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.
Between 2020 and 2023, UCL and the Local Government Association ran an online programme that brought together local authority staff and university researchers to work together on local net zero challenges.
Queen’s Park Family Hub is one of three family hubs in the City of Westminster. Each hub has different leadership arrangements, which reflect the communities they each serve whilst the underpinning governance arrangements are the same. The integration of services at place are seen as vital in all of the hubs and this is strengthened by a local integrated leadership team around each hub.
Feel Good in the Forest is a social prescribing initiative from Forestry England and Sport England, designed to support people with mild to moderate health conditions through nature-based activities. It is delivered at four forests including Chopwell Wood, Gateshead, and Thames Chase, London. It helps local communities improve their wellbeing by engaging with nature and physical activity. Forestry England has worked with Havering Council and Gateshead Council to help address local population health need, support the delivery of strategic priorities and connect more people with nature for their wellbeing.
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.
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.
This case study, which forms part of the resource, What good looks like in the retention of regulated professionals, shows how visible senior leadership, professional credibility and structured career pathways support retention in high-pressure statutory roles at Leeds City Council.