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.
Thurrock was one of the 75 local authorities across England to be an early adopter of the UK government’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. Thurrock’s Council officially signed up to the programme in 2022. Developing the Home Learning Environment (HLE) was identified for delivery as evidence shows that the quality of parent-child interactions at home is a key predictor of a child’s early language ability and future success.
Nawaal’s journey through children’s services is defined by persistence, initiative, and a desire to make systems work better for those who rely on them most. As a care-experienced young person who built her path from volunteering to securing an official role, she has become a strong advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful engagement. Her work spans council-wide projects, national representation, and the creation of platforms designed to uplift other care leavers
Babyzone works in partnership with Family Hubs across multiple local authorities to provide integrated, preventative early years support for families with babies. By embedding Family Hub practitioners and programmes within trusted Babyzone community settings, families are able to access early help, parenting support, health advice and wellbeing services in one welcoming space.
Buckinghamshire Council has reshaped its previously fragmented advice system into a more cohesive support offer for residents facing financial insecurity. Working with Citizens Advice Buckinghamshire and strengthening referral pathways has enabled the council to reach a wider range of residents and deliver support that is improving financial stability and overall wellbeing.
Who Let The Dads Out? is a national network of community groups that give fathers and father figures regular, welcoming spaces to spend quality time with their children. Launched in 2003 at Hoole Baptist Church in Chester, the model has grown to over 175 groups across the UK.
On 1 April 2023, North Yorkshire Council (NYC) officially came into being: an ambitious union of seven district and borough councils with one county council.
A unique partnership between London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Barking Churches Unite, award-winning charity ShowerBox and NHS North East London, ShowerBox Barking is the first permanent dedicated shower facility for people experiencing homelessness.
A housing-led service for women, that provides 10 brand new, long-term homes in a block, with onsite support and communal and office space. Support is delivered by a team which also delivers wider community-based support in a Housing First model.
The Coventry Parent Voice Network was established to amplify parent and carer involvement in shaping local services, driven by Family Hub and Start for Life National Framework to create Parent Carer Panels.