The Council has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The nomination for Most Improved Council acknowledges the bold steps the organisation has taken to deliver improved services that make a difference to people's lives.
Just a few years ago, Sheffield faced significant challenges and has been working hard to become more strategic and rebuild public trust. Instead of accepting the status quo, the Council listened, re-evaluated, and took decisive action.
Today, Sheffield City Council is guided by a clear mission and purpose – ‘Together we get things done’ - creating a Council which reflects the opportunity, ambition, diversity and resilience of our city.
At the centre of this mission is the Council Plan which provides the organisation with a clear view on what it will achieve in the coming years, aligned to the resources available to deliver. It allows residents, city partners and investors to know where the Council is headed, what it stands for and give even more opportunity to hold the organisation to account.
The Council Plan is broken down into five outcomes Sheffield City Council plans to achieve for the city:
- A place where all children belong and all young people can build a successful future.
- Great neighbourhoods that people are happy to call home.
- People live in caring, engaged communities that value diversity and support wellbeing.
- A creative and prosperous city full of culture, learning and innovation.
- A city on the move – growing, connected and sustainable.
‘Together we get things done’ has led to collaboration with partners, staff, and residents. For example, Sheffield’s City Goals have informed the Council Plan. The Goals were co-produced with partners and communities across the city, setting a common thread of aims throughout everything the city is working towards.
Setting the Council's direction has allowed for further strategies to develop, such as the Growth Plan. The Council has worked at length with businesses, the community, and global economic experts to develop a plan which suitable for Sheffield – the fourth largest city in England and core city in South Yorkshire – and to highlight the contribution it can make to the North and the UK.
And the organisation’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. The Local Government Association (LGA) has praised the Council’s shift in tone and vision, noting it now appears “more upbeat, optimistic and strategic.”
Likewise, national partners such as Homes England and the Minister for Housing have commended the Council’s regeneration efforts, such as the Heart of the City project, and collaborative approach to delivering results.
Senior leadership have focused on identifying what makes Sheffield unique and what it has to offer, setting out its ambitions and bringing national partners, such as Government, along on the journey and gaining their support for the Council’s vision.
For example, late last year, Sheffield was chosen as one of four locations for the Public Service Reform Test and Learn programme. The programme aims to tackle some of the public sector’s biggest challenges and the Government, including Minister Georgia Gould, recognised the excellent work taking place within the Family Hubs service,
At the heart of Sheffield’s improvement is a focus on outcomes. The Council is delivering tangible benefits across services — from family support and housing to community development. Ofsted’s most recent inspection report highlighted Sheffield’s success in providing early help for families, allowing more children to remain safely at home.
This transformation has also been driven by self-awareness and a culture of accountability. To ensure openness and transparency with the public, the Council has introduced Outcomes and Performance Frameworks which measure the organisation’s progress against the spirit and intent of each priority in the Council Plan.
One city partner stated it during the LGA review:
“It feels like night and day between now and 4–5 years ago. We’re now having a different conversation with the Council.”
Being shortlisted for Most Improved Council of the Year is a milestone — but it’s also a moment to celebrate the collective efforts of staff, partners, and communities who have helped turn the Council around.
“This nomination is a testament to the hard work, honesty, and determination of everyone who works for Sheffield City Council, all our teams and partners across Sheffield. We’ve been on a tough but important journey and our aim is to become the Council our city deserves — one that’s focused, collaborative, and relentlessly committed to delivering for our communities. This recognition is not the end point, but a powerful signal that we’re on the right track.”
Kate Josephs, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council