THE TESSAs… RECOGNISING OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN THE UK PUBLIC SECTOR
November ‘27 sees us recognise the achievements of UK local authorities and NHS Trusts across the UK. These awards highlight excellence in the vital services and operations that are delivered every day - supporting communities, driving economic growth, and improving quality of life for residents.
We will gather for an afternoon packed full of recognition and celebration. We kick-off with a Pre-Lunch Reception, including a ‘Champagne Social Media Competition’.
We then sit for a three course luncheon before the Award Ceremony begins, crammed full of examples of innovation and endeavour.
Sponsorship opportunities for 2027 are available, and tables can be purchased to ensure you enjoy a unique afternoon of celebration. And if you’re lucky, maybe a key client of yours will pick up a TESSA to
The categories available for sponsorship are listed below.
- TECHNOLOGY
- ESTATES AND FACILITIES
- SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT
- SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS
- AWARDS (MAIN)
Awarded to local authorities and NHS organisations that demonstrate robust approaches to safeguarding data and protecting digital infrastructure. Judges will look for strong governance, risk management, staff awareness, and compliance with regulations, alongside proactive strategies to mitigate emerging threats.
Recognising local authorities that effectively integrate technology to create smarter, more connected communities. This includes the use of IoT, data platforms, and digital infrastructure to improve urban management, sustainability, and quality of life for residents.
Recognising local authorities and NHS organisations that effectively harness data and analytics to inform decision-making, improve services, and predict future needs. Judges will look for evidence of data-driven strategies, integration across systems, and demonstrable impact on outcomes and operational performance.
Awarded to local authorities and NHS organisations that have successfully implemented digital technologies to transform services, improve efficiency, and enhance user experience. This includes the adoption of new platforms, automation, and digital-first strategies that deliver measurable benefits to both residents and internal operations.
Recognising local authorities and NHS organisations that are leveraging AI and automation to improve efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery. This award celebrates innovative use of technologies such as machine learning, chatbots, and robotic process automation to streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance resident experience while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Awarded to councils that have modernised their IT infrastructure through cloud adoption and scalable platforms. Judges will look for secure, resilient, and cost-effective solutions that enable flexibility, improve service performance, and support future innovation across the organisation.
This award recognises local authorities that demonstrate outstanding performance in maintaining clean, safe, and well-presented streets and public spaces. It celebrates effective street cleansing, rapid response to issues, and proactive maintenance of roads, pavements, and public areas. Judges will look for innovation, community engagement, efficient resource use, and measurable improvements in cleanliness standards, resident satisfaction, and overall environmental quality.
This award highlights local authorities and NHS organsations that are transforming facilities management through innovation. Entries should showcase the use of technology, new service models, or process improvements that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve the performance and usability of public buildings.
Recognising councils that demonstrate outstanding management of their property portfolios through proactive maintenance, lifecycle planning, and efficient asset utilisation. This award celebrates strategic approaches that maximise building performance, minimise downtime, and deliver long-term value while ensuring safe, compliant, and well-maintained environments for staff and the public.
Recognising local authorities that deliver high-quality building projects or refurbishments on time and within budget. Judges will look for strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and outcomes that enhance functionality, sustainability, and user experience across public sector estates.
Recognising organisations that have strengthened the resilience of their estates and maintained essential services during disruption. Entries may cover emergency planning, severe weather, infrastructure failure, security incidents, or other operational challenges. Judges will look for effective risk assessment, strong contingency planning, successful partnership working, and evidence of improved preparedness, recovery, and service continuity.
This award celebrates public sector organisations that make smarter and more effective use of buildings and spaces. Entries should demonstrate how estate rationalisation, flexible working, shared facilities, occupancy analysis, or property transformation has improved utilisation. Judges will look for measurable efficiencies, reduced costs, better user experiences, and the release of space or assets for alternative uses.
Recognising councils that deliver efficient, innovative, and sustainable waste and recycling services. This includes improvements in recycling rates, waste reduction initiatives, and community engagement that supports environmental goals.
This award recognises local authorities that demonstrate outstanding commitment to keeping residents safe through effective prevention, protection, and partnership working. It celebrates initiatives that reduce crime, improve community resilience, and enhance emergency response through close collaboration with police, fire and rescue services, the NHS, and other partners
Recognising outstanding initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of local populations. This includes preventative programmes, partnerships with NHS, and innovative approaches that deliver measurable improvements in physical or mental health outcomes.
Awarded to councils that lead the way in improving the environmental performance of their buildings. This includes retrofitting, energy management systems, and low-carbon technologies that reduce emissions, lower energy costs, and support broader climate commitments while maintaining high-quality facilities.
This award recognises a local authority that has delivered an outstanding zero-emission fleet deployment, demonstrating leadership, ambition and measurable environmental impact. Entries should show how electric, hydrogen or other zero-emission vehicles have been successfully introduced across council operations or contracted services.
This award recognises an NHS Trust that has delivered an outstanding zero-emission fleet deployment, demonstrating leadership, ambition and measurable environmental impact. Entries should show how electric, hydrogen or other zero-emission vehicles have been successfully introduced across its operations or contracted services.
Awarded to local authorities that have significantly improved the quality, reliability, and accessibility of public transport services. Judges will look for evidence of effective partnerships, investment in infrastructure, and initiatives that enhance passenger experience while increasing ridership and supporting inclusive mobility.
This award recognises local authorities and NHS organisations that demonstrate outstanding procurement and commissioning practices, delivering maximum value for money while supporting strategic objectives. It celebrates transparent, efficient, and innovative approaches to sourcing goods and services, including strong supplier relationships, social value delivery, and support for local economies. Judges will look for evidence of compliance, sustainability, and measurable outcomes that enhance service delivery and community impact.
This award recognises local authorities that have successfully planned and delivered comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across both public spaces and workplace settings. It celebrates strategic, scalable approaches that support the transition to low-emission transport, including equitable access, innovative funding models, and effective partnerships. Judges will look for measurable impact, user accessibility, future-proofing, and clear contributions to net zero and sustainability goals.
This award recognises local authorities that demonstrate outstanding performance in maintaining and improving road networks. It celebrates proactive and innovative approaches to highways management, including preventative maintenance, rapid repairs, and effective use of data and technology. Judges will look for measurable improvements in road condition, safety, and user satisfaction, alongside efficient use of resources and strategies that minimise disruption for residents and road users.
This award recognises local authorities and NHS organisations that build productive supplier partnerships while delivering wider benefits for communities. Entries should demonstrate effective collaboration, transparent contract management, and achievements such as local employment, apprenticeships, support for SMEs and voluntary organisations, reduced inequalities, or increased community investment.
Recognising outstanding performance in the storage, transportation, and distribution of goods, equipment, and essential supplies. Entries should demonstrate how improved logistics, fleet management, route planning, warehousing, or delivery processes have reduced costs and delays while increasing reliability, sustainability, and service quality.
This award recognises an NHS organisation that has achieved exceptional operational performance. Entries should demonstrate how effective leadership, skilled teams, technology and well-designed processes have improved reliability, safety, productivity and patient care.
Judges will consider performance measurement, asset utilisation, maintenance standards, compliance, workforce development, cost control and resilience.
Submissions should provide clear evidence of measurable improvements, efficient use of NHS resources and benefits for patients, employees and communities.
The winning organisation will demonstrate a sustained commitment to continuous improvement and provide an inspiring model of operational excellence for the wider NHS.
This award recognises a local authority that has achieved exceptional operational performance in delivering its services. Entries should demonstrate how effective leadership, skilled teams, technology and well-designed processes have improved reliability, safety, productivity and customer service.
Judges will consider performance measurement, asset utilisation, maintenance standards, compliance, workforce development, cost control and resilience. Submissions should provide clear evidence of measurable improvements, efficient use of public resources and benefits delivered for residents, employees and service users.
The winning authority will demonstrate a sustained commitment to continuous improvement and provide an inspiring model of operational excellence for local government.
SPONSOR A TESSA - ALIGN YOUR BRAND WITH EXCELLENCE IN THE UK PUBLIC SECTOR
For more information on becoming a sponsor at The TESSAs, email tessa.sponsorship@psigroupltd.co.uk and a member of the TESSA team will be in touch.