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.
The 2026 Local Government Apprentice of the Year winner - Leena Futter - began her journey in local government in October 2022 as a casual Recreational Assistant. This led on to her first apprenticeship opportunity as a Leisure and Fitness Apprentice. In September 2025, Leena then took a bold step into her current role as a Corporate Project Administrator Apprentice at Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk and is now undertaking her second apprenticeship, level 3 Business Administrator.
Nicole Gardiner, a Legal Business Support Officer from Norwich City Council, was inspired to start her apprenticeship journey having seen others developing into different sectors and gaining new skills through the apprenticeship route.
Overview
The HomeFirst Programme was established in 2022 with the primary aim to improve outcomes for Leeds residents accessing intermediate care, to improve staff experience and to make better use of our collective resources.
Action
After making the decision to change career, Kira Woodrofe entered local government to start a new career within HR. Having now spent two years working as a HR Administrator at Bracknell Forest Council and working towards the level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship, which finished in November 2025, Kira describes herself as being at the early stages of her HR career.