Trust triumph at LGC Awards 2024

Birmingham Children’s Trust staff are celebrating, after picking up a win at the LGC (Local Government Chronicle) 2024 Awards event.

The Trust won the LGC ‘Children’s Services’ Award 2024, sponsored by Attenti Consulting, beating six other local authorities and a total of eight other finalists.

The Awards ceremony was held in London at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane on Wednesday 12 June 2024. The guest host was TV star Will Mellor. 

Andy Couldrick, Trust Chair, said: “I could not be prouder of the recognition that the great Birmingham Children’s Trust team has received with this award.

“We set out in 2018 to harness the skills of our people and build a strong and resilient service for the city’s most vulnerable children. It’s great that our progress, and the efforts of so many practitioners, support staff, leaders, managers and Board members has been recognised in this way.”

James Thomas, Trust Chief Executive added: “I am so proud of everyone in the Trust who has worked so hard in recent years to improve the services we provide to the most vulnerable children and families of our great city. 

“It is fantastic to have this recognition for our staff who bring their commitment, passion, skills and focus upon children and their needs to work every day.”

Birmingham Children's Trust staff collect the LGC Award 2024 in the 'Children's Services' category

The LGC Awards judging panel said: “Well done to Birmingham Children's Trust! The judges were wowed by the Trust's unwavering commitment to driving change in even the most challenging circumstances. By embracing a holistic approach and centring the voices of children and youth, they have fostered a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

“Through collaborative efforts with partners and the Council, they have navigated external challenges seamlessly, showcasing the transformative impact of their work through what judges described as a powerful presentation showcasing real-life experiences. Their dedication serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that positive change is not only achievable but essential in creating a better future for all.”

This was the summary of the Trust's submission:

Being the best we can be - Birmingham Children's Trust, established in 2018 to address 15 years of failure, has transformed services for children in Birmingham and is now 'Good'. We have done this through partnership, innovation and a focus on enabling our people to be the best we can be. Our values, our vision and our strategic planning have created a new culture and enabled our services and our people to develop and to grow, with a team of 2000 that is engaged motivated and committed to do better for the city's most vulnerable.

• You can see all the winners (and finalists) by visiting the LGC Awards website.