LGC Awards 2012 Shortlist

Click here to read the full shortlist for the 2012 LGC Awards (file size 7.5mb)

Sharing the very best practice

As local government steers its way through challenging and uncertain times, councils and their staff are working harder than ever to provide the best services for residents. Entries to the LGC Awards 2012, in association with the LGA, reveal vibrant, ambitious and passionate teams and individuals.

At a time of change and challenge it is more important than ever to evolve and to meet new needs. So this year we have introduced new categories to reflect the changing priorities of local government, and an exciting new daytime event to complement the awards presentation dinner.

Our new corporate government category will highlight best practice at a time when councils are undergoing significant organisational change. And the new public sector partnerships category will recognise the impressive work done jointly between councils and other public sector partners, from health to police and beyond.

We want to share the ideas and best practice that our winners and finalists demonstrate, so this year LGC is launching the inaugural daytime LGC Future Thinking and Best Practice Summit before the awards dinner. The event, exclusive to awards table bookers, offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from the councils shortlisted for Council of the Year and Most Improved Council as they make their final presentations live to the judges. There will also be presentations from previous winners in the best practice zone; a series of big issue future thinking discussions; and organised networking sessions.

Congratulations to all of those who overcame tough competition to win a place on the shortlist. And a special thanks to the Local Government Group and our sponsors and judges. We are delighted to celebrate your achievements and hope to see you at the summit and awards ceremony in March.

Emma Maier, editor, LGC

An inspiration to all of our colleagues in the public sector

This year’s LGC Awards takes place against the backdrop of one of the most challenging periods for local government in a generation. Councils are having to take incredibly tough decisions on a daily basis, but it is right that we recognise the fantastic work that is going on up and down the country.

Innovations by individual town halls will provide the inspiration for fellow authorities as they look for ways to keep providing vital services in such tough times. It is these pioneers of best practice and new approaches who are setting the foundations on which local government can reshape and build through the uncertain years ahead.

The LGC Awards capture the way councils are forever striving to improve the lives of their residents as well as ensuring their own workforce remains motivated and feels appreciated, as they rightly should be.

I would like to thank all councils that submitted applications. The range and depth of entries continues to grow and impress and this year’s shortlisted authorities should be congratulated for reaching this stage. These awards matter not only because of the strength of entries, but because people’s lives have been changed for the better by those who have transformed services in tough times.

Carolyn Downs, chief executive, LGA

Click here to read the full shortlist for the 2012 LGC Awards (file size 7.5mb)