Social Services Delivery Innovation Award

This award recognises a public authority or social services provider that has introduced an innovative, creative and impactful approach to improving social services delivery in Europe. The innovation may involve new service delivery reforms, models, or approaches that enhance the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of social care and support, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities.

Examples of key areas of innovation in social services delivery:

• Person-Centred and Co-Designed Services – Developing user-led innovations that empower individuals, families, and communities to shape services that meet their needs.
• Use innovation to enhance social services delivery efficiency, reducing waiting times, administrative burdens, and improving access to services.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement, embedding innovation as a core element of social services delivery.
• New Workforce Development Models – Introducing innovative ways of organising the workforce to strengthen the social care workforce and attract new talent.
• Raising Standards in Service Delivery – Implementing new care models, tools, or strategies that improve service quality, consistency, and excellence in social services.

Special consideration is given to initiatives that:

• Demonstrate innovative approaches including co-design and person-centred care and support, ensuring services are tailored to individual needs of people using social services.
• Promote new ways of engaging the workforce, addressing new organisational ways, attracting and retaining talent. 
• Demonstrate measurable impact, with evidence of improved outcomes in relation to service delivery for service users and communities.
• Are scalable and transferable, offering a model that can inspire similar innovations across Europe.