The 2025 Local Government Challenge recently drew to a close, with the last two events hosted by Harlow DC and Knowsley MBC, followed by the programme final held at the Local Government Association's (LGA) Annual Conference.
Set within the London-Stansted-Cambridge Innovation Corridor, Harlow DC has ambitions to become a key economic hub. The council invited the cohort to develop content for a staff training guide that would help streamline procurement processes, deliver better value and generate measurable social impact, considering the recently introduced Procurement Act 2023.
The challenge required balancing cost efficiency with sustainability, compliance and community benefit – objectives that aligned with Harlow's broader mission to transform housing, revitalise neighbourhoods and secure long-term investment.
Team Ascend opened the presentations with a proposal centred on a cultural shift in procurement. Their ‘Four Ds' framework – Define, Design, Deliver, Discover – emphasised shared responsibility across the procurement lifecycle and prioritised the inclusion of small and medium-sized enterprises and social value. Their approach aimed to embed these principles into every stage of the process.
Team Visionaries followed with an ambitious redesign of the procurement system. They introduced the ‘Heart of Harlow' gold standard, a concept designed to fast-track procurement. Their proposal also included the use of artificial intelligence to transition from paper-based systems to a fully digital service, streamlining operations and improving accessibility.
Both teams impressed the judges with their innovative thinking, however the panel settled on awarding Team Ascend the win for their proposal that the judges felt could be implemented straight away.
The final challenge with Knowsley MBC took place at the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot. Here, the focus shifted to the pressing issue of sustaining ambition in children and young people from education into employment.
With the challenges complete, the four 2025 finalists were announced to advance to the LGA Annual Conference in Liverpool to showcase their projects to delegates and a judging panel that included representatives from the LGA, Essex CC and The MJ
Hosted in the borough crowned Council of the Year 2024 at The MJ Awards, the challenge aligned with Knowsley's new council plan, which prioritised tackling inequality and driving social regeneration.
The cohort were tasked with developing strategies to support youth aspirations in a region marked by stark contrasts between affluence and deprivation. Both teams immersed themselves in the local context, engaging with council leaders, local stakeholders from a range of sectors – including business, education and third sector – and inspirational members of the Knowsley Youth Cabinet, to gather opinions about how these challenges could be tackled.
In addition, an insights session, presented by the council, revealed rich data and intelligence to inform these engagement sessions.
Team Ascend once again emerged victorious with their Destination Passport concept – a lifelong career journey tool designed to connect young people with local opportunities and showcase regional talent. Their proposal emphasised collaboration with local businesses and stakeholders to deliver meaningful social value. Central to the pitch was the culturally resonant BOSS framework: ‘Believe, Opportunity, Support, Succeed' – a rallying call tailored to Knowsley's cultural identity.
Team Visionaries also presented compelling ideas, including TED-style talks to inspire both youth and parents, and a partnership-driven approach to education and employment pathways. While both teams were praised for their creativity and insight, Ascend's localised, actionable plan ultimately won the day.
With the challenges complete, the four 2025 finalists were announced to advance to the LGA Annual Conference in Liverpool to showcase their projects to delegates and a judging panel that included representatives from the LGA, Essex CC and The MJ.
Mike Campbell from Waltham Forest LBC proposed Ripple: Powering Prevention, a bold initiative designed to help the council shift from conceptualising prevention to delivering measurable outcomes.
Representing North Yorkshire Council was Rebecca Dentith with The TEA Programme, leveraging Lean Six Sigma training to empower business analysts and drive data-informed transformation.
Jess Finnin of Havering LBC brought history to life with Bonds Through History, a community cohesion project grounded in the lived experiences of local residents.
At the awards ceremony, presented by LGA senior vice-chairman Cllr Kevin Bentley, alongside LGA chair Cllr Louise Gittins, it was announced that Harriet Vitty from Liverpool City Council is this year's winner for The Real Voice Framework, a principled model for integrating AI into the SEND system that prioritises co-production.
Annette Aiken is programme support officer – One Public Estate at the London Government Association
