You could complete a foundation degree or degree in:
- housing studies
- social policy
- building surveying
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Local government officers help councils and other local authorities deliver essential services in areas such as education, housing, planning, transport, social care, and environmental health. The role is varied and can involve administrative tasks, policy development, project management, and working directly with the public. Officers are responsible for implementing council decisions, managing budgets, and ensuring that services meet the needs of local communities. The job often involves working with councillors, partner organisations, and residents to improve local services and quality of life. It is a role that requires good organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as a commitment to public service.
Local government officers in the UK typically earn between £20,000 and £40,000 per year, depending on experience and level of responsibility.
There are approximately 1.6 million people employed in local government across the UK.
Local government is a major employer, with thousands of new positions advertised each year across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Works within a local council to assess planning applications, ensure developments comply with regulations, and help shape the future of communities.
Works for a local authority to monitor and enforce health and safety standards, food hygiene, and environmental regulations in the community.
Manages social housing and supports tenants, dealing with issues such as allocations, rent, and property maintenance within a local council.
Investigate the various departments and roles within local councils to understand which area interests you.
Local government covers many different services, including planning, housing, social care, and environmental services. Visit your local council’s website and review job profiles to find out what appeals to you. Consider attending open days or speaking to a local government officer to get first-hand insights.
Achieve at least 5 GCSEs at grades 4 to 9, including English and Maths, and consider further education such as A-levels or a BTEC.
While there are roles for school leavers, having A-levels or a relevant Level 3 qualification can open more opportunities. Some roles may require a degree, especially in areas like planning or environmental health. Popular subjects include Public Administration, Business Studies, or Law.
Build communication, organisation, and problem-solving skills through volunteering, part-time work, or extracurricular activities.
Skills such as teamwork, IT literacy, and the ability to work with the public are vital for local government roles. Volunteering with community groups, joining a youth council, or taking part in school committees can help you gain relevant experience.
Search and apply for entry-level positions, apprenticeships, or graduate schemes with local councils.
Local council jobs are advertised on council websites, the Local Government Jobs website, and government job portals. Apprenticeships offer a way to earn while you learn, and graduate schemes provide structured training for degree holders.
Practice interview techniques and prepare for potential assessment centres or tests as part of the recruitment process.
Recruitment may involve competency-based interviews, written tests, or group exercises. Review the person specification and think about examples from your experience that demonstrate the skills required.
Build your experience in local government and seek opportunities for advancement or specialisation.
After gaining experience, you can apply for promotions to senior officer or management roles. You may also specialise in areas like planning, finance, environmental health, or policy development by undertaking additional training or qualifications.
Engage in ongoing training and professional development to keep skills up to date and progress your career.
Local authorities often provide access to training courses and qualifications such as those from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy or the Institute of Leadership and Management. Keeping your skills current helps you stay competitive and ready for new challenges.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Local Government Officer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Housing officer shares similar qualifications with a Local Government Officer because both roles require knowledge of local government policies, public administration, and community engagement. They often work within local authorities to manage housing services, making the responsibilities and qualification requirements closely aligned.
You can get into this job through:
You could complete a foundation degree or degree in:
You'll usually need:
You can do a college course, which would give you some of the skills needed to get a trainee position. Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a housing organisation or local authority housing department.
These include:
You could also apply for a place on a Policy Officer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, if you want to work in a policy development role.
You'll usually need:
You may be able to start as a housing or admin assistant and work your way up. You could do this through on-the-job training leading to a qualification like the Level 2 or 3 Certificate in Housing Practice, offered by the Chartered Institute of Housing.
You may find it useful to get some work experience with a housing charity, local tenants' association or community organisation. This could help when you apply for housing officer jobs.
You can search for voluntary opportunities in your area through Do it and The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).
You may be able to apply to a local authority or housing association for a place on a graduate training scheme, like the GEM programme. This is open to graduates of any subject and non graduates who are already working in housing.
You could work for a local authority, a housing association or a charity like Shelter. You could also work for a university student accommodation service or property company.
You can get more advice about careers and training in housing from the Chartered Institute of Housing.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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