How to apply

The COSLA Excellence Awards focus on the work that local government and its partners are doing to help make Scotland’s communities better and fairer places.

The Awards highlight projects which are delivering new thinking, which can be rolled out across the country and beyond, and above all, which are making a real difference to people’s lives.

We want to hear about large or small scale activities, but above all else you will need to show how you are being ground breaking, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of what you do, and how you are contributing to the priorities facing your community.

Results are important, and so we want to know what you’ve already achieved, or the improvements that your project is going to deliver.

In particular, we want to help others in local government and elsewhere learn about your achievements and share your solutions to changing needs and budgets. That might mean more early intervention and prevention, and bringing new perspectives to old problems.

Above all, we are looking for a clear outline of the impact that you have had, how you have been innovative or achieved best in class performance, and why you should be considered for a COSLA Excellence Award.

Ready to apply? We recommend reading our FAQs here first to support with the most commonly asked questions about entries / eligibility.

Click here to go to the online application for the 2024 COSLA Excellence Awards

Click the image above to apply, or go type: bit.ly/COSLAAwards24 into your internet or mobile browser.

Need support completing your application?

Read our FAQs here - these should help answer the most commonly asked questions about the COSLA Excellence Awards process and applications.

If you experience any difficulties during the application / submission process please email: christine@cosla.gov.uk. Our team can offer guidance on completing your application and an alternative accessible/printable (word document/PDF) format if required.

Timetable

Key dates for your diary

  • Applications will open on Monday 8th April, 2024.
  • The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 3rd June 2024.
  • Judging will take place over the summer, shortlisting to a final three in each category.
  • Finalists, will be invited to present to an adjudication panel at COSLA’s offices in Edinburgh on either Wednesday 14th or Thursday 15th August.
  • All finalist teams will be invited to the awards ceremony which is expected to take place on Thursday 19th September when winners will be announced. Further details will be shared on the COSLA website and our social media channels as soon as possible.