Plymouth City Council shortlisted for four national LGC Awards – recognising innovation, inclusion, sustainability, and housing transformation

Plymouth City Council has been shortlisted for four national awards at the prestigious Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2025, selected from over 1,000 submissions from councils across the UK. The shortlist highlights a diverse portfolio of innovative initiatives that are improving lives across the city, spanning skills, inclusion, sustainability, and housing.

A standout among the finalists is Skills Launchpad Plymouth, nominated for the Innovation Award for its collaborative, city-wide approach to improving outcomes for local people through better access to skills, training, education, and employment. The initiative brings together training providers, employers, and support organisations to ensure joined-up support that removes barriers and enables more residents to engage with opportunity, particularly those who face the most disadvantage.

Skills Lead, Emma Hewitt and Skills Launchpad Manager, Jo Lacy presented the project to a panel of judges who include the great and good from both within and outside the local government sector, alongside a number of past winners, earlier this year. Judges praised the initiative, commenting: “This entry demonstrates the power of systems-led partnerships in providing access to information for people with additional support needs. The project is commendable, with clear outcomes and positive partnership working.”

Also nominated are:

• the Supported Internships team, shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusion Award, was recognised for helping young people with special educational needs and disabilities transition into meaningful employment through inclusive, personalised internship pathways

• Plymouth’s Habitat Bank, a finalist for the Environmental Services Award, was acknowledged for its innovative approach to biodiversity net gain and nature recovery through the restoration and long-term stewardship of vital green spaces

• the Stirling Veterans’ Self Build Project, nominated for the Housing Award, which empowers former service personnel through a self-build model that enhances wellbeing, skills development, and housing independence.

Reflecting ahead of the awards, which will take place in London next week, Emma Hewitt said: “These LGC Award nominations highlight how Plymouth is delivering real change through innovation and collaboration, rooted in our ambition for a fairer, greener, and more inclusive economy.

Skills Launchpad Plymouth, in particular, reflects the priorities of our Economic Strategy, tackling inequality, raising aspirations, and supporting people to develop the skills they need to access good work and thrive.

By bringing together employers, training providers, and support organisations, we’re creating a more joined-up, responsive system that helps residents overcome barriers and seize opportunities. This is about long-term impact, building a resilient city where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can contribute to and benefit from economic success. We’re proud to see our approach recognised nationally, and even prouder of the local partnerships making it happen every day.”

Fingers crossed for the team at next Wednesday’s event.

For more information about the event, visit the LGC Awards 2025 homepage.