Graduate Development Programme (GDP)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has real meaning at the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). It underpins every part of our organisation, helping it to run efficiently and supporting frontline police operations across the capital. That's why we have designed a two-year graduate development programme (GDP) to equip talented people with the knowledge they need. Developing a mix of technology and business skills they will deliver ICT solutions and services supporting everything from counter-terrorist surveillance to solving volume crime such as burglary.

A programme that's built around you

The Directorate of Information (DoI) evaluates, develops and implements ICT solutions and services that help us work together for a safer London. The aim of the GDP is to turn a select group of graduates into senior professionals of the future.

Over the two years, you will work on a number of placements in a variety of areas – gaining an in-depth understanding of our business. But the programme is not just about absorbing professional know-how. It's about getting things done, learning by doing and gaining exposure to real-life situations. So you'll be expected to make a full contribution to the teams you join and play an active part in the training workshops that will enhance your on-the-job experience.

The programme we offer will be tailored to your particular strengths, interests and aspirations. We want all our staff to develop a very strong customer focus, so graduates will spend time in a customer service environment, interacting with police officers and staff throughout the MPS. This can involve a variety of tasks, from social networking to command and control systems.

You will also spend time in our 'projects and programmes' arena, where our business and benefits analysts, project managers and business change specialists operate. Wherever you are working, we will use and develop the talents you bring.

You'll be expected to take a proactive view of your own development and look to challenge yourself on each placement. In return, we'll make sure you are supervised by specialists in their fields, receive regular personal progress reviews and get support from mentors and ‘buddies’. To give you a better understanding of London’s citizens, you will also be involved in community projects. Once you have completed the programme to a satisfactory level, you will be offered a role within the DoI, which will be agreed with you towards the end of the second year.

Do you have the qualities we need?

We want our workforce to reflect the diversity of our city, so welcome applications from graduates coming from all parts of the community and from different degree disciplines. You will, however, need to have achieved a 2:1 or above.

We do not expect candidates to have an in-depth understanding of technical ICT issues but would expect a demonstrable interest in how technology can create a safer London for its citizens and those police officers and staff who serve them.

So, while a technical degree would be an advantage, equally you could have studied subjects such as languages, humanities or business studies. More important than your academic background will be the qualities you can bring to our organisation. We look for a demonstrable track record of achievement that shows a willingness to test yourself, either on your own or collaboratively as part of a team. You should be enthused about the idea of working as part of an organisation that's supporting frontline policing in London. The interpersonal skills to communicate clearly and interact effectively with colleagues and customers will be important, as will a broad perspective on life that shows an understanding of different cultures and business environments.

Enjoy some comprehensive benefits

The chance to build a career with an organisation that's here to stay, and make a difference to one of the vital services that keeps London safe, are not the only attractions. We respect people's need for balance in their work, private and community lives. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package, with a starting salary of around £27,000 inc. London allowance.

Completed applications must be received by 4pm on Monday 27 February 2012.

However, we anticipate from previous experience that there will be a large number of applicants for this programme. We would therefore advise anyone who is interested to apply immediately as we will only process the first 600 applications received.

Please note this role is based in Kennington, SE11 but you may have the opportunity to work at other locations within the capital area.

If you are selected for interview you should be notified by the end of March 2012. Interviews will take place during April 2012.

If you are successful at interview you will be notified by mid May 2012. The anticipated start date of the programme will be at the beginning of October 2012.

The Metropolitan Police Service is an equal opportunities employer.