Nomination guidance

How the council has established, maintained and managed effective relationships with other local authorities and/or organisations:

This council has demonstrated strong collaboration and partnership working. To enhance outreach and service coordination, it appointed a community liaison officer tasked with identifying partnership opportunities, supporting residents, and developing initiatives. This role is supported by a communications officer who manages social media, the website, publications, newsletters, and surveys to inform and engage the community. Additionally, a community programmes officer was recruited to increase resident engagement in a more disadvantaged area. The council now partners with over 50 organisations, including local service providers, education institutions, and charities, many of which participate in a dedicated partners forum that shares support, guidance, event updates, and grant opportunities. A community forum was also established, bringing together police, unitary authority services (e.g. highways, housing, waste, etc.), councillors, and residents to share updates and address concerns. The council also works closely with neighbouring parishes, including joint-funded initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Furthermore, the clerk actively mentors peers, promoting knowledge sharing and professional development across the sector.

How the council has ensured effective service delivery to residents, improving the quality and range of local services:

The council conducted a comprehensive review of its staffing, resource allocation, and management structures, aligning them with its strategic aims and objectives. This included a job evaluation and grading exercise, as well as updates to terms and conditions and key policies to aid recruitment and retention. With a well-trained and properly resourced team, the council has been able to improve and sustain services for residents. It now efficiently manages five sports and community facilities, which experience near-full daily use, resulting in increased revenue from community hires. A larger, better-equipped ranger team has been able to respond promptly to residents’ environmental concerns, such as litter and landscape issues. Additional projects, funded through Section 106 contributions and grants, have delivered new and improved play and art spaces, as well as expanded environmental infrastructure like dog waste bins. The council has also taken on new facilities through Community Asset Transfers and expanded its community programme, funded in part by national lottery grants, to provide resident support services at over four times the previous year’s scale.

How the council maintains two-way communication with the community and how the community has responded:

A comprehensive engagement programme, led by community-focused and communications staff in collaboration with councillors and administrative teams, has significantly improved public dialogue. This includes stop and chat sessions, online surveys, a quarterly printed magazine, monthly e-newsletters, and active social media channels. Councillors and staff also attend community sessions to connect directly with residents. Feedback and data analysis from these efforts have shaped services and inspired new initiatives. For instance, regular community litter picks now involve more than 25 residents each month. The community forum enables residents and stakeholders to address crime, safety, housing, and environmental concerns collaboratively. Community support offerings have grown in direct response to resident feedback, and now include initiatives such as a community larder, community fridges, cafés, social clubs, advice sessions, homework support, wellbeing and arts programmes, language and digital skills classes, free holiday activities, and a new youth club. These have been well received, with strong attendance, high participation, and positive public feedback.

How the council finds new and better ways to do things for the community and plans for the future:

This council consistently pushes the boundaries of what a local authority can deliver. It assumed responsibility for a new facility through a Community Asset Transfer at the request of the principal authority, revitalising its community presence. It also successfully delivered a high-stakes, nationally funded community programme focused on long-term environmental, health, and social cohesion benefits, despite a tight timeline and significant risk. This included refurbishing a disused building into a thriving community hub and café, and installing repurposed shipping containers as permanent sites for a community fridge and sports equipment storage. These projects were successfully launched with support from civic leaders. The council also secured additional funding for environmental projects. Beyond its formal remit, it expanded its ranger team, vehicle fleet, and equipment to address community concerns about local cleanliness and public spaces, resulting in the clearance of over 50 tonnes of litter in a single year.

How the councillor has improved local services in the community:

This councillor works tirelessly to enhance the services offered by their council and to introduce new services when needed. Over the course of eight years of service, they have contributed to nearly every committee, playing a key role in enhancing local facilities, including public art installations, play areas, and transportation infrastructure, as well as supporting community events, such as remembrance ceremonies. A standout example of their dedication was their leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they coordinated efforts to support vulnerable residents. They partnered with district-level authorities to arrange volunteer assistance for those shielding and created a local network of street contacts for rapid communication and mutual support. This initiative remains active today, continuing to connect and inform the community under the councillor’s ongoing guidance.

How the councillor maintains two-way communication with the community and how the community has responded:

Before becoming a councillor, they were involved in setting up a local website to improve access to community information. Since then, they have become the council’s most effective communicator, using their professional marketing background to modernise and expand public engagement. They established and chaired the council’s Communications Committee, led the development of a responsive website, and created a social media presence to reach more residents. They actively maintain these channels and respond promptly to public inquiries. In-person engagement is also a priority, with regular attendance at community events and involvement in the street contact network. Public responses to their communication initiatives have been consistently positive, particularly for events that foster collaboration and idea sharing among local groups.

How the councillor has overcome challenges when managing projects:

Two recent projects highlight this councillor’s ability to manage complex challenges. In one instance, they led a public art initiative that brought murals and sculptures to a local redevelopment project. Coordinating multiple stakeholders — including artists, residents, a charity, council staff, and private developers — required tact and perseverance. The councillor successfully navigated sensitive discussions to deliver well-received outcomes. In another project, they chaired the committee responsible for delivering a new community hall. They liaised with contractors and committee members to ensure the project met its goals and followed up persistently to resolve issues with developers, ensuring high-quality results for the community.

How the councillor works to include the wider community and helps people participate in local decisions:

Before a recent election, the councillor took the initiative to engage and recruit new candidates for public service, helping to form a strong, diverse council. They received significant public support, reflected in their election result, and have since assumed the role of council chair. They played a crucial role in onboarding new councillors and leading the recruitment of senior staff. Despite their many formal responsibilities, their actions remain rooted in a commitment to serving the public. A recent example includes organising a large volunteer appreciation and networking event, bringing together around 100 local contributors to celebrate their efforts and encourage collaboration across community organisations.