The MJ Local Government Achievement Awards have announced today that Torbay Children’s Services Learning Academy has been Commended in the Workforce Transformation category in this year’s awards.  

The goal of Torbay Children’s Services in-house Learning Academy is to help the children’s services workforce build their professional skills and futures with the service, supporting brighter futures for some of the most vulnerable children in Torbay.  

The success of the Learning Academy has contributed towards a measurable impact on the service. At the time the awards application was submitted, workforce turnover had reduced to 16% from 26% in the period of September 2020 to January 2022. Torbay’s reliance upon agency staff in the same period had fallen to 18% from 43.8% and the staff vacancy rate had also fallen significantly from 38.7% to 18%. Since January 2022, staff vacancies have seen a continued improved reduction to a rate of 5% at present.  

Cllr Cordelia Law, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Torbay Council, said; “This award is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the success the Learning Academy and on the development of our workforce. We have been informed that this year there were a record number of entries, so we are thrilled to be recognised.  

“Ensuring there are proficient skills is essential to the future of a successful service as we continue to provide well-led, consistent, and quality services to help Torbay children and their family’s flourish.”  

The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 24 June at the Park Plaza in Westminster, with each category judged by influential commentators from the private and public sectors.