A COUNCIL has been announced as a finalist for an award recognising achievements made towards smarter working.

Maldon District Council has been announced as a finalist in the Smarter Working Live’ Awards 2021.

The awards, which are in their second year, celebrate the innovation demonstrated by individuals, teams and organisations to drive positive change.

The council’s submission focuses on the work done to transform the council’s workforce throughout the pandemic.

It also recognises the innovative ways the council has "continued to provide greater flexibility" in the use of the council offices, for example by providing a Covid vaccination hub.

And it highlights the partnership working that is being undertaken alongside the workforce Transformation.

A Future Ways of Working Group was established to develop initiatives to ensure services could continue to be delivered including a hybrid working policy.

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

The council says fewer car journeys into the offices is creating a "positive environmental impact" and contributing to a reduction in it's carbon footprint.

Wendy Stamp, leader of Maldon District 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.

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