Read about projects that have successfully changed their processes and/or developed a new approach to an existing problem, often working in partnership. These changes will have led to tangible service improvements and have had a positive impact on the target audience, whether internal or external.

This category stands apart from the other categories because it seeks to recognise innovative projects which as yet may not have evidence of results. Download examples of projects that are at a very early stage, but are already showing a sound basis for anticipating early and projected / potential successes.

Attracting, retaining and developing staff in a highly competitive labour market is becoming ever more challenging for employers, and no less so Scottish local government. Councils face not only a reduction in the number of poten-tial employees available, but also fundamental shifts in the demands on council services which impact on workforce requirements. Read how Local government is making the best use of its resources in delivering improved performance and that depends on competing for and securing the right people in the right jobs at the right time – and at an affordable cost.

This category provides an opportunity to highlight creatives approach to developing Community Planning in local areas. Single Outcome Agreements now encompass all Community Planning Partnerships , creating opportunities for a forward-looking approach to joined-up service delivery in your area, and expressing these as outcomes to be delivered by partners, either individually or jointly.

Across 21st century Scottish local government, solutions to challenges must aspire to be sustainable. This category seeks to recognise projects that promote sustainable development and sustainable communities, i.e. social, environmental and economic benefits will all be demonstrable in the outcomes being achieved. Small-scale through to large-scale projects are welcomed.

Applications for this category reflect the key role that councils have in tackling health inequalities and improving health and wellbeing. Whilst improving the health of the general population is important, these projects are also about targeting interventions to decrease health inequalities. Applications may reflect work taking place in specific subject areas, or in terms of policy development.

Read about applications that have made clear and recognised improvements to the “human element” of service delivery by enhancing and enriching the lives of residents or other service users. These include examples of community engagement, effective partnership working and innovation. These projects demonstrate how the initiative is successful at providing outcomes within communities that make them better places in which to live and work.