Surrey scoops national awards double

An innovative approach to young people’s services has helped Surrey County Council scoop an awards double.

The drive to transform young people’s services saw community groups take over running youth centres and savings of £1.8m a year for taxpayers.

Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Change and Efficiency Denise Le Gal

It won the council the Best Public Procurement Project category in the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Awards.

Surrey’s second award came in the category for Best People Development initiative, which rewards high-quality staff training.

In the past two financial years the council’s procurement team has saved £56 million by driving harder bargains, helping the council’s overall savings climb to £130m.

Denise Le Gal, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Change and Efficiency, said: “These awards set the gold standard across both the public and private sectors. To earn one is impressive but winning two at the same time is unheard of for a local authority.

“The fact that our work is being highlighted to our peers and the public as examples of excellence will contribute to our aim of being the best council in the country.

“Our procurement team deserve high praise indeed for this achievement and I’m sure our staff will continue to ensure that we get the very best deal for Surrey’s taxpayers.”