Warwickshire’s response to pandemic regulations up for national award

Warwickshire’s response to the biggest regulatory challenge in decades is up for a national award.

Warwickshire County Council (WCC) and partners have been shortlisted for The Association for Public Service Excellence Award for their joint approach to ensure Covid-19 Regulations were followed by local businesses.

Of the 4,300 interactions by the partners with businesses over compliance with the regulations since March 25 2020, enforcement action was taken on only six occasions.

As well as the county council, the united approach included WCC’s Environmental Health, Trading Standards and Community Safety teams, district, borough and city councils, Public Health, Warwickshire Police and the fire service to ensure Covid-19 regulations were consistently applied.

The council says its success was due to an emphasis on informal advice and support, rather than enforcement.

This included guides and information for staff, operators and senior managers, as regulatory framework and guidance changed throughout the pandemic.

They have delivered more than 30 webinars since June 2020 for every business sector, as well as a diverse range of events, including remembrance and religious occasions and high profile sporting events.

WCC leader Izzi Seccombe said: “I’m delighted and proud that the county council and our partners have been shortlisted for the APSE Award.

“As a result of our joined-up working, residents and business have not only seen consistency in terms of advice and support, but also transparency in the way we have applied the Covid-19 regulations.

“While seeking compliance, we have at the same time, placed an emphasis on support and information to businesses, only using enforcement powers on the rare occasions when all other avenues have failed. The collaboration and consistency that lies at the heart of this approach provides a long-lasting legacy of co-operation between partners that will last well beyond the pandemic.”