The Children’s Services team at Dorset County Council has ben shortlisted for a national award.

It has been recognised for the way it actively involves children, young people and families in designing and delivering services they use.

The National Government Opportunities (GO) has selected the children’s commissioning, procurement and participation teams as a finalist in the category “Excellence in Public Procurement Awards 2014/15”.

Over the last year, young people have given their views on priorities, and on a wide range of services including leisure, education, health and social care through workshops and focus groups and have played a big part in selecting providers who will deliver services to them. They have also been working closely with suppliers of goods and services to ensure they offer value for money and are designed in such a way that they encourage young people to make full use of them. Rebecca Knox, Cabinet Member for children’s services at the county council, said “The views of children and young people are greatly valued and have a real impact in the planning of future services for them. It is also a great way for young people to develop new skills.

“Being nominated for this award is a fantastic recognition of the work done by the commissioning, procurement and participation team to involve children and young people in delivering services that affect their lives.

“Local government has lots to shout about, and these awards are part of that.

"With continual reductions in budgets it is important that we do things more effectively so that the vital services residents expect, and rely on, can be protected and improved.

“While we will not know whether we will go on to win the Award until 19 March, even achieving finalist status is a great commendation for all involved.”

The Award Ceremony will take place later this month at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Birmingham.

Since 2002, the National GO Awards have been the benchmark by which progress in this multibillion-pound sector has been measured.

Grahame Steed, lead judge for the National Go Award, said: “This year’s submissions into the National GO Awards demonstrated the incredible breadth and depth of activity, innovation and commitment across the sector. The judging panel was impressed by the desire of all shapes and sizes of organisation to make positive change to their approach to procurement. Every finalist deserves the recognition that the National GO Awards bring, and we look forward to the presentation ceremony on 19 March in front of the leading influencers and decision makers in this sector.”