Starting a career in local government today: firsthand perspective

In this article, Alexander Virtue details his unexpected but rewarding career path in local government after undertaking a graduate programme, which has led to his current role as Business Engagement Lead at the London Borough of Sutton. He highlights his experiences in various departments, showcasing his growth, leadership, and the impact he’s made on community initiatives.

Looking back, just a few years ago, I never imagined I would be here working at the heart of a local authority. Working and helping shape the future of a borough I have grown to deeply care about. My journey into local government was not planned, but it has become one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

I studied Politics and International Relations at the University of Birmingham and, like many graduates, I did not have a clear path set out except for my parents’ dream of me becoming a member of parliament. I was interested in politics, people and in doing something that had meaning. I knew I definitely wanted to stay in South London, to be close to the communities I understood and cared about and wanted to be part of rooms that made things happen. Then, I came across the Local Government Association’s National Graduate Development Programme, now rebranded as the Impact: The Local Government Graduate Programme.

This graduate scheme stood out. It offered the chance to work inside a local authority for two years, rotating through different departments and getting a broad understanding of how local government works. At the same time, it included a master’s level qualification in leadership and management, giving me the skills to progress in my career while getting real experience. To me, it was a perfect blend of hands-on learning and personal development, and I was lucky enough to secure a place, starting my career with the London Borough of Sutton.

I began my journey in one of the most fundamental areas of council work: waste and street cleaning. At first glance, it might not sound glamorous but it taught me everything about the core of delivery for local communities. I saw how small operational decisions can affect thousands of people’s lives. It taught me how to work with teams on the ground, how to problem-solve under pressure and how crucial frontline services are to residents’ daily experiences. It really laid the foundation of understanding for everything that followed.

My next placement took me into the Climate Action and Sustainability team. This was where I began to develop a passion for innovation in policy and delivery. One of the most exciting projects I worked on was the Go Green Scheme, a trailblazing initiative that offered financial incentives to local businesses that became more environmentally sustainable. I led the procurement of a specialist provider to deliver the scheme, ensuring the approach was led by the correct business and would make a real impact. At the time the programme launched, we had almost 100 businesses sign up, giving proof that the public sector can drive powerful change through smart design and effective leadership.

The scheme not only helped change business behaviour and support the local green economy, but it also gave me the opportunity to step into a leadership role. I worked across departments and stepped up to present proposals to senior officers and councillors, and coordinated key stages of delivery. While I was supported by my amazing manager, Luan Baptista, that experience was pivotal. I began to see myself as someone who could take ownership and drive results.

Around this time, I was humbled to receive recognition from senior leaders at the council. Both the Chief Executive and the Leader of the Council praised my work, and I was even mentioned publicly by then-Leader, Councillor Ruth Dombey, who said:

“Alexander Virtue and Adam Burlingham, two exceptional graduates, exemplify the calibre of talent, having received various staff awards for their outstanding work. Here in Sutton, we welcome graduates seeking a fulfilling career in local government, where they can thrive and make a lasting difference to the lives of our residents”.

In all honesty, that moment was deeply meaningful to me, not just because of the kind words but because it reflected the culture at Sutton. This is a council that values its people, supports talent and gives emerging professionals the space to grow. This principle has stayed clear throughout my time in this council.

While still on the graduate scheme, I also led Sutton’s work for National Hate Crime Awareness Week 2023. I coordinated internal and external communications, brought together diverse partners and hosted events that reached a wider audience than ever before. The response was overwhelming as it became the most engaged and attended hate crime awareness week the council had ever run.

It was in my final placement, working in the regeneration team, that I found what I now consider my true professional calling. Regeneration is a space where policy, planning, investment and community all come together. It is fast-moving, visionary and impactful. I immediately drew my inspiration from my directors, Carolyn Dwyer and Amanda Cherrington. Their experience and expertise in regeneration, development and growth serve as beacons of empowerment and inspiration for all those behind them. Under their guidance, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of true and proper leadership.

I was involved in major funding programmes, S106 developments and supporting key regeneration programmes, but the standout project was Sutton’s participation in the London Festival of Architecture. I was asked to lead on the development of the borough’s programme, which meant planning, coordinating and delivering a whole week of events in the town centre. From working with New London Architecture to liaising with architects, performers, local businesses and community leaders, it was an exhilarating project that showed me what was possible when you connect people, heritage, and regeneration. None of this would have been possible without my brilliant manager, Heather Evans, and now Head of Service, Elizabeth Harris, who supported and helped develop me along the way.

The impact of the programme exceeded all of my expectations. Sutton was the only borough asked to preview its events at the New London Architecture launch party, which was an amazing recognition of the work that had gone into it.

To top off the experience, I was incredibly honoured to be featured in the Local Government Association’s national magazine under the “Future Leader” banner. I was the first graduate from the programme to be given a feature and seeing my story in print sent out across councils in England and Wales was surreal. To be able to show something tangible to friends and family gave me a huge boost and affirmed that I had chosen the right path.

Since completing the scheme, I have taken on a permanent role as Business Engagement Lead at Sutton. My current role involves economic growth and working closely with businesses. I work closely with developers, investors, and businesses to progress the commercial future of the borough. I also play a central role in stakeholder engagement, public-private partnerships, and inward investment campaigns.

In addition to my core responsibilities, I co-lead Sutton’s Early Careers and Youth Network – a space for new talent across the council to connect, support one another and share ideas.

More recently, I was selected as a Diverse Leader by New London Architecture (NLA), a leading organisation that brings together voices from government, industry and communities to shape a better built environment across the capital. Through this role, I have been able to connect with others across London, contribute to open discussions and share Sutton’s story with a wider audience.

I have also been invited to speak to undergraduates at universities including Warwick, Plymouth and Edinburgh to help students understand that local government is about people, transformation and progress.

My time in Sutton has been incredibly fulfilling. This council gave me a foundation, believed in me and has never stopped challenging me to do more and be better. It is a place where people care deeply about their community, where ideas are welcomed and where emerging leaders are nurtured, never overlooked. For me, this is just the beginning.

This essay is part of the Future Local Lab’s Building the workforce of tomorrow essay collection. You can find the entire collection, plus more LGIU-exclusive workforce resources, here.

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This think piece is part of LGIU’s Future Local Lab – a holistic programme of resources aimed at helping you to prepare for and respond to the emerging challenges facing local government everywhere.