Richard Chapman, Head of Diversity Milkround, highlights the benefits of work in the public sector in association with Arberry Pink.

More and more graduates want to work for responsible organisations and should really look to the public sector in order to 'do something worthwhile'. This is especially the case as a report by the New Local Government Network revealed there is to be an exodus of council staff workers due to retirement, creating a gap for graduate jobseekers. Many councils and authorities are set to lose a third of senior managers over the next decade, opening up opportunities to join and progress within this field.

Author of the report, Nigel Keohane feels local government jobs could be sold to candidates better: ‘for their contribution to society or for the career development opportunities they offer… a wide range of excellent benefits and an enviable pension.’ Diversity Milkround works to support these opportunities and perks and especially highlights the inclusive aspects of the public sector.

A whole host of employers and industries promote their diversity initiatives with Diversity Milkround, with the public sector as a key diversity conscious destination. Prospects include: Audit Commission, Bank of England, Bedfordshire Police, Cabinet Office, Dorset Police, GCHQ, HMRC, Leicestershire Constabulary, NHS, TDA, Teach First, National Audit Office and the Welsh Assembly Government.

GCHQ have developed policies and practices to help create and support a more diverse workforce. From signing up to the Commission for Racial Equality's Leadership Challenge and being awarded a Gold Star in the Opportunity Now bench marking exercise to the Civil Service Summer Development Programme and the Windsor Fellowship.

The Audit Commission launched their ‘Everybody Counts' diversity-focused recruitment drive, with on-line campaigns and targeted minority advertising. Their ‘Opportunities Mentoring Programme' focusing on underrepresented groups at senior management level, (women, disabled people and BME staff) has received high external acclaim.

The Public sector, from Civil Service to Secret service, is a key destination for diversity minded graduates. With key government backing and several inclusive initiatives, the public sector is losing its dowdy image to become a sector of choice.

For more information email diversity@milkround.co.uk.

Arberry Pink is a leading specialist publisher of equal opportunities careers magazines and websites for students and graduates. Read their profile.