A Beginners Guide
Beacon: a shining light or source of guidance or inspiration to others
This is the kind of neat definition that suits a multi-million pound scheme. But does becoming a beacon offer anything more than a pat on the back?
Beacon generic guide (PDF, 7 pages, 678KB)
How it works
Beacon status is granted to those authorities that demonstrate a clear
vision, excellent services and a willingness to innovate within a specific
theme.
Each year, Communities and Local Government (CLG) announces a list of the
beacon themes for the next 'round'. All best value authorities are invited
to submit bids for recognition of their own local projects, services and
achievements. Submissions are evaluated by an independent advisory panel.
After ministers make the final decisions, a small number of authorities
are awarded beacon status.
Why it is different
At first glance, the beacon programme looks like any other award scheme that has been operating for years.
The difference is the Beacon Scheme is not a test of how high a council can jump to clear a pre-determined bar of exemplary performance. It is highly competitive, and the winners are deemed to demonstrate a higher level of excellence and innovation than other contenders.
This is not about reaching a set yardstick. What sets the Beacon Scheme apart is the responsibility to be proactive in sharing information and expertise with others.
Raising morale, improving performance
What is in it for the authorities that seek an award? Why would they burden themselves with the additional paperwork required for a submission?
The answer is in the impact that beacon status has on staff morale and the recognition of successful councils. Beacon status raises the profile of an authority nationally and has a positive impact on how local people view their council and its employees.
Research undertaken by the Warwick Business School also demonstrates that former beacon authorities rate their current performance capacity consistently higher than non-beacons.
Beacon themes
To date (2007), there have been eight rounds of the beacon scheme. So, are the themes in each round hot topics? Or hot air?
Judging by the response to previous rounds, it does seem as if a great
many councils are keen to achieve beacon status on the themes chosen each
year. Almost every local authority in England has applied for beacon status
in at least one of the seven years in which the scheme has operated. And
the relevance of the chosen themes does not seem to be confined to those
achieving beacon status.
Research has identified that 79 per cent of authority representatives that
attended a beacon learning event said that they had instigated change at
their own authority as a result of what they had learned.
Choosing the themes
Ruby Dixon, Beacon Head of Programmes at the IDeA, confirmed that this was the most significant factor affecting applications.
"Over the years the themes have changed to reflect the dynamism of
public service improvement and the diversity of people and places. Whilst
the themes are still predominantly focused on specific services, we have
seen the emergence of few themes that are intentionally cross-cutting and
based on partnership working.
In the last few rounds, we have seen some important themes that cover 'big'
services - schools, housing, planning, children and young people and social
care. These are largely relevant to larger Unitary authorities, and districts
and other best value authorities may feel left out. However, I believe that
some of the broader themes such as: preventing anti-social behaviour, partnerships
and agreements, and increasing the role of the voluntary sector allow for
plenty of opportunity for all types of authorities to showcase their creativity,
best practice and excellence in responding to local needs.
The Scheme is undergoing a significant period of change and development, so look out for themes that will respond to the challenges authorities face with migration and change through integration and cohesion; recognise the place shaping role of authorities, and strengthen their opportunities to share practice and ideas with international peers".
Global outreach
Can the Beacon Scheme be extended beyond the UK? Does it have a place alongside the globally-networked, industry-benchmarked, ‘best of class’ knowledge-sharing tools being developed elsewhere?
Similar schemes are already in place in a number of other countries, including, the United States and Wales. The IDeA also received a request from a former Yugoslavian state to assist in developing a council awards scheme. The idea of a trans-national improvement and knowledge-sharing programme along the lines of the beacon council scheme may not be so far-fetched.
The role of government and the IDeA
The Communities and Local Government (CLG) are the policy lead but the programme is managed by the IDeA under a service level agreement. While CLG Ministers have final discretion over which authorities are awarded beacon status, they are guided by the advisory panel.
The IDeA is responsible for managing the scheme and the administration behind the application and assessment processes. The IDeA also assigns consultants to work directly with beacons to facilitate the sharing of information with other local authorities.
The IDeA works on the development of the scheme on behalf of both CLG and the advisory panel and periodically puts forward suggestions for change. The IDeA is also responsible for the marketing and organisation of the award ceremony and learning exchanges.