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.
One of this year’s Local Government Apprentice of the Year runners up is Katy Howlett, a level 3 Business Administrator apprentice at Plymouth City Council who began her journey into local government just eight months ago, when she secured an apprenticeship at The Box, Plymouth.
The 2026 Local Government Apprentice of the Year winner - Leena Futter - began her journey in local government in October 2022 as a casual Recreational Assistant. This led on to her first apprenticeship opportunity as a Leisure and Fitness Apprentice. In September 2025, Leena then took a bold step into her current role as a Corporate Project Administrator Apprentice at Borough Council of Kings Lynn and West Norfolk and is now undertaking her second apprenticeship, level 3 Business Administrator.
Nicole Gardiner, a Legal Business Support Officer from Norwich City Council, was inspired to start her apprenticeship journey having seen others developing into different sectors and gaining new skills through the apprenticeship route.
Overview
The HomeFirst Programme was established in 2022 with the primary aim to improve outcomes for Leeds residents accessing intermediate care, to improve staff experience and to make better use of our collective resources.
Action
After making the decision to change career, Kira Woodrofe entered local government to start a new career within HR. Having now spent two years working as a HR Administrator at Bracknell Forest Council and working towards the level 3 HR Support Apprenticeship, which finished in November 2025, Kira describes herself as being at the early stages of her HR career.
St Helens Borough Council, through the Inequalities Commission, brought together partners and local authority services to develop a shared understanding of the drivers of rough sleeping and identify practical actions.
An innovative approach to improve flu vaccination uptake among two- to three-year-olds was piloted in North Tyneside. Historically this cohort can have low coverage and experience widening inequalities.
The partnership between The Brick Multibank and Wigan's Family Hubs has become a vital source of support for local families experiencing financial hardship and crisis. Through the collaborative efforts of the Formby Avenue Family Hub in Atherton, Family Hub in Leigh (Walmsley Road), and The Meadows Family Hub in Wigan Centre, families across the borough are able to access essential household items when they need them most.
This case study focusses on St Helens Borough Council, one of the library services included in the project. It is based in an area of high economic and social deprivation in the north of England. Around 43% of residents live in the top 20% most deprived areas in the country. Key issues include low employment, poor health outcomes and the long-term impacts of industrial decline.