Local Council Award Scheme
The Local Council Award Scheme (LCAS) has been designed to celebrate the successes of the very best local councils and to provide a framework to support all local councils to improve and develop to meet their full potential. The scheme offers councils the opportunity to show that they meet the standards set by the sector, assessed them by their peers, and put in place the conditions for continued improvement.
The scheme has been designed to provide the tools and encouragement to those councils at the beginning of their improvement journeys, as well as promoting and recognising councils that are at the cutting edge of the sector. It is only through the sector working together, to share best practices, drive up standards and supporting those who are committed to improving their offer to their communities that individual councils and the sector as a whole will reach their full potential.
LCAS undergoes a review every year. Local councils must meet the criteria of the guidance that is in place at the date they submit their completed application form to their local accreditation panel.
Read the Local Council Award Scheme guide
NALC will be running events to help local councils prepare an award-winning application please keep an eye on our events pages for dates and details.
There is a range of reasons why a council could benefit from taking part in the award scheme. For those councils who are already confident that they perform to a high standard the scheme provides assurance to the council that it is up-to-date and progressive by the standards set by the sector. For those who wish to improve, it provides a framework to plan and make the first steps. Helping the council improve performance and confidence, with policies in place for continuous development. And for all councils winning the award should be a celebration for councillors and officers, as their commitment and hard work are recognised and respected.
An award is a tool that councils can use when working with the local community or other local partners. Giving them confidence that the council is delivering to a national professional standard.
And finally, the scheme will contribute to the national reputation of local councils demonstrating achievements and a commitment to improvement.
Which level should we apply for?
You do not need to have all the criteria in place when you register, you are simply registering your interest in taking part in the scheme. You can apply for any award level - you don't need to start at Foundation.
Foundation Award
The Foundation award is for councils who want to show they meet a set of minimum standards to deliver effectively for their communities. To meet this award the council demonstrates that it has the required documentation and information in place for operating lawfully and according to standard practice. The council also has policies for training for its councillors and officers and so has the foundations for improvement and development in place.
The Foundation award allows you to benchmark your performance as well as challenging you to consider your councils continuing development and improvement.
Award Successes
Atherstone Achieve Foundation Level
Alcester Awarded Quality Status
Finham achieve Award
Sutton Coldfield a Quality Council
Useful Information
| LCAS Sample Action Plan 25 Downloads | 185.21 KB | |
| LCAS Sample Application Form 30 Downloads | 89.98 KB | |
| LCAS Sample Business Plan 24 Downloads | 581.51 KB | |
| Local Council Award Scheme Guide 161 Downloads | 162.61 KB | |
| The CPD Point Scheme 63 Downloads | 727.78 KB | |
| Tips for an Award Winning Application 20 Downloads | 20 KB |
