ADEPT President Angela Jones would like to invite you to enter the annual President's Awards.
The President’s Awards are a highlight of the ADEPT year, allowing us to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary work of our members and partners across the country. We continue to be inspired by the high standard of entries and the commitment that our members demonstrate in driving service improvement and creating meaningful outcomes for their communities.
These efforts embody our core mission of being ‘good ancestors’ – making purposeful decisions that will positively shape places and communities for future generations, while fostering environments where people can thrive and contribute to the creation of resilient, inclusive and sustainable places.
The presidential priorities for this year have been making the case for people and place, with a focus on influence, innovation and inclusivity. This approach means we are not just addressing current challenges, but laying the groundwork to ensure our places and teams can adapt and thrive in the future.
Local authority members are encouraged to enter the awards and celebrate projects that showcase excellence in the areas of Delivering Sustainable Growth, Deploying Innovation and Technology and Shaping Places for People. Members are also able to submit nominations for the President's Special Recognition Award, which celebrates the achievements of outstanding individuals and/or small teams over the past 12 months (judges will consider entries referring to initiatives that began before that period).
We encourage entrants to reflect on the fact that what may seem like everyday work, might represent a groundbreaking approach or exceptional achievement when viewed by others. This is a valuable and important opportunity to highlight and applaud the work you have achieved in a sector that can positively impact the lives of communities across the country.
You can see previous award winners here. See below for details of the award categories.
These awards are open to a single local authority or where appropriate a local authority owned company or a partnership of local authorities, including a combined authority. Private sector partners can enter on a local authority’s behalf, with evidenced permission of the local authority itself.
Categories
This year's categories are:
Category 1: Delivering Sustainable Growth
Are you shaping the future without sacrificing the planet? This award celebrates local authorities that deliver cleaner, greener and inclusive growth, balancing economic ambition with environmental responsibility. We are looking for bold initiatives that reduce carbon emissions, protect natural assets and create resilient places where people and nature thrive together.
Why enter?
Showcase how your authority is leading the way. Whether through innovative housing that enhances biodiversity, green transport solutions, circular economy projects or partnerships that unlock sustainable investment. From transforming estates and fleets to pioneering green skills programmes, this is your chance to highlight the impact your authority is making now and for generations to come.
Examples of suitable projects:
- Nature-positive housing developments that integrate green spaces and biodiversity net gain.
- Green transport corridors with EV charging, active travel routes and tree planting.
- Circular economy hubs that reduce waste and create local jobs.
- Low-carbon infrastructure projects that use sustainable materials and protect habitats.
- Partnerships for renewable energy generation, such as community solar or wind schemes.
- Climate adaptation initiatives like flood resilience using nature-based solutions.
What stands out:
- Visionary growth strategies that protect and enhance the natural environment.
- Collaboration across boundaries and sectors.
- Strong engagement with businesses and communities.
- Long-term planning beyond short-term budgets.
Category 2: Deploying Digital Innovation and Technology
Are you using technology and fresh thinking to transform how services are delivered? This award celebrates local authorities that deploy innovation and technology to create smarter, more efficient places, delivering better outcomes for communities and better value for money.
Why enter?
Showcase how your authority is leading the way in shaping the future, improving efficiency and effectiveness, reducing costs and creating sustainable, resilient communities. This is your chance to demonstrate how innovation and technology can be a game changer for people and place.
Examples of suitable projects:
- Smart mobility hubs using real-time data to provide demand-responsive transport.
- Digital twins for infrastructure planning and predictive maintenance.
- Sensor networks to monitor air quality and inform health interventions.
- Interactive planning platforms that engage communities in shaping developments.
- Data-driven traffic management systems to reduce congestion and improve safety.
- Smart energy grids or community microgeneration schemes to cut costs and carbon.
What stands out:
- Successful innovation -digital solutions or creative use of technology to solve challenges.
- Improved outcomes for communities -better connectivity, smarter services, enhanced wellbeing.
- Transformation of services or operations -delivering savings and improving ways of working.
- Collaboration and partnerships -across departments, sectors, authorities, regions.
- Scalability and resilience -solutions that can grow and endure over time.
Category 3: Shaping Places for People
Are you creating places that truly put people first? This award celebrates authorities that deliver innovative, collaborative programmes and services to improve health, wellbeing and quality of life for everyone, across all backgrounds and social groups.
Why enter?
Showcase how your authority is tackling inequalities, promoting healthier lifestyles, and building resilient communities. From engaging young people in shaping the future to creating inclusive spaces that support wellbeing, this is your chance to demonstrate how place can transform lives.
Examples of suitable projects:
- Green spaces and active travel routes that encourage physical activity and mental wellbeing.
- Healthy housing initiatives that provide warm, safe homes and reduce health risks.
- Community-led leisure and fitness programmes designed for diverse groups.
- Youth engagement projects that involve young people in planning and decision-making.
- Collaborative health and social care strategies that take a whole-systems approach.
- Innovative funding models to deliver inclusive services and facilities.
What stands out:
- Innovative responses to significant local challenges.
- Tangible improvements in health, wellbeing and service efficiency.
- Strong collaboration across departments, partners and communities.
- Meaningful engagement with residents across the community and from all ages and backgrounds
- Futureproofing through inclusive design and long-term planning.
The ADEPT President’s Special Recognition Award
Every organisation has people who quietly make a big difference. This award celebrates individuals or small teams (<10 people) who go above and beyond, driving positive change, inspiring others and championing equality, diversity and inclusion in their communities.
Why enter?
This is your chance to recognise those unsung heroes. They may not be the most senior or the loudest voice, but their actions speak volumes. Whether through innovative thinking, exceptional collaboration or leading by example, these nominees set the standard for excellence and impact.
Examples of suitable nominations:
- A small team that transformed a service under pressure, delivering better outcomes for residents.
- An individual who championed diversity and inclusion, ensuring all voices are heard in decision-making.
- A colleague who inspired others through creativity and resilience during challenging times.
- A team that introduced a new approach to improve efficiency and value for money.
What stands out:
- Driving positive change that benefits the organisation and community.
- Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in meaningful ways.
- Achieving excellence and making a tangible impact.
- Inspiring others and leading by example.
- Innovating under pressure to find creative solutions.
Entering the awards
- Entry is via online form - click here to enter the awards.
- You can see a guidance note that includes full award criteria and all questions from the entry form here.
- The Awards ceremony takes place on Wednesday 13th May at One Whitehall Place. Save the date and keep your fingers (and toes) crossed!
- All finalists will receive 2 tickets for the event and the winners will be invited to take part in a showcase Lunch & Learn webinar in June.
The deadline for entries is Friday 6th March. Good luck!
