Plymouth City Council has been shortlisted for two prestigious national awards.
The Municipal Journal (MJ) Local Government Achievement Awards recognise the best in local government services and personnel, and the Council is a finalist in the Best Commercial Council and Transforming Lives categories.
In the Best Commercial category the Council was shortlisted for its work with partners on developing new and innovative service delivery models known as the Plymouth Family of Companies which has enabled services to deliver greater social and community benefits.
The Grow, Share, Cook volunteer led project, which has enabled disadvantaged households to receive a free vegetable bag delivered to their doorstep once a fortnight for a year as a kick start to a healthier diet, was shortlisted in the Transforming Lives category.
Council Leader Tudor Evans said: “I’m incredibly proud of the hard work of everyone who works for Plymouth City Council, our partners and our fantastic community volunteers. This year has been particularity challenging so I’m delighted that we have been recognised in this year’s MJ Awards. The MJs are one of the most prestigious national awards for local authorities and being recognised is a real chance for us to celebrate the fantastic work this Council and its partners is delivering in Plymouth for and with its residents.”
The MJ Local Government Achievement Awards recognise the best in local government. Winning an MJ Award not only allows local authorities to be recognised for the delivery of their services over the last 12 months, but it also allows them to share their expertise with their peers.
The Council also received two commendations for its entries into the Innovation in Children’s Services category and the Rising Star category.
In the Innovation in Children’s Services category, the Council was recognised for its approach to involving young people in training and development through the Academy of Social Work.
The Rising Star category is a chance for local authority managers to nominate one or more of their younger staff whom they feel shows exceptional ability, dedication and promise. Rebecca Trott from Finance started with the Council as an apprentice and is now an expert on the Schools National Funding Formula.
The MJ Awards are organised by the Municipal Journal and there will be a virtual awards ceremony to take place in October.