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We're shortlisted for Most Improved Council at LGC Awards 2026

Millmead Offices

We're delighted to share that we have been shortlisted for the Most Improved Council category at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards 2026. This national recognition highlights the real progress made through our comprehensive Improvement Plan, which has focused on strengthening governance, improving services, and rebuilding trust with residents.

The LGC Awards shine a spotlight on the best and most innovative work happening in local government, highlighting positive change across the UK. Being shortlisted puts us alongside a small group of local authorities recognised for delivering clear, measurable improvements in a short period of time. 

A significant milestone   

This shortlisting reflects the coordinated effort across the Council to deliver genuine, lasting change. Developed with staff, councillors and external partners, the Guildford Improvement Plan has focused on:  

  • Financial stability and transparency - strengthening financial controls, improving reporting and ensuring clearer oversight.  
  • Better governance - creating more transparent decision-making and strengthening relationships between officers and councillors.  
  • Modernising services - redesigning key services to be more efficient and accessible, and making sure they reflect residents' needs.  
  • A customer first approach - improving responsiveness and ensuring communities remain at the heart of everything the Council does.  
  • Workforce engagement and organisational culture - building a more collaborative, accountable and forward-looking organisation.  

Councillor Julia McShane, Leader of the Council, said:  

"Being shortlisted in the LGC Awards is a real credit to the hard work of our staff, councillors, residents and partners, who have all helped to drive our Improvement Plan forward with energy and commitment. We know there's more to do but being recognised shows that the changes we're making are real, measurable, and already making a difference for our communities."  

Pedro Wrobel, Chief Executive of Guildford Borough Council, added:  

"Guildford Borough Council has been through quite a journey over the last two years, but I cannot be prouder of the progress that we have made together. To be shortlisted as one of the most improved councils in the country is an encouraging signal that we are moving in the right direction. We will continue to build on this progress to deliver the best possible services for our residents and businesses, to make Guildford a brilliant place to live, work and do business."  

The shortlisting follows the recent publication of our latest performance figures, which marked a significant moment in two years of determined improvement. The data shows a consistently positive picture across all services. Internally, the Council is now demonstrably stronger with tighter governance, growing external assurance and a level of financial resilience not seen for many years.

You can view the full shortlist on the LGC Awards 2026 website.

Published on: 20 February 2026