This year’s awards are much simpler to enter. No forms; no word limit; no format. If you can send me a convincing reason why you should be given an award by Friday 25 February, you’re in.
In fact, if you think there isn’t a category suitable then you can even ask me to create one.
Yes, we’re cutting out the bureaucracy, localising the decision-making and building the system around the convenience of … you.
Our judging panel this year will be chaired by Cllr Richard Kemp, Leader LGA Lib Dem Group and will comprise:
Tim Farron MP, our in-coming Party PresidentAndrew Stunell MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
Simon Hughes MP, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Co-Chair of the CLG Parliamentary Committee
Cllr Kath Pinnock, Chair, ALDC
Lord Shipley, LGA Vice President
Cllr Jill Shortland, Chair, LGA Lib Dems
Our categories this year are:
« Council Group of the Year
« The Localism Award
« The Efficiency and Service Transformation Award
« Green Council of the Year
« The Children & Young People Award
« The Strengthening Communities Award
« The Opposition Group of the Year Award
You may be pleased to know that there will be no centrally produced ‘Guidance’ – you’re free to use your own judgement on what might come under these categories. Relax, there should be a category for any area of excellence and if on receiving your submission we feel it may go into another category we reserve the right to move it across (sorry, little bit of central control there).
I’m so busy though, why should I enter?
Because:
- we could all do with some good news – including your own group (and council staff)
- you have earned a pat on the back after all your hard work
- other Lib Dem councils are crying out for more effective ways of spending what money they have and want to learn from you
- it’s nice to get a bit of recognition
- the LGA Lib Dem Office will pass on your achievements so they can be picked up and shared more widely
- you get to have your picture taken at Spring Conference with one of our judging panel, which can use it in your Focuses and website even if the nationals don’t pick it up!
Keen recyclers and fans of efficiency, as submissions, we’re happy to take previous award entry forms, committee reports, even press releases with weblinks. Whatever is easiest for you. We require only a convincing submission before the deadline.
We are aiming to collate some of the entries at least for a publication to be available on the night of the awards ceremony – the first evening of Spring Conference in Sheffield, Friday 11 March.
We shall look forward to hearing from you.
Alanna Coombes
Head of Office (Liberal Democrat Group), Local Government AssociationAlanna.Coombes@local.gov.uk