Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council has won the Senior Leadership Team of the Year title at the 2025 MJ Local Government Achievement Awards.
The awards, run by the Municipal Journal, recognise high standards in local government. BCP Council was selected from councils across the country and praised by judges for its “resilience and teamwork” during a time of political and operational change.
The authority, which is the tenth largest unitary council in the UK, was also shortlisted in four other categories, including Local Authority of the Year and Chief Executive of the Year.
Chief Executive Graham Farrant said the award reflects the hard work that has gone into uniting the three towns under a single organisation since 2019, as well as the council’s response to national and local challenges. He said the council is now “financially stable”, has achieved significant savings, and has improved services such as children’s social care.
Council Leader Councillor Millie Earl said the award recognises the council’s commitment to residents, despite facing “significant and unique challenges”.
The council highlighted the recent completion of its Transformation Programme, new digital systems, and progress in housing and social care services as examples of how it is improving outcomes for local people.
The award follows BCP Council being released from a Government Best Value Notice earlier this year.