A rising star working to tackle teenage pregnancy and an innovative housing project delivering more than 1,000 high-quality new homes have both put Croydon on the map for excellence in local government.
A Croydon Council officer has been shortlisted for the rising star award, while Brick by Brick, the housing development company established by the council, has been shortlisted for the housing initiative award in the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2018. The awards are the biggest and most prestigious awards ceremony for the sector and seek to identify and recognise local government’s greatest innovators. The winners will be announced in a ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House venue on 21 March 2018.
Public health principal Denise Dixon (nee Blair), pictured above with the leader of the council, has been shortlisted for the rising star award for her work to tackle teenage pregnancy and improve sexual health outcomes. She was nominated for her ‘passion for public service and the community she serves.’ Since joining Croydon Council in June 2016, Denise’s innovation, clear strategic view and commitment has made a ‘huge impact’ on her colleagues, senior leaders and the local community. Her previous experience working for sexual health and HIV charities at both operational and strategic level – including stints in Kenya and Guyana – has helped her appreciate the benefits of collaboration and partnership. Denise is passionate about working as one team to improving outcomes for residents and her approach inspires others across the council.
The Croydon development company Brick by Brick has also been shortlisted in the LGC Awards 2018 for its smaller sites housing initiative. The programme is an exemplary housing development initiative which seeks to deliver in excess of 1,000 high-quality new homes on multiple sites across the borough. The scheme demonstrates that, by adopting an innovative commercial model and ensuring a careful consideration of the design approach to smaller infill sites, councils can create imaginative and viable housing schemes which have far-reaching benefits to the local community. Brick by Brick has thus far gained planning consent for an unprecedented 30 schemes across the borough, delivering around 50% affordable housing alongside new community facilities and improvements. The first batch of projects started on site in November 2017 and will complete next year.
“I’m really pleased that the LGC Awards 2018 have recognised some of the excellent work taking place in Croydon right now. Denise inspires others through her dedication and her experience, expertise and collaborative approach are making a real difference within our community, helping to reduce teenage pregnancy and improve sexual health. Meanwhile, through excellence in design and planning, Brick by Brick are delivering more than 1,000 high-quality new homes right across our borough, on sites previously considered unviable, and half of these will be affordable. Both are fantastic examples of public service at its best and of our council rising to meet the challenges of today.”
Jo Negrini, chief executive Croydon Council
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