Description Are you looking for an opportunity to unlock your potential? Interested in exploring a wide range of careers in local government? Cornwall Council is offering paid summer work placements designed to inspire and open doors for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. This is part of our commitment to creating fair access to opportunities and supporting underrepresented groups. Why join us? Local government is about more than policies - it’s about making a difference in people’s lives. By joining our summer placement programme with Cornwall Council, you’ll gain real-world experience, learn new skills, and see how your talents can help shape Cornwall’s future. What will you experience? During your placement, you’ll get the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that make a real difference to communities in Cornwall. Throughout your placement, you’ll have opportunities to engage with a variety of stakeholders, build new skills, and grow your professional network both within Cornwall Council and beyond. Who can apply? This programme is for applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds, as part of our commitment to improving access, opportunity, and representation across Cornwall. Please detail how you meet the criteria, listed in the role profile, in your supporting statement. How will we support you? During your placement, you will have the opportunity to receive guidance and advice on your career journey. All successful applicants will receive: A dedicated leader to guide and mentor you throughout your placement. At least one personal and professional development coaching session. A written statement highlighting the skills and experience you’ve gained, We believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. That’s why we’re committed to helping you take the first step toward a rewarding career. What do you need to know? You’ll be employed on a fixed-term contract for the duration of the placement. Salary: £24,413 (pro-rata for part-time colleagues). We welcome full-time and part-time applications – just let us know your preference. You must be able to work at our offices across the Cornwall Council estate if required. If a DBS check is required for your role, we’ll cover the cost. What you’ll need to succeed We know everyone brings different experiences, strengths, and life stories. You don’t need previous work experience in local government – what matters most is your potential and your willingness to grow. To succeed in this placement, you’ll bring: Curiosity and a positive mindset – an interest in learning how local government works and exploring new possibilities. A commitment to your own development – motivation to build skills, stretch yourself, and try new things. Respect for others and a values-driven approach – an alignment with Cornwall Council’s commitment to inclusion, fairness, and public service. Reliability and enthusiasm – showing up with energy, honesty, and a readiness to take part. A desire to make a difference – whether to your own future, your community, or both. If these qualities sound like you, we want to hear from you – it could be the next step to an exciting career in local government. Additional Information: Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role Please find the full role profile here. For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact HRtalent@cornwall.gov.uk Application Process Please attach a supporting statement to your application, you can add your Education & Qualifications details manually using the application form timeline or you can upload your CV. Remember to demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points marked as ‘Application’ on the Role Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. Guidance on how to complete your application can be found here – The application process. Please note that applications cannot be edited after they have been submitted, please contact careers@cornwall.gov.uk if you have any queries or require assistance with your application.