Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
Oxfordshire’s ‘Whole Systems Approach to Physical Activity’ (WSAPA) provides an evidence-based approach to tackling physical inactivity and health inequalities through interventions delivered in partnership with district councils across Oxfordshire.
Wirral Borough Council has embedded Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library within Early Childhood Services, leading to improved communication and language outcomes and reduced inequality.
Sport in Mind is a charity dedicated to improving the lives of anyone experiencing mental health challenges across the UK, including those with disabilities and long-term health conditions, through sport and physical activity.
The NHS Hip and Knee Physiotherapy Team have now begun operating from Plymouth Life Centre twice a week for the foreseeable future, supporting up to 30 patients per day.
In Spring 2025, Plymouth Active - Plymouth City Council’s in-house-run leisure centre - launched a collaboration with Parkinson’s UK to provide free swimming and Good Boost sessions for individuals living with Parkinson’s.
Active North Yorkshire is the recently formed leisure section of North Yorkshire Council. It employs two people whose remit is to increase physical activity and participation of disabled people across the county.
The aim of the project is to increase the number of people with lived experience of disability, mental health and long-term health conditions to be more active and move in a way that suits them. The project includes workforce development, primary data collection and a focus on system change.
Portsmouth City Council’s ‘Ancient Sudan’ exhibition at the Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, shone light on one of the largest empires in the ancient world, as well as ongoing efforts to protect cultural heritage during protracted conflict.
This case study forms part of "Guidance for libraries and archives on Local Government Reorganisation" which aims to support library and archive Head of Services to prepare for local government reorganisation and the impact this will have on their services. The guidance has been written for Libraries Connected, The National Archives, the Local Government Association and Arts Council England by Shared Intelligence.