Skip navigation

tab tips roll overs for main navigation

Who we are and what we do

Information about our services and programmes of work

The latest good practice we’ve gathered from the sector.

Online discussion forums and communities of practice

Improvement and Development Agency

Accessibility options

Contrast:

Site second level navigation

Beacon award

Browse the glossary:

0-9
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W, X, Y, Z

Definition

The Beacon awards were designed to help authorities to learn from each other and share best practice.

Best value authorities could apply for Beacon status in specific service areas identified by ministers at the start of each annual round.

The assessment of applications was undertaken by an independent panel. This was supported by Communities and Local Government, the relevant government departments and the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA).

Beacon status was granted to selected authorities in recognition of excellence in a service area. Authorities had to demonstrate a clear vision, high customer satisfaction and a willingness to innovate within a specific theme. To obtain Beacon status, applicants showed that they have good overall performance, not just in the service area for which Beacon status was applied for.

The Beacon scheme ended in March 2010 and was replaced by the Local Innovation Awards scheme.