This prestigious event highlighted the transformative work of local authorities across the UK, showcasing how public sector leaders are driving meaningful change through inclusive practices and forward-thinking strategies.

At GatenbySanderson, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just values, they are essential to building resilient, representative leadership teams that reflect the communities they serve. The finalists in this year’s award category demonstrated exceptional creativity and commitment to breaking down barriers and embedding inclusion into the fabric of local government.

(Image: Innovation in Building Diversity & Inclusion Award Winners – Newcastle City Council) 

Spotlight on Innovation and Impact

Congratulations to Newcastle City Council, winners of the 2026 Innovation in Building Diversity & Inclusion Award. The council has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion across its services, workforce, and communities. Equality is at the heart of Newcastle’s vision and values, with a clear focus on tackling discrimination, reducing inequalities, improving access to services, and fostering positive relationships between diverse communities.

Among the initiatives that helped distinguish Newcastle were:

• A city-wide commitment to creating fair and inclusive services that promote wellbeing and improve outcomes for all residents.
• Leadership programmes and organisational priorities designed to make Newcastle a beacon of good practice in equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Work to tackle prejudice, strengthen community cohesion and promote positive relations across the city’s diverse communities.
• The council’s signing of UNISON’s Anti-Racism Charter, committing to actions including race equality policies, ethnicity pay-gap monitoring, and anti-racism training for staff.
• Continued efforts to build a diverse workforce, supported by inclusive recruitment practices, flexible working policies, and Disability Confident employer commitments.

These initiatives reflect the power of local government innovation to create lasting cultural change and ensure that public services are accessible, representative and responsive to the communities they serve.

Highlights from Across the Finalists

The award category also showcased an impressive range of diversity and inclusion initiatives from local authorities across the UK, including:

• Local Authority of the Year: North Lincolnshire Council took home the top prize, praised for its clear outcomes for residents and strong, values-driven leadership.
• Innovation in Children’s and Adults’ Services: Cumberland Council won for its co-produced Enrichment Fund and active involvement of care-experienced young people.
• Community Engagement: Tamworth Borough Council’s We are Tamworth programme won for its community-led approach to rebuilding cohesion and local trust.
• AI Innovation: East Riding of Yorkshire Council secured the award for their pioneering use of Artificial Intelligence in local government.
• Chief Executive of the Year: Helen Bailey from the London Borough of Sutton was awarded this top individual accolade.
• Rising Star: Chloe Kelly of Staffordshire County Council was recognised for emerging leadership Together, these projects demonstrate the creativity and commitment being shown across local government to champion inclusion, opportunity, and social value.

Why Inclusive Leadership Matters

As long-term partners to the public sector, GatenbySanderson understands that inclusive leadership is key to driving transformation. Our work with local authorities focuses on identifying and developing leaders who are not only visionary and capable, but also representative, courageous, and values-driven.

Let’s build the future of local government together.

If you’re looking to strengthen your leadership team, embed inclusive practices, or explore how behavioural insight can support your recruitment strategy, we’re here to help. Get in touch to learn how GatenbySanderson’s Local Government Practice can support your leadership journey.

Frazer Thouard,
Regional Lead – Local Government,
GatenbySanderson
frazer.thouard@gatenbysanderson.com

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