Renfrewshire shortlisted for Council of the Year at UK awards

Renfrewshire Council has been shortlisted for ‘Council of the Year’ at a UK-wide awards ceremony – with seven individual projects also nominated. 

The seven projects being recognised at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards is the highest number of nominations of any council in the UK. 

APSE is a not-for-profit organisation that celebrates local authorities providing outstanding frontline services and transformative projects.  

Renfrewshire is one of eight local authorities from across the UK nominated for the top award, and one of three Scottish councils in the running.  

The following initiatives are up for an APSE award: 

• Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) – Best Public/Private Partnership 
  AMIDS is transforming Renfrewshire into a hub for high-tech industry, driving economic growth and creating highly-skilled jobs. It has already attracted global firms like Boeing and Rolls Royce, and has led to cutting-edge infrastructure, including a low-carbon District Heating Network and improved transport links.  
• Playpark Renewal Programme – Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative 
  Refurbishing play parks across the region into modern, inclusive spaces shaped by community input. Part-funded by the Scottish Government, recent upgrades in Johnstone and Paisley, including Barshaw Park, have been a big success with the local community, with more playparks to follow.  
• ‘Meet Millie’ AI Customer Advisor – Innovation and Demand Management 
  Scotland’s first AI-powered council assistant, Millie has handled more than 120,000 customer calls and saved £110,000. Automating common enquiries with Millie lets staff prioritise complex cases and help more people, more quickly.  
• Supporting Our Carers – Best Workforce Initiative 
  Provides enhanced support for employees with caring responsibilities, leading to improved engagement, retention, and service quality.  
• Arnotts Site Redevelopment – Best Housing, Regeneration or Planning Initiative 
  The site of a former department store in Paisley was transformed into new homes and commercial space, supporting town centre living and contributing to wider investment in Paisley. 
• Menopause Support Programme – Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative 
  Provides paid leave, flexible working, and peer support for staff experiencing menopause, helping build a more inclusive and supportive workplace. 
• Soft FM Remodel – Best Service Team: Facilities Management 
  A major transformation in facilities management across schools and nurseries, introducing multi-skilled roles, new management structures and digital tools to improve service delivery, staff support and operational efficiency.   

Renfrewshire Council Leader Iain Nicolson said: “To be shortlisted for Council of the Year and lead the UK in nominations is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication and innovation of our teams. 

“These projects showcase how we’re delivering smarter services, investing in inclusive communities, boosting the economy by regenerating our town centres, and supporting the wellbeing of our workforce.  

“We’re also developing strong partnerships that enhance infrastructure and attract investment, helping Renfrewshire grow as a place to live, work and do business. I’m incredibly proud of all our colleagues whose work has earned this national recognition.” 

Winners will be announced at the ceremony in Glasgow on Thursday 11 September 2025.