The Beacon Scheme was set up to share best practice in service delivery across local government.
Every year the Government selects different themes for the beacon scheme.
These themes are chosen due to their importance in the day-to-day lives of the public and they are key to improving the quality of life in all our communities.
All Best Value authorities can apply to become a beacon. The final decision is made by government ministers based on recommendations made by an independent advisory panel.
Once selected as beacons, authorities hold beacon status for a year. During this period the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA)works with them to facilitate the sharing of good practice through a series of learning exchanges, open days, peer support and other learning activities.
The winners are a small number of authorities who can demonstrate a clear vision, excellent services and a willingness to innovate within a specific theme.
As well as raising the profile of a council nationally, beacon status can have a positive impact on the perceptions of local people and the way that they view their council and its employees, as well as a positive impact on the morale and recognition of staff in successful councils.
