Innovation in local government is about improving the lives of the people in our
communities. Browse through our case studies to see the many innovative programmes councils are involved
in.
Mansfield District Council has been selected as one of three national Testing Hubs by the Justlife Foundation to lead a two year project improving temporary accommodation for homeless families.
The ‘OK to Ask?’ campaign, delivered for Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, tackled youth-produced sexual imagery (YPSI) among 13–17-year-olds.
The Old Kent Road Family Zone (OKRFZ) is a groundbreaking community-led initiative transforming how local government addresses health inequalities in one of London's most under resourced areas. Facilitated by Surrey Square Primary School (part of the Big Education Trust) and funded by Impact on Urban Health, the zone operates on a radical principle: working 'with' communities rather than 'for' or 'to' them. By placing children, families and residents at the heart of decision-making, OKRFZ is creating sustainable, systemic change that tackles the root causes of poor health and wellbeing.
The Public Health Small Grants Programme grew from the COVID‑19 community‑champion model, recognising the power of trusted local organisations to lead health initiatives. It provides up to £1,000 for grassroots groups to deliver culturally relevant activities aligned with Nottingham’s health priorities.
Norfolk County Council worked with Hitch Marketing to increase PrEP awareness among women at heightened HIV risk who were under-served by mainstream health messaging.
Torbay Council and NHS Devon formed a successful partnership to establish a county-level steering group to address issues of reduced dental access and poor oral health.
Since 2020, demand for Salford’s Welfare Rights and Debt Advice service has risen sharply due to the cost‑of‑living crisis, increasing the need for early, specialist intervention to prevent escalating health and social care issues.
Lambeth Council applied to the National Institute for Health and Care Research for an independent evaluation of Lambeth Made Safer, its ten-year public health and anti-racist strategy to reduce serious youth violence.
Derby Family Hubs are passionate about the work they do to promote early literacy for children in Derby city. They embed Bookstart programme resources in the work they do across this area.