Government Business

During such turbulent times – where a weakening economy, global warming and public security remain a concern for us all – it is the government we turn to for evidence of innovation and improvement.
 
The Government Business Awards, held 19 March at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, celebrated the success of local authorities and central government departments that have demonstrated sound business judgement and operational expertise in a range of areas that affect our lives.
 
Kicking off with a champagne reception and followed by a three-course lunch, the awards were then presented by BBC newsreader Nicholas Owen. He said: “Looking through the achievements of the award winners and the commended organisations, it shows the great work being carried out in local and central government." The awards covered 14 different categories from security, finance and the environment, to procurement, facilities management and human resources.

Applauding excellence
Fife Council celebrated double success, returning home armed with both the Workforce Training Award and the Public Safety Award, sponsored by Arqiva.
 
To tackle its workforce challenges, including labour and skills shortages, Fife Council has established a Workforce Investment Fund, which sees training programmes linked together to enable the growth of its own sustainable workforce. 
 
The Fife Safer Communities centre was applauded due to its enhanced capacity to reduce crime and promote community safety. It has enabled the Fire Community Safety Partnership to achieve its ten-year reduction targets well ahead of schedule. As further evidence of its success, government ministers visit the centre as an example of best practice.
 
Fife Council Leader of the Administration and Chair of the Fife Partnership Councillor, Peter Grant, said: "Winning these Government Business Awards is terrific news and is a tribute to the hard work our employees and partner organisations have put in. The whole of Fife is now benefiting as a result of their efforts. I am sure we will continue to build on our successes for the future."
 
Taking home the Public Sector Security Award was Runnymede Borough Council. The number of burglaries and incidents of auto theft, damage and personal attacks have been significantly reduced since the introduction of the most extensive CCTV network in Surrey. This is managed at a multi-function room, which in addition to CCTV monitoring, deals with care-line calls and is a fully equipped alarm-receiving centre.

Environmental success
Taking home the Environmental Innovation Award was Stoke-on-Trent City Council, thanks to its involvement in the Eco-Schools scheme. This initiative helps schools make environmental improvement a key part of school life. 
 
Commenting on the council’s success in this area, Councillor Mohammed Pervez said: "We were delighted to win the Environmental Innovation Award. We have 80 schools registered on the Eco-Schools environmental awards programme in Stoke-on-Trent, which leads to the prestigious international accolade – the Green Flag. Six schools have achieved Green Flag status this year.”
 
He continued: "The programme shows how environmental issues, ranging from litter and waste to healthy living and biodiversity, can be adapted into the day-to-day running of a school. It is part of our commitment in Stoke-on-Trent to build a more sustainable future."
 
The Environmental Transport Award was won by London Borough of Islington. Islington has shifted its fleet policy in the last few years in order to reduce emissions and to give sustainability the highest priority. It makes sure drivers undergo rigorous training so they can get the very best fuel efficiency from their vehicle. 
 
Haringey Council was awarded the Public Sector Energy Award due to its commitment to energy improvement. The council has reduced the carbon footprint of its operational buildings by 812 tonnes in 12 months – the equivalent of taking 189 cars off the road, and saving around £170,000 per year on utilities costs. 

Managing waste
Taking home the Waste Management Award, sponsored by The Plant & Waste Recycling Show, was Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Waste Partnership (RECAP). A key outcome of the RECAP project was the development of a recycling directory for local businesses, which provides information on Duty of Care and Pre-treatment regulations, as well as listing local recycling providers and tips on setting up recycling schemes. 
 
Another council looking out for the environment was Hampshire County Council, who took home the Sustainability Award. Hampshire has been working hard to adopt its principles, and it was recently cited by the Audit Commission as a top performer in reducing the amount of waste going to landfill'. Its integrated approach to sustainability is also generating significant interest within national bodies. 
 
Scarborough Borough Council was given the Regeneration Project Award for its Business Park. The successful completion of the project has already produced a number of significant benefits, including over 6,000 square metres of new office developments. Over five to ten years, it has the potential to create over 90,000 square metres of new workspace and up to 2,000 new jobs. 
 
The Social Housing Award went to Solihull Community Housing. Solihull is an Arms Length Management Organisation that looks after housing services, including the delivery of a major stock improvement programme. In awarding it a three star 'excellent' rating, Audit Commission inspectors found that estates are well-managed and maintained, and that the ALMO works well with other agencies such as the police, to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour. 

Making savings
The Financial Performance Award went to Bassetlaw District Council. By generating savings of £2.04m in less than 18 months, Bassetlaw appears well prepared for the next fiscal year and beyond, and has managed to keep tax increases relatively low in a period of high turbulence.
 
Showing success in the area of procurement was Essex County Council, who won the Local Government Procurement Award. The council spends around £800m each year on a diverse range of goods and services, from construction projects and care provision, through to shepherding services and windmill repairs. It is on course to save £2.5 million by managing hundreds of thousands of supplier invoices electronically, as part of its procurement transformation programme.
 
Winning the Market Research Award was Westminster City Council. Since a new research strategy began in early 2007, the authority has seen a nine per cent increase in its satisfaction rating. It fully understands how to use market research data to deliver real improvements for its residents. This has seen the development of new techniques and insights, which have been utilised by other local authorities on a consultative basis. 
 
Taking home the Sports & Leisure Award was Reading Borough Council for its Sport Reading partnership. Formed in January 2008 and made up of 70 organisations, the partnership has already developed a number of nationally recognised best practice concepts, and is trailblazing work to make contact with hard to reach groups like the elderly and young people.
 
Summing up, David Devoto, chairman of organisers PSE Ltd, stated: “The predominance of those who participated in the inaugural GB Awards have demonstrated the value of working in partnerships. I'd like to thank everyone who entered, for letting us know what theyʼve been up to. It is now our role to promote the hard work and dedication of local and central government departments.” 

For more information
Web: www.gbawards.co.uk