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.
A growing demand on care resources across the health and social care continue to challenge the system. This is leading to missed operational standards, including delayed hospital discharges and potential risks to patient safety. In particular, the availability of community care hours is a key factor in acute hospital delays.
Previously, the service relied on external trainers for moving and handling training, which caused delays for new starters and impacted service delivery.
Kirklees Council reviewed all double up packages of care in commissioned domiciliary care services to generate workforce capacity within domiciliary care services.
Since 2021, Hounslow’s Community Development Team has pioneered a place-based approach to community engagement, partnership working, and local democracy. By embedding officers in neighbourhoods, facilitating networks of voluntary and community groups, and transforming traditional council forums into collaborative spaces, the team has built the infrastructure for genuine civic participation and collective action.
A GP recognized a young, struggling single mother's deeper family crises during a routine appointment but had no time to address them. By referring her to a local Family Wellbeing Centre, the mother received holistic support for her child's needs, finances, and wellbeing, which also helped her manage her own health. This case highlights the powerful, necessary partnership between time-pressed GPs, who identify hidden needs, and community hubs, which provide the sustained, practical support families require.
The development of an agile and flexible online app that would provide all information in one place with the ability to interrogate performance alongside other key issues such as risk and finance.
Babies have a voice – that is, they have a right to have their views taken seriously in decisions affecting their lives. This voice is best interpreted through warm relationships with those who know them well. This resource covers the importance of listening to babies’ views to understand their experiences and give them the best start in life.
In 2023, Hackney Council implemented a reorganisation of its library service to upskill and empower staff, and provide local people with a new community hub, where they could benefit from a wider range of services.
ShowerBox Barking is the first permanent, dedicated, shower facility for people experiencing homelessness. It provides hot showers, clean underwear, respite and refreshments to promote better hygiene and health.