SEND support, efforts to combat costly foster care, and commitments to improving young people’s lives were all commended during Friday night’s ceremony.
The 2026 MJ Awards took place on Friday 19 June at the Park Plaza Hotel in London. The awards recognise achievements in local government over the past year.
Cumberland Council were named winners of the Children’s and Adults’ Services award as a result of their efforts to involve care-experienced young people in decisions about their services. Martin Birch, director of children and family wellbeing, said the local authority felt ‘incredibly proud to receive this national recognition.’
Image: the winners of the Children’s and Adults’ Services award
‘This award reflects the dedication of our colleagues, partners and, most importantly, the young people we work alongside every day,’ he continued. ‘Their insight, creativity and determination is the driving force behind everything we do.’
Cllr Emma Williamson, deputy leader and portfolio holder for children’s services, family wellbeing and housing at Cumberland Council, added: ‘Winning this award reflects our commitment to putting people first, empowering young people, and working in partnership to deliver better outcomes.
‘We are proud of the progress we are making with care experienced young people, and we will continue to build on this success to create brighter futures across Cumberland.’
Among other winners, Helen Bailey of London Borough of Sutton, won Chief Executive of the Year for her people-centred leadership.
Image: Helen Bailey accepting her award
Her achievements include securing a £500m deal for the London Cancer Hub, establishing London’s first council-owned multi-building children’s home, and turning a former council HQ into a hub for young people with SEND.
Staying in the capital, London Borough of Enfield won the Delivering Better Outcomes award for its New Beginnings – Breaking the Cycle, Changing Lives initiative.
Image: London Borough of Enfield with their trophy
The programme aims to cut repeat care proceedings in a borough where rates stand at 33%, compared with 25% nationally. The service offers 18 months of intensive support to mothers at risk of losing their children, with a focus on early intervention and reducing reliance on foster care.
Moving over to the Midlands, Birmingham City Council was named as this year’s winner of the Innovation in Reducing Health Inequalities.
Image: winner of the Innovation in Reducing Health Inequalities
The local authority was praised for its work to tackle health inequalities among sex workers. According to the judges: ‘This project provides practical support to a group of people who are often overlooked or ‘under the radar’ of traditional services. It focuses on prevention as well as addressing the very real needs of a group of extremely vulnerable people.’
A full list of this year’s MJ Award winners can be found here.
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