Celebrating Innovation in Local Government: Reflections on the MJ Awards 2026

Now that the excitement has settled following last month’s MJ Awards 2026, we’ve had the chance to reflect on what was a truly inspiring evening celebrating innovation, collaboration and excellence across local government.

Hosted by The Municipal Journal, the MJ Awards are among the most prestigious local government awards in the UK, recognising councils, organisations and individuals who are delivering outstanding services and creating positive change within their communities. Events like these shine a spotlight on the innovation, dedication and leadership that continue to strengthen public services.

As proud sponsors of the Innovation in Children’s and Adults’ Services Award, we were delighted to celebrate projects that are transforming lives through creativity, partnership and forward-thinking leadership. This health and social care award category reflects the very best of the public sector, recognising initiatives that deliver meaningful outcomes for our communities.

‘A Council That Cares: Including Care Experienced Young People in Local Democracy’

A huge congratulations to Cumberland Council, winners of this year’s Innovation in Children’s and Adults’ Services Award for their outstanding Enrichment Fund initiative with Cumbria Youth Alliance.

This pioneering programme places care-experienced young people at the heart of decision-making, empowering them to shape the support available to their peers. Through genuine co-production, the initiative helps remove barriers to education, employment, wellbeing and independent living, while ensuring young people have a meaningful voice in the services designed to support them. The programme has been recognised nationally for its innovative approach and measurable impact on outcomes for young people.

Why the Enrichment Fund Stood Out

What made the Enrichment Fund particularly impressive was its commitment to authentic collaboration. Rather than simply consulting young people, the programme trusts them as leaders, enabling them to influence funding decisions and shape future services; demonstrating genuine co-production and ensuring that the support reflects lived experience.

By bringing together local authorities, businesses, voluntary organisations and community partners, the initiative has created a sustainable model that delivers practical support while strengthening relationships across the region. This collaborative approach demonstrates how partnership working can create lasting social impact and improve opportunities for care-experienced young people.

In its first year, the Fund distributed over £30,000 to 43 young people, providing practical support including transport to work, therapy, essential household items and training. This flexible funding often acts as the “bank of mum and dad” that many care-experienced young people do not have, while the Youth Panel members developed confidence, communication skills and employability.

The programme has also secured support from more than 40 employers, offering mentoring, apprenticeships and work experience, alongside over £100,000 in fundraising to sustain its future.

By bringing together young people, local government, voluntary organisations and businesses, the Enrichment Fund has created a sustainable, person-centred model that delivers lasting opportunities and demonstrates the power of trusting care-experienced young people as leaders.

Recognising Excellence in Children’s and Adults’ Services

While Cumberland Council and Cumbria Youth Alliance were worthy winners, the standard of entries across the category was exceptional. Every shortlisted organisation showcased innovative approaches to improving children’s and adults’ services, highlighting the dedication, expertise and passion that exists throughout the local government sector.

The awards served as a powerful reminder that innovation isn’t always about new technology, it is often about finding better ways to work together, listening to communities and creating services that genuinely meet people’s needs. This commitment to continuous improvement is exactly why the MJ Awards remain one of the UK’s most respected local government awards, recognising excellence across every area of public service.

Congratulations once again to our other finalists: City of Edinburgh Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council. We look forward to seeing the continued success of the Enrichment Fund and the positive impact it will have on the lives of care-experienced young people for years to come.

Proud to Support Innovation and Best Practice

Supporting the MJ Awards reflects Hamptons commitment to recognising excellence across local government. These awards celebrate the organisations that are pushing boundaries, sharing best practice and delivering measurable improvements for residents and communities.

Innovation thrives when great ideas are recognised and shared, and events like the MJ Awards inspire others to adopt new approaches that improve public services across the UK.