Past and Present Winners

Winner - Charlotte Smith, North West Leicestershire District Council, who impressed the judges for their strong leadership and use of initiative in a number of areas from legal work stream processes to equality and diversity impact assessment protocols, whilst championing the profession to students and promoting the profession to the next generation. 

Highly Commended - Susan Desfontaines, West Northamptonshire Council, for an impressive array of enforcement proceedings protecting both the environment and community health via a destruction order in respect of 2.7million pounds worth of imported vapes.

Winner - Commercial Property, City of Wolverhampton, for their impressive array of hugely impactful regeneration projects benefiting the Arts and culture of the city together with an ambitious empty property programme, innovative High Court applications for historic CPO compensation, community engagement highlighting and encouraging a career in local government and a number of wonderful testimonials.  

Highly Commended -  West Midlands Combined Authority Legal Team & The Joint Legal Team, Reading Borough Council, it was incredibly difficult to choose this category so, the first were selected for their impressive and complex work on huge investment programmes and grant funding together with glowing testimonials and the second was for their impressive team integration and positive impact in the field of children and adult social care.

Winner - Jeanette Thompson, North Herts Council, won the Legal Professional of the Year Award for her work in investing in people, promoting inclusion, changing culture through effective ethical governance, embedding the protection of women from abuse throughout the council and demonstrating sector leadership beyond their own council.

Highly Commended - Chris Simmonds, City of Wolverhampton, was recognised for his significant financial savings to the council bringing back in outsourced work, for innovation in the recovery of outstanding monies, but moreover for their incredible outreach work providing opportunities for work experience together with a dedication to local government which explodes off the page.

Peter Endall, Warwickshire County Council, received the award for his warm and heartfelt nomination which reflected the deep respect and admiration that Peter earned. Peter has made a genuine, lasting contribution to their community and is a true example of public service at its very best.

Winner - Nicki Agalamanyi, West Northamptonshire Council, won the Suki Binjal Rising Star Award for her passion for mentorship and promotion. Nicki is a true force for growth, always lifting others up, encouraging development, and inspiring those around them. A positive presence, supportive, driven, and deeply committed to their community, caring deeply about equality for all and opportunity. 

Highly Commended - Ifan Aslam, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, was recognised for his Leadership and Mentorship Qualities together with Community Engagement and a Commitment to Public Service.