Maldon District Council has been announced as a finalist in the Smarter Working Live Awards 2021, which celebrates innovation, collaboration and excellence in the public sector.

The awards, which are in their second year, recognise the significant achievements made towards smarter working and the innovation demonstrated by individuals, teams and organisations to drive positive change.

The council has been recognised for the work it has done to transform its workforce throughout the pandemic, alongside the innovative ways in which it has continued to provide greater flexibility in the use of the council offices - for example by transforming them into a vaccination hub.

Councillor Wendy Stamp, leader of the council, said: "I am delighted that the council has been announced as a finalist in these high profile public sector awards.

"I am extremely proud of the way in which the staff, supported by members, have risen to the challenge to continue to deliver services in what have been very challenging circumstances."

The council has also been recognised for the partnership working it is doing alongside its workforce transformation.

It established the future ways of working group to develop several initiatives in efforts to ensure that services could continue to be delivered - this included a hybrid working policy for staff.

This hybrid policy has enabled staff to choose whether they would like to work in the offices, remotely or a mixture of both.

This has led to fewer car journeys to the offices, which is reducing the council's carbon footprint.

Councillor Stamp added: "I will keep my fingers crossed when the winner is announced on 25 November, but to have reached the finalist stage is something to celebrate."