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.
Wigan Council and partners implemented a targeted, insight-led programme to increase uptake of the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine in response to rising measles cases and declining vaccination coverage.
This case study demonstrates how a single, dedicated role can act as a catalyst for system-wide change—ensuring Service children are not only supported, but recognised, connected and able to thrive.
Liverpool is committed to reducing rates of violence within the city and caring for prisoners and their families. Their Prison Parenting and Engagement Lead has successfully integrated a number of programmes within HMP Altcourse that support not only fathers serving sentences, but their children at all stages of development, from antenatal to school age.
Nottingham City Council partnered with focusgov to co-produce 'Plugz', a mobile app designed with care experienced young people to improve access to support, information and opportunities. Since launching in 2024, more than 40 per cent of Nottingham’s care leaver cohort are regularly using the app, with 774 users and a 326 per cent year-on-year increase. Plugz provides a central, accessible tool with real-time updates, direct communication and tailored local content. Increased engagement across features such as events and discounts demonstrates how co-produced digital tools can improve accessibility, strengthen participation and support both young people and practitioners.
BookTrust and Barnsley Council’s Public Health and Communities Directorate partnered on a pilot in The Dearne to provide families in high-deprivation areas with increased access to shared reading support.
The ‘OK to Ask?’ campaign, delivered for Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, tackled youth-produced sexual imagery (YPSI) among 13–17-year-olds.
The Birmingham Local Area SEND inspection in 2018 highlighted the need to reduce waiting times for Speech and Language Therapist referrals. In response, Birmingham adopted the Balanced System Approach, focusing on family support, environment, workforce, identification, and intervention.
Little Jungle was founded in 2011 and is a privately-owned school of early childhood, providing care and education for up to 85 children between the ages of 10 months to 5 years old. Their approach is ever evolving and inspired by many schools of thought; in particular, those of the childhood centres of Reggio Emillia in Italy, famous for their excellence in early years education. At Little Jungle, Education has a strong role to play in establishing values for a positive society.
Recognising that fragmented perinatal parent infant mental health support led to poorer outcomes, Sheffield City Council brought together Health, the Local Authority and other key partners to create a citywide Perinatal Mental Health, Infant Mental Health, and Parent Infant Relationship connected pathway of care. The model has enabled increased integration and collaboration across services improved early identification, prevention and equity of access for communities experiencing marginalisation.