Local Government Challenge 2018: Meet the contestants

I am really excited to be working in an amazing, modern library service (Idea Store) and have delivered programmes I am truly passionate about – from reading initiatives to health campaigns and volunteering drives. I have always had a unique, problem solving view to the work I’ve carried out and I am always trying to find new, innovative solutions to long-standing problems in systems and processes. The authority I work at – Tower Hamlets – is a really great place to be; the work they are striving to accomplish is inspirational and I feel proud to be able to contribute to it in my own way.

I’m Nikki Middleton and I’ve been a local government officer working for Luton Council since 2009. I am currently the Council’s Customer Service Manager, responsible for both our customer contact and service centres, our new integrated prevention service and supporting further integration with the VCS and other public organisations. I’m currently working on the development of a new citizen strategy which aims to ensure all our residents in Luton have the opportunity to benefit from increased investment and economic growth within the town.

 

I’m Daniel Gooch and I work for Swale Borough Council in the Park’s team. My role is wide and varied which I love and covers aspects from building and refurbishing play areas, park developments, sport pitches, and repairs and maintenance across our 500 acres of parks and open spaces. I take great pride in ensuring the parks are the best they can be so they can bring as many health and wellbeing benefits to the community as possible.

 

 

 

I’m Kartar Singh and I work at Wiltshire Council as a performance and risk analyst. I work with all services at Wiltshire council to ensure we are performing to our desired levels and monitor the risks we face as an organisation. I have worked at Wiltshire Council since 2012 and I am thrilled to be part of the 2018 LG Challenge.

 

 

I am very proud to work for Cambridgeshire County Council where I head up our transformation and innovation initiatives and am responsible for delivering huge change at pace. I am optimistic about the future of Local Government and feel we are at a moment where there is massive opportunity to reshape our role in society. I’m excited about being part of the LGA Challenge 2018 and can’t wait to get thinking with colleagues from around the country.

 

 

 

I work for the London Borough of Bexley in the Transformation and Change Team. I look after our Design and Innovation Board and work on a number of projects looking at how we can redesign services to be more user-centred and self-sufficient, currently including public health, homecare and homelessness.

 

 

My name is Natalie Morrissey and I am an Information Governance Officer at Staffordshire County Council. I deal with multi-agency information sharing to ensure processing is compliant with data protection legislation. I am committed to raising awareness of DP through policies, guidance, training and campaigns.

 

 

 

 

I am a Senior Policy Advisor at MHCLG. I have worked on economic development and affordable housing policy. Currently, I'm responsible for writing MHCLG's business plan.

 

 

 

 

I joined Kent County Council in 2012 as a Project Officer. In early 2017 I moved into the Engagement and Consultation team where I am responsible for staff communications and supporting staff engagement initiatives as well as working alongside services to plan and deliver public consultations.

 

 

I am the Strategic Development Lead for Housing heading up the construction of Shropshire’s four centres for excellence. This involves working across the local authority and linking up local, national and international business, local members, education and the voluntary sector. This work will help improve education, economic development and the provision of care in Shropshire.