Chair announced for new government award scheme
Mathew Little
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Dame Denise Platt, chair of the recently abolished Commission for Social Care Inspection, is to chair a new government award scheme to recognise innovation and excellence in local government.
Platt will begin work on 1 May, succeeding Marianne Hood as chair of the Beacons Panel. Details of the new award scheme, which will replace the 10-year-old Beacon scheme, will be announced in the summer.
Beacons awards acknowledged innovative work in various aspects of local government, including progress in reducing child poverty.
Communities minister Sadiq Khan, said: "We're already working with the Local Government Association on the main principles of the scheme, including a stronger focus on the most pressing issues and ensuring that the best examples of performance are passed on to others. I am convinced that with the help of Dame Platt's guiding hand we will see a strong and influential award scheme launched this summer."
The first awards are due to be made in 2010.
Platt has been appointed for three years and will be paid £9,000 for 30 days work a year.
