The MJ Awards Testimonials

The MJ Awards is an event like no other. Think of it as the Oscars for Local Government. You'll leave the awards feeling inspired, uplifted, and that anything is possible. 

You don't have to take our word for it! Read the wonderful testimonials we received from the 2025 event.

Durham County Council
Kevin Ferguson Road and Street Works Systems Supervisor Durham County Council

Sharing the venue with some of the best and brightest in local authorities was a real honour, and it really help stoke the fire of innovation and possibility in me.

Orchestras Live
Stuart Bruce Senior Creative Producer Orchestras Live

The MJ Awards is a fabulous event in recognising and celebrating the often unseen but vital work behind the scenes at local authorities across the UK. Being involved has given our organisation a boost and encouraged us to continue with our endeavours in creative health work that supports vulnerable people in society.

Inspiring Music in Central Bedfordshire
Charlotte Payne Head of the Music Service - Inspiring Music Inspiring Music in Central Bedfordshire

"We were absolutely delighted to attend the MJ Achievement Awards at the Park Plaza Hotel on Friday 20th June. The event was a true celebration of the dedication and innovation taking place across local government, and it was an honour to be among such inspiring colleagues from around the country.

The evening was impeccably organised — from the warm welcome to the uplifting hosting by Sally Phillips, it felt both special and inclusive throughout. Being named the winner of the Innovation in Building Diversity and Inclusion award for our Count Me In: A Head Start Approach was a moment we’ll never forget. It was both humbling and energising to have our work recognised on a national stage.

On behalf of Inspiring Music and Central Bedfordshire Council, thank you for providing such a valuable platform to highlight the work happening in local services. The recognition has meant a great deal to our team and has already helped spark wider conversations and connections around inclusive practice in music education."

Derby City Council
Scott Redfern Digital Commercialisation Enforcement Governance and Innovation Manager Derby City Council

As a first time attendee it was a wonderful experience and professionally delivered with a great host.

Age UK Surrey
Terence Martin Planning for Your Future Adviser Age UK Surrey

You live in your own bubbles and don't realise all the amazing work that is being undertaken by local authorities, and partners in their areas, to make people's lives better.  The positivity and pride were palpable and a pleasure to see.

Westmorland and Furness Council
Peter Thornton Cabinet Member Westmorland and Furness Council

A good event which has inspired us to come back with more entries next year!

Cornwall Council
Jonathan Blackman Environmental Health Team Manager Cornwall Council

It was an excellent opportunity to meet like minded, passionate colleagues from across the Country. The day served as a reminder that we're part of a much larger team working to support and improve the lives of those in the communities we serve.

Stoke on Trent
Robert Littler Locality Connector Stoke on Trent

It was a great experience and a lovely venue also nice to be able to speak to people from other areas about the works that are being done throughout the country.

Surrey County Council
Siobhan Abernethy Information, Advice and Engagement Lead, Adults, Wellbeing and Health Partnerships Surrey County Council

It was great to be acknowledged for our programme of work. Our whole council is sharing in the celebrations and delighted with the recognition.

North Northamptonshire Council
Edward McDonald Deputy Leader/ Executive ASC North Northamptonshire Council

Morale boosting for those in attendance, positive recognition by their peers, local and national of their impact on their communities.

Parenting Service
Theresa Cameron Parenting Coordinator Parenting Service

Within our local authority, we work above and beyond to support our families. Our service relies heavily on parents who volunteer to facilitate evidenced based parenting support programmes for Sutton's parents.

Our volunteers are provided with intensive training and supervision in order to provide the best service possible to our residents. They go above and beyond in their own time, without pay and they are fully committed in helping families to thrive.

Today, we were able to bring some of our volunteers to the award ceremony to thank them for all they do for Sutton's families. We were truly honoured to be shortlisted and although we didn't win in our category, we all left the venue feeling like winners.

Such a wonderful day where we were all spoilt. We absolutely loved it and it has made us even more determined to keep going. We all felt valued.

West Oxfordshire District Council
Cllr Andy Graham Leader West Oxfordshire District Council

A great advert for what really is being achieved in local government and for our communities nationwide.

North Somerset Council
Joe Tristram Councillor North Somerset Council

The MJ Achievement Awards are a wonderful place to find out what our colleagues across the UK are doing and congratulate them for it. A real feel-good event!

Tendring District Council
Barbara Pole Economic Growth and Enterprise Manager Tendring District Council

As a local authority, we work hard to make a difference and put our District at the front of everything we do.  Our project is the most deprived area of the country where media coverage is usually negative and hurtful to what is an amazing community.  By being part of these awards and for this project to be recognised, gives us a chance to change perceptions and shout about the good things happening in Jaywick and putting them on the map for something positive and award winning.

Northumberland County Council
Philip Hunter Assistant Chief Executive Northumberland County Council

A real celebration of all that's great about local government...fantastic to meet up with so many 'leading lights' form the sector.

Age UK
Rachel Harrison Senior Living Well Support Officer Age UK

I was amazed at how many councils there are and it was so lovely to watch everyone cheer acheivements of a council they may previuously have known nothing about.

Adult Social Care Stoke On Trent City Council
Stephanie Lancaster North Locality Connector Trent City Council

It's nice to see what other councils are doing well. Business networking is always good to enhance and reflect on our work and roles within the council.

London Borough of Lewisham
Tracey O'Mahoney James Workforce Development Lead London Borough of Lewisham

Attending this event generated an atmosphere where people felt energised, inspired and most of all proud of all the work we do in supporting the communities we work alongside. Our work is not always celebrated, this event celebrated all of us and the organisations we work for. I look forward to seeing these awards being recognised by our communities who can join us in celebrating.

Westminster UNISON
Christopher Smith Branch Secretary Westminster UNISON

Westminster City Council were shortlisted for an award at the MJ Achievement Awards 2024. It was amazing and you should enter for the 2025 awards to celebrate what your staff do for your community.

Wakefield District Council
Andrew Wallhead Chief Executive Wakefield District Council

The MJ awards 2024 showcased the very best in local government achievement. Well done to all the entries, short list and winners in the 2024 awards.