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.
Social Services Delivery Innovation Award 2025 Nominees
Title: “Working Together: Everyone Benefits”
Organisation: Skills for Care and Development, United Kingdom
More information here: https://setrust.hscni.net/
Title: “Elevating Standards: A Journey through Care in Practice”
Organisation: South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust (SET) Local Engagement Partnership (LEP), United Kingdom
More information here: https://skillsforcareanddevelopment.org.uk/
Title: “Customer Experience Effortless Project”
Organisation: Abu Dhabi Social Support Authority, United Arab Emirates
More information here: https://ssa.gov.ae/en
Title: “Supporting Social Services Responding to Violence, Harassment & Aggression (VHA)”
Organisation: Tusla Irelands Child and Family Agency, Ireland
More information here: https://www.tusla.ie/about/
Title: “Lokaal Signaal – a Digital Tool & Process”
Organisation: Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities (VVSG), Belgium
More information here: https://www.vvsg.be/
Title: “Raising Quality in Malta's Social Services Through Licensing Innovation”
Organisation: Social Care Standards Authority, Malta
More information here: https://suara.coop/en
Title: “DOST: A Citizen-Centered, Digitally-Driven Social Innovation”
Organisation: Agency for Sustainable and Operative Social Provision (DOST Agency), Azerbaijan
More information here: https://dost.gov.az/en/
Title: “Assistive Robotics in Care Homes: Enhancing the Quality of Care”
Organisation: Suara Cooperative, Spain
More information here: https://suara.coop/en
Registrations to attend the 2025 ESSA Ceremony are now open, and voting will begin in October.
