iNetwork is an organisation with over 120 members across the Northwest, Yorkshire and Humberside established to confront the most pressing challenges in the local public sector. The Innovation Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate, learn and share innovation across the local public sector and its partner organisations.

Since 2014, the iNetwork Innovation Awards have successfully cast a light on projects and teams that have delivered transformation and excellence in public service delivery. By highlighting outstanding projects across the sector, the Innovation Awards represent the perfect opportunity to come together and celebrate the brilliance and dedication of public servants, and their partners, as they strive to deliver more effective and better value services for their communities.

Wyre Council entered the Innovation Awards for the first time earlier this year, showcasing the vital Wyre Moving More strategy for the borough under the Partner Excellence Award category. This award recognises outstanding performance from partner organisations and celebrates innovation, collaboration, efficiency and going the extra mile in partnership working.

Following the submission, Wyre Council faced stiff competition from a range of other shortlisted finalists including the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council and Trafford Council and were crowned worthy winners at the ceremony.

Wyre Moving More highlights the successful, collaborative, multi-agency partnership work, led by Wyre Council, on the development of an innovative new five-year physical activity strategy for Wyre, which aims to embed a culture of ‘moving more’ and thereby increase physical activity levels across Wyre communities. Working together with Lancashire County Council, UCLAN, Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Active Lancashire, Wyre and Fylde School Sports Partnership, local Primary Care Networks, Fleetwood Town Community Trust and Fylde Coast YMCA, Wyre Council is looking to strengthen the connections between sport, physical activity and health and wellbeing.

Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement said:

“This win is testament to our success and our collective long-term commitment to help Wyre residents to feel healthier, happier and better connected to their communities through physical activity along with our amazing partners.

“Wyre Moving More is an ambitious and extremely valuable initiative, that has a multitude of cross-benefits for our communities. It is one of the Council's key Council Plan commitments and the adoption of this 'movement' among partners, stakeholders and local influencers in the sport and health and wellness fields has been so encouraging following the launch of the strategy.”

Learn more about the iNetwork Awards at https://i-network.org.uk/innovation-awards-winners-2024-25/