The COSLA Excellence Awards celebrate the very best of local government in Scotland, and aim to recognise and celebrate the people who work tirelessly to support our communities, day in and day out.

Announcing that the 2023 awards are open for applications on Monday 3rd April, COSLA President, Councillor Shona Morrison, said: “I’m delighted to announce that COSLA’s 2023 Excellence Awards are now open for applications.

“Councils are made up of exceptional people who deliver services which are vital to the wellbeing of individuals and families. They are often ‘unsung heroes’ of our communities, and that’s why I’m so pleased we can have the opportunity to honour their achievements and the impact of the hard work local authorities do with our awards.”

This year, our judging panel will evaluate entries in five categories, reflecting some of COSLA’s highest priorities as laid out in our 5-year plan:

• Category 1: Service Innovation and Improvement
• Category 2: Achieving Better Outcomes for the Most Vulnerable in Partnership
• Category 3: Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health and Wellbeing
• Category 4: Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy
• Category 5: Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy

Ms Morrison continued: “It will be brilliant to be able to welcome finalists from all five categories to our in-person awards ceremony in Crieff, Perthshire this year, taking place on Thursday the 28th of September.

“Hearing about the great work councils do every day is always inspiring, and I’m looking forward to hearing of excellence in service delivery from councils at this year’s Excellence Awards.”

Applications can be made at this link.