A pioneering Digital Health and Care Technology Service helping residents live safely at home and an officer who helped us move families out of hotel accommodation - saving the council £8.7 million - have earned national recognition at the LGC Awards 2026.
Greenwich's Digital Health and Care Technology Service was named winner in the Health and Social Care category, while former council officer Rob Allen received the Rising Star Award, recognising his exceptional contribution to local government young leadership.
The national awards, run by the Local Government Chronicle, recognise excellence and innovation across local government, celebrating councils and individuals making a real difference to communities.
The Health and Social Care award recognises innovative projects that improve outcomes for residents, strengthen integration between health and social care services, and promote collaboration across public, private and voluntary sector organisations.
Greenwich’s Digital Health and Care Technology Service won for its personalised digital support to help residents live safely, confidently and independently at home using simple, accessible technology.
Launched last year, this fully integrated joint initiative between the council and local NHS services is the first of its kind and provides residents with tailored support through technology such as voice assistants, video doorbells, smart home monitoring, and remote health monitoring. Developed through extensive co-production with residents, carers and professionals, the service helps people maintain their independence while ensuring they can access support when they need it.
The service is delivered through a partnership between the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, South East London Integrated Care Board, Rethink Partners and technology provider Alcove, supported through the wider Healthier Greenwich Partnership.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Communities said:
“We are incredibly proud that our Digital Health and Care Technology Service has received this national recognition. This award reflects our commitment to helping residents live independently, safely and with greater confidence in their own homes.
“What makes this achievement particularly special is the partnership behind it. I’d like to thank our residents, carers, staff and partners at Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, South East London Integrated Care Board, Rethink Partners, Alcove and the wider Healthier Greenwich Partnership for helping us create a service that is already making a real difference to people’s lives.
“By embracing innovation and working together, we are transforming how health and social care is delivered in Greenwich and ensuring residents receive the right support at the right time.”
The council is also celebrating the success of former employee Rob Allen, who won the Rising Star Award.
The award recognises exceptional young local government officers who are already making a significant impact and demonstrating the leadership potential to shape the future of the sector.
Rob was nominated for his outstanding leadership and collaborative approach while working at the council, particularly for his role leading the Temporary Accommodation Cost Reduction Programme. Through his leadership of multi-disciplinary, cross-directorate teams, the programme reduced the number of families living in hotel accommodation and helped improve the council’s financial position by £8.7 million.
Councillor Jackie Smith, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Greenwich Builds & Estate Regeneration said:
“Everyone deserves a decent, safe, and secure home and we know that spending time in temporary accommodation can have a significant impact on families’ wellbeing. The work recognised through this award helped us reduce the number of families living in temporary accommodation and improve outcomes for residents facing housing challenges.”
“We are delighted to see Rob Allen recognised with the Rising Star Award. Although Rob has since moved on from the council, this award reflects the outstanding contribution he made during his time here. We congratulate him on this well-deserved achievement and thank him for the impact he had on our organisation and residents.”
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said:
“Winning two LGC Awards is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the talent, dedication and innovation of our staff and partners. In Greenwich, we’re focused on getting things done to improve people’s lives, and these awards are a powerful endorsement of that approach.”
The double success highlights Greenwich’s continued commitment to delivering innovative services, supporting residents, and developing leaders who make a lasting difference to local communities.
Residents who would like to learn more about the Digital Health and Care Technology Service can visit the council’s website.