COSLA Excellence Awards 25
COSLA Excellence Awards – Guidance for Moray Council Services
The COSLA Excellence Awards celebrate the best work happening in Scottish local government. They’re about recognising innovation, partnership, and real impact in our communities.
Why Enter?
This is your chance to:
- Showcase your team’s achievements
- Share your success with others across Scotland
- Gain recognition for the difference you’re making
Key Dates
- Applications open: Tuesday 6 May 2025
- Deadline to submit: Friday 4 July 2025 at 5.00pm
- Awards ceremony: Thursday 13 November 2025, Fairmont St Andrews
Award Categories
You can submit your project or service under one of these five main categories:
Leading Innovation – New ideas, creative solutions, or smarter ways of working.
Improving in Partnership – Working with others to deliver better outcomes.
Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health – Helping people live healthier, fairer lives.
Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy – Empowering local people and groups.
Building Towards a Just Transition – Supporting environmental and social sustainability.
There are also special awards chosen from across all entries.
How to Write a Winning Submission
Here are some tips to help your application stand out:
Tell a Clear Story
- What was the problem or challenge?
- What did you do?
- What changed as a result?
- Use plain language and avoid jargon.
Show the Impact
- Use facts, figures, and feedback to show what difference your project made.
- Include quotes from service users or partners if you can.
Highlight Innovation
- What’s new or different about your approach?
- Could others learn from or copy your idea?
Keep it Focused
- Stick to the word count.
- Be clear and concise – judges read lots of entries.
Get a Second Opinion
- Ask a colleague to read your draft – does it make sense to someone outside your team?
Submitting Your Entry
Send your entry to pr@moray.gov.uk by Friday 13 June – all council entries will be approved by CLT, checked by comms to avoid duplication and submitted on behalf of the council.
Final Tips
- Start early – don’t leave it to the last minute.
- Choose the category that best fits your project.
- Be proud – this is your chance to shine!
Examples
Here are some real examples of successful submissions from previous COSLA Excellence Awards to help inspire your own:
Example 1: Tackling Inequalities and Improving Health
Project: “Warm Welcome Spaces” – Inverclyde Council (2023)
What they did: In response to the cost-of-living crisis, Inverclyde Council created a network of community spaces offering warmth, food, and social connection during winter.
Why it won: The project showed strong community collaboration, immediate impact on vulnerable residents, and a scalable model for other councils
Example 2: Leading Innovation
Project: “Digital Learning Hubs” – West Dunbartonshire Council (2024)
What they did: Developed digital learning centres in libraries to support digital inclusion for older adults and jobseekers.
Why it won: It tackled digital exclusion creatively, with measurable outcomes like increased digital confidence and employment support
Example 3: Strengthening Communities and Local Democracy
Project: “Community Choices” – Clackmannanshire Council (2024)
What they did: Introduced participatory budgeting, letting residents vote on how to spend local funds.
Why it won: It empowered communities, increased civic engagement, and built trust between the council and residents
Example 4: Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy
Project: “Green Islands” – Orkney Islands Council (2023)
What they did: Piloted renewable energy projects on remote islands, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Why it won: It combined environmental innovation with community benefit, showing leadership in climate action
Example 5: Improving in Partnership
Project: “No Wrong Door” – Glasgow City Council & Health and Social Care Partnership (2024)
What they did: Created a joined-up support system for young people leaving care, involving housing, education, and health services.
Why it won: It demonstrated deep collaboration, long-term thinking, and strong outcomes for a vulnerable group