Municipal Journal award win for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Invision360 adoption

Here at Invision360, we’re still very much in celebration mode as one of our local authority clients, and pilot partners, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council won this year’s Digital Transformation Award at The Municipal Journal Achievement Awards.

Joining them as one big team at the MJ Awards ceremony at The Park Plaza in Westminster on Friday 23 June 2023, was an absolute pleasure.

Having created the award entry together, we knew that Head of SEND and Inclusion, Joanne Mills and her team had a compelling digital transformation story to tell. We’re thrilled that the judges could see the impact of the introduction of the Invision360 EHCP audit tool.

It was really quite emotional to hear the Judging panel’s feedback. In talking about how Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has embraced the Invision360 tool to help improve the lives of children, they said:

“Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s new EHCP tool is a brilliant example of how digital innovation can make a positive and direct impact on children and effectively change their future. The solution has already proven to be scalable and has been adopted by over 40 councils.”

A big impact

Within the entry, Joanne not only spoke about the incredible EHCP quality improvements. She talked about how Invision360 has had a profound impact on cultural dynamics and shared accountability.

Sharing what the Municipal Journal Achievement Award win means to her and her team, Joanne, says:

“We were in good company at the ceremony, with so many talented and committed public servants from local authorities across the UK all in one room. It was heartening to hear how everyone had achieved so much in their roles for the benefit of the publics they serve. Just to be part of that group of professionals as a finalist was awe-inspiring, but to actually win our category was a very unexpected and wonderful surprise.

“It isn’t often in our line of work that you get to reflect on where you’ve come from and where you have got to, and to celebrate success. When we look back on what our EHCP quality was like in 2019 compared to what it is now, it’s unrecognisable. Of course we are not perfect, or always outstanding, but we have moved that measuring stick a long way – and so we should!"

Taking passionately about the level of scrutiny that Invision360 enables, Joanne adds:

“Invision360 allows us to systematically take each tiny element of the EHCP, scrutinise it and focus on what needs to improve. It has given us the technology to efficiently measure the quality of where we were and compare each and every step towards where we want to be for our children and young people – better!”

A true collaboration

Phil Stock, Founder and CEO of Invision360, who continues to work closely with Joanne and her team, adds:

“I was absolutely delighted to see Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s commitment to driving SEND improvements recognised in this way. Winning the Municipal Journal Digital Transformation Award is a real accolade, and thoroughly well-deserved.

“The award is not just about the capability of Invision360. It recognises how Joanne and her team have advocated for improving EHCP quality and engaged partner services across their Local Area to meet this objective.

“I was super proud to reflect on the role Invision360 has played in this improvement journey. Providing Stockton with the digital tool and support to successfully implement this transformation has been a true collaboration.

“Hearing directly from parents and families on how their child's outcomes have improved has made the whole Invision360 team immensely proud and gives us further motivation to continue developing our software. A HUGE well done to Joanne and her team.

“To use Joanne’s words, Invision360 and Stockton are changing the goalposts for children and young people. What is ‘good’ is not good enough anymore, it’s what’s ‘outstanding’ now!”

Adding to this and talking about what’s next, Joanne shares:

“Winning the award alongside our Parent Carer Forum and our digital partner Invision360 is an immensely proud moment for us all, a true partnership. But, of course, in true fashion, we’re already onto the next ambitious project with Invision360.”