Graduate Development Programme (GDP)

Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) has real meaning in the Met. We harness it to the serious business of making a huge, diverse organisation run efficiently and supporting frontline police operations across the capital. That's why we have designed a two-year graduate development programme to equip talented people with the mix of technology and business skills needed to help develop ICT solutions and deliver 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 the future leaders of the Directorate.

Over the two years, you will work on a number of placements in four different areas to gain a breadth of understanding of our business. The programme is not just about absorbing technical 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.

We're not trying to recruit stereotypes, so the experience we offer will be tailored to your particular strengths, interests and aspirations. For instance, we want all our staff to develop a very strong sense of 'customer', and so graduates will spend time in a 'customer services' environment and this may mean interfacing with the people of London or our own officers and staff throughout the Met. It can involve things as diverse as digital forensics or crime reporting.

You will also spend time in our 'projects and programmes' arena, where our business and benefits analysts, project managers and programme management officers 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. On our part, we'll make sure you are supervised by experts in their fields and receive regular personal progress reviews. On completion of 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?

The Met is the largest employer in London and we want our workforce to reflect the city's diverse demographic profile. We therefore welcome applications from graduates coming from all parts of the community and from different degree disciplines. You will, however, need a degree at a 2:1 or higher.

You could already have a good grounding in ICT having taken a technical degree, but 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 business. 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.

Make your application

To apply for this scheme, please download the application form and email your completed DoI graduate scheme application form to HR.Help@met.police.uk with the words 'Graduate Development Programme Application' in the subject box.

Completed applications must be received by 4pm on Friday 16 April 2010.

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 will be notified by 26 April 2010. Interviews will take place between the 5 and 13 May 2010.

If you are successful at interview you will be notified in the week commencing 17 May 2010. The anticipated start date of the programme will be mid September or shortly after.

The Metropolitan Police Service is an equal opportunities employer.