Congratulations to all the finalists recently announced for this year’s MJ Local Government Achievement Awards. There has never been a more timely moment to introduce the new award, sponsored by GatenbySanderson, ‘Innovation in Building Diversity & Inclusion’ Award.
Our purpose, to find and develop leaders that shape a better society, drives everything we do. Promoting diversity and equality through more representative leadership has always been part of our DNA. Doing more, and not just saying more, is important to us.
That is why we are very proud to be associated with this important award reflecting the work and innovation across Local Government to create more inclusive cultures and communities. The actions of our shortlisted authorities are milestones on a longer journey. Greater and faster progress, across society, is needed and there is more for all of us to do. We commit to being an active partner to local government and its partnerships, to create a fairer society we all take a responsibility to help build.
It has been a privilege to witness the ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in all the entries for this year’s award. We would like to thank our judges: Charmain D’Souza, Director of HR at the GLA, Kath O’Dwyer, Chief Executive of St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council, Kim Wright, Chief Executive of London Borough of Lewisham and Shokat Lal, Executive Director of Core Services at Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council. It was an incredibly hard judging process, however the below are those we deemed to be this year’s finalists and commended entries:
Finalists:
- London Borough of Brent
- London Borough of Croydon
- Royal London Borough of Greenwich
- Northumberland County Council
- Westminster City Council
Commended:
- Essex County Council
- Kirklees Metropolitan Borough Council
- London Bough of Haringey
Good luck to all the finalists; we look forward to announcing the winner in the coming weeks.
Luke Judd, Partner, Local Government