved in the graduate programme, including participants and partner organisations, to challenge unacceptable behaviour and report any concerns to enable early action to be taken. Concerns can be reported to the LGA Impact team in person at events, or by emailing [email protected]
• We take all allegations of harassment and victimisation very seriously and will deal with them promptly and sympathetically. We are committed to fully supporting anyone who raises a concern, ensuring they are heard, protected, and provided with the necessary guidance and resources throughout the process.
• The Impact team at the LGA will share any concerns raised about an individual graduate trainee with their host council/organisation. If the LGA determines that the behaviour of a trainee constitutes bullying, harassment or victimisation, or fails to meet the standards set out in this code of conduct, we may take reasonable action including:
  • preventing the trainee from attending Impact events
  • prevent the trainee from participating in Impact activities (e.g. graduate networks)
  • in extreme cases, removing the trainee from the Impact programme.

Personal data

• The LGA and partner organisations (e.g. Solace, CMI) collect personal data as part of the delivery of the Impact programme, including learning and development events. We will handle your personal information in accordance with Data Protection legislation.
• We collect equalities monitoring information to fulfil our legal obligations, improve our services, and ensure fairness and inclusivity. The information helps identify disparities in service access and outcomes, allowing the LGA to take action to address inequalities and deliver services more equitably.

Personal interests

• It is accepted that trainees may have personal interests and activities outside of their employment and participation in the Impact graduate scheme. However, these should not conflict with their employment or participation in the Impact programme or be done in a way that might harm the interests or reputation of the council or the graduate programme.
• Trainees should not use their position as an Impact graduate, or a member of a graduate network, to benefit their private activities.
• Any views expressed by trainees, including on social media, should not damage the reputation of the LGA, councils or the Impact graduate programme.