The Beacon Award Scheme

General Beacon Information

The prestigious Beacon Award Scheme recognises excellence in local government. It was set up to help disseminate best practice in service delivery. Beacon themes are selected by government ministers, representing important public issues and key government priorities.

'Tackling Climate Change' was chosen as a Beacon Theme for 2008/9. Local Authorities have a vital role to play in tackling the causes and effects of climate change. Beacon councils have robust strategies in place to tackle climate change and can demonstrate that they are resulting in practical action to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of a changing climate.

Tackling Climate Change Theme Guide

Further information on the work of all six Councils awarded Beacon Status for 'Tackling Climate Change' can be found in the Tackling Climate Change Theme Guide

Worcestershire County Council's Application and Assessment

Before being awarded Beacon Status, the Council underwent a rigorous assessment process:

Stage 1: The Application. This outlined the council's work on tackling climate change in the community, through our own operations & more.	Download Worcestershire County Council's Beacon application  (136.19 KB) or read the case study on Preparing the next generation for climate change.
Stage 2: Assessment Visit. Government assessors visited Worcestershire to find out more about our work. They saw various presentations and had the opportunity to question officers, councillors and others. They were also taken on a tour of Red Hill School by several pupils.
Stage 3: Final presentations. Several senior councillors and officers gave a final presentation and interview to a panel of experts in London. The awards were then announced at a ceremony in March 2008. Just six councils in the country received the award in the Tackling Climate Change theme.

What happens next?

During the forthcoming Beacon year, Worcestershire County Council will work with the other 5 Beacon Authorities (London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Eastleigh Borough Council, Middlesbrough Council and Woking Borough Council) to disseminate information about the good practice that has led to the award. This work will be funded by money from central government, provided as part of the Beacon Award. See the Beacon Resources section for further information.