Council up for children’s services award

Derby City Council has been shortlisted for a national award for delivering children’s services.

It has been named as a finalist in the Journey to Outstanding Children’s Services category in the 2023 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards.

The category recognises councils who have succeeded in creating a successful and strategic approach to delivering children’s services, especially when facing challenges such as the current increase in the cost of living.

The 2023 awards will focus on achievements and actions that a council carried out through 2022.

In May last year, Derby City Council was one of only three cities in the country to be rated ‘Outstanding’ in for its services for children and young people, following an Ofsted inspection.

Councillor Evonne Williams, cabinet member for children, young people and skills, said: “At Derby City Council we are extremely proud of our Ofsted-rated Outstanding Children’s Service, and the team that work hard to deliver the service.

“We have all faced various obstacles this year, but this has not stopped our team from delivering the best service we can to the children of Derby who need us.

“It gives me great joy to see Derby City Council shortlisted for the Children’s Services award. It is fantastic that the team are being recognised for their hard work.”

Andy Smith, strategic director for people services at the city council, said: “It’s been a difficult year, made more challenging by the cost-of-living crisis, but our team have still been going above and beyond to protect vulnerable children in our city.”

The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on 8 June.