Hard work recognised with multiple MJ Achievement Award nominations

There was great news for Wokingham Borough Council and many partner organisations, as the hard work of officers and colleagues across the Borough has been recognised with not just one, but four nominations for the national MJ Achievement Awards.

The highest number of nominations from any single council this year. 

One of the most prestigious awards for Local Government, the MJ Awards were established to recognise best practice and excellence in delivering services as well as innovation in supporting local communities.

The awards also celebrate projects where local authorities have worked closely with partners, including other professional organisations, the voluntary sector, businesses and the local community to deliver great outcomes for all. 

Four finalist entries

The council has been shortlisted as a finalist in the following categories: 

• Best Social Housing Initiative for the ASC Specialist Accommodation (ASCSA) Programme – The creation of new specially adapted accommodation to support a range of vulnerable residents, helping improve their independence and quality of life within the community.
• Digital Transformation for Project Joy – Creation of a new Social Prescription App to help connect residents in need with the best health and wellbeing service to offer support, reducing pressure on GPs and providing an improved approach to referrals 
• Innovation in Delivering Sustainability and Social Value for the Wokingham town centre regeneration – Leading and enabling the town centre to adapt to the changing face of the high street, create new public spaces and community facilities such as the Carnival Hub with its leisure centre, library and cultural use 
• Innovation in Partnerships for Keeping In Touch (KIT) – An innovative project working with Voluntary Sector Partners to help support older residents stay healthy and independent through a 1:1 coaching approach. With coaches able to listen, assess, devise plans and remain in touch to help deal with any emerging or changing issues. 

'A real testament to work of the council and its partners'

“It’s been an incredibly difficult year for people with the cost-of-living crisis hitting just as we were beginning to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic.” Said Susan Parsonage, chief executive at Wokingham Borough Council.

“To hear we’ve been nominated for four MJ Awards is fantastic news and a real testament to the work the council and all our partners have been doing to support their local communities. 

“We’re continuing to see growing pressure and demand for services. With costs increasing and income falling it’s critical we can continue to look at how we can best use our resources and make sure residents continue to get the support they need.

"Each one of these nominations represents a project where our teams and partnerships have thought outside the box and taken an innovative approach.

"Something we’re proud to promote and encourage. We hope residents will join us in wishing officers and colleagues well as they meet with the MJ judges over the coming weeks.” 

Winners will be announced later in the summer at the MJ awards ceremony on 23 June.