The Government has named Stockton Council as a Beacon Council five times since the scheme was inaugurated in 2001. The most recent award came in 2007/08 and was for excellence in highlighting the successful inter-agency partnership arrangements of the Emergency Planning Unit.
For all the Beacon topics, the Council and its partners have shared their experience and good practice with other authorities around the country.
The Council was previously a Beacon Council in the following fields:
What is a Beacon Council?
The Beacon Council Scheme is awarded for excellence in local government by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The scheme aims to raise standards in all Councils by spreading best practice. For more information, see the website of the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA)
Applicants undergo a rigorous assessment and successful Councils must show:-
- creativity and innovation in responding to local needs;
- a clear vision;
- consultation with stakeholders;
- clear plans for achieving targets;
- effective partnerships;
- successful outcomes, and
- user/community satisfaction with services
