Birmingham City Council has been shortlisted for the Efficiency and Effectiveness Award at the IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards 2026, recognising the innovative work of The Foundry, the council’s digital service design and delivery model.
This national recognition places Birmingham alongside leading public sector organisations who are reshaping how services are created, improved, and delivered for communities across the UK.
Driving a Modern, Efficient and User‑Centred Council
The Foundry represents a new way of working for Birmingham City Council. By bringing product, design, research and delivery expertise together, it enables teams to build services that are:
- User‑centred – based on real insights from residents and staff
- Efficient and reusable – reducing duplication and saving time across teams
- Continuously improved – tested, refined and iterated as needs evolve
- Aligned with the council’s wider transformation goals
Being shortlisted in the Efficiency and Effectiveness category is clear recognition that this approach is delivering meaningful outcomes and supporting the council’s journey to becoming a more modern, financially resilient and digitally enabled organisation.
Transforming Services Across the City
Through Foundry, Birmingham has modernised and improved a range of digital services that support both residents and internal operations.
These improvements are helping the council:
- Reduce avoidable contact
- Improve service accessibility
- Strengthen data‑driven decision making
- Support staff with clearer, more consistent processes
- Deliver better experiences for residents
The IESE nomination demonstrates that Birmingham’s approach is not only delivering benefits internally, but is now being recognised as an example of best practice within local government.
A Collaborative Council‑Wide Effort
This achievement reflects the dedication of teams across Digital & Technology Services and the many council services who have partnered with Foundry to design new ways of working.
It highlights the strength and commitment of colleagues across the organisation—bringing together product, technology, policy and service teams to create meaningful, long‑lasting improvements.
Shaping the Future of Digital Services in Birmingham
As Birmingham continues its transformation journey, The Foundry will play a key role in building services that are efficient, scalable and centred on the needs of the people who use them.
This nomination is a milestone moment, celebrating the progress made so far and the foundations now in place to accelerate digital transformation across the city.
Congratulations to everyone involved. This recognition shows Birmingham is leading the way in public sector innovation.