Gateshead shortlisted for 'Most Improved Council' award
Gateshead Council has been shortlisted for Most Improved Council at the 2026 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards - one of the most respected national honours in the local government sector.
This achievement marks a major milestone in the council's improvement journey and reflects the hard work and commitment of teams across the organisation over the past 18 months.
The shortlist follows the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge in late 2024, which the council embraced as a catalyst for transformation. Since then, every service and team has contributed to turning insight into action.
The council's submission showcased progress across several key areas:
Stronger leadership and governance
- A clear improvement plan
- A strengthened Programme Office and an improved Performance Management and Improvement Framework
- More visible oversight and challenge from Cabinet, the Corporate Management Team, and scrutiny and audit committees
A re‑energised culture
- New leadership and capability development programmes shaped with managers
- A renewed focus on open, honest communication through events, Q&As and performance updates
- Clearer links between individual roles and the council's purpose through the "golden thread"
Real improvements for residents
- Investment in street cleanliness and neighbourhoods, supported by the "Love Where You Live" campaign, which has generated over a million positive public reactions
- A more resilient Medium-Term Financial Strategy supporting sustainable services
Stronger partnerships and inclusive growth
- A revitalised Gateshead Strategic Partnership with an independent chair supporting collaboration across public services, business, education, and the voluntary sector
- Progress on long‑term regeneration and tackling health inequalities through the Gateshead Thriving programme
Recognised by regulators
Recent findings from external regulators highlight the council's continuing improvement, including:
- Ofsted (2024): Good across all areas in Children's Services
- Ofsted (2024): Good for Further Education and Skills
- Regulator of Social Housing (2025): Clear progress
Looking ahead
Final judging for the LGC Awards takes place in April, with winners announced in June.
Regardless of the outcome, being shortlisted reflects the significant progress achieved so far and the commitment of council employees who continue to drive improvements for residents and communities.
Gateshead Council has been shortlisted for Most Improved Council at the 2026 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards - one of the most respected national honours in the local government sector.
This achievement marks a major milestone in the council's improvement journey and reflects the hard work and commitment of teams across the organisation over the past 18 months.
The shortlist follows the Local Government Association's Corporate Peer Challenge in late 2024, which the council embraced as a catalyst for transformation. Since then, every service and team has contributed to turning insight into action.
The council's submission showcased progress across several key areas:
Stronger leadership and governance
- A clear improvement plan
- A strengthened Programme Office and an improved Performance Management and Improvement Framework
- More visible oversight and challenge from Cabinet, the Corporate Management Team, and scrutiny and audit committees
A re‑energised culture
- New leadership and capability development programmes shaped with managers
- A renewed focus on open, honest communication through events, Q&As and performance updates
- Clearer links between individual roles and the council's purpose through the "golden thread"
Real improvements for residents
- Investment in street cleanliness and neighbourhoods, supported by the "Love Where You Live" campaign, which has generated over a million positive public reactions
- A more resilient Medium-Term Financial Strategy supporting sustainable services
Stronger partnerships and inclusive growth
- A revitalised Gateshead Strategic Partnership with an independent chair supporting collaboration across public services, business, education, and the voluntary sector
- Progress on long‑term regeneration and tackling health inequalities through the Gateshead Thriving programme
Recognised by regulators
Recent findings from external regulators highlight the council's continuing improvement, including:
- Ofsted (2024): Good across all areas in Children's Services
- Ofsted (2024): Good for Further Education and Skills
- Regulator of Social Housing (2025): Clear progress
Looking ahead
Final judging for the LGC Awards takes place in April, with winners announced in June.
Regardless of the outcome, being shortlisted reflects the significant progress achieved so far and the commitment of council employees who continue to drive improvements for residents and communities.
