Silver accolade for NKDC’s Building Control team at local government awards
A North Kesteven District Council service which promotes building safety and legal compliance has been named one of the best small teams across local government in the country.
The NKDC Building Control team was praised for the “consistency” of its approach and the “quality of outcomes delivered” as it received the Silver Award for Small Team of the Year at this year’s Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards.
The nomination outlined how the Building Control team had “not only adapted but excelled” in meeting the significant challenges Local Authority Building Control services nationwide faced implementing the major reforms required following the Grenfell Tower disaster.
The Building Control team ensures construction projects comply with building requirements and safety standards, and in 2025 delivered an exceptional year of growth, performance, professionalism and leadership amid unprecedented regulatory and operational change.
Despite significant restructuring, demanding new national competency standards, and rising service pressures, the team were able to modernise core processes, strengthen compliance and enhance the quality, consistency, and responsiveness of the service. Recent audits by the Building Safety Regulator and Lincolnshire Assurance also highlighted the service’s quality outcomes in promoting building excellence and high safety standards in North Kesteven, and in supporting City of Lincoln and West Lindsey councils.
Responding to NKDC’s awards entry, the judges commented that it provided “an excellent account of a team’s journey from formation through to successful delivery, both locally and regionally, set against a challenging sector”.
The judges said: “Strong examples of individual support, professional development, and collaborative working demonstrate a team culture that is both high-performing and human. The judges were impressed by the consistency of the team's approach and the quality of outcomes delivered.”
Councillor Mark Smith, who has Executive Board oversight of public protection, said: “This national award is testament to the team’s hard work, the consistency and quality of their delivery, and highlights how they have thrived despite the challenges facing Local Authority Building Control services nationwide.
“I am immensely proud of their achievements and they deserve huge credit.
“I’d also like to congratulate the other teams from North Kesteven District Council who have been shortlisted for awards this year.”
The Council was also shortlisted in three other categories at the LGC Awards:
Economic Support category – Sleaford Regeneration
Housing category – Lafford Homes
Public/Private Partnership – Lincolnshire Environmental Crime Partnership (ECP)
NKDC was also named as the winner of the Best Use of Media Award at this year’s Empty Homes Network Awards.
In addition, the Council was also shortlisted for other awards this year:
· Best Council Services Team – Planning (Municipal Journal Achievement Awards)
· Norfolk CC, North Kesteven and West Lindsey DCs’ Cyber Technical Advisory Group (MJ Achievement Awards)
· NKDC and Equans – Partnership of the Year (Retrofit Academy Awards)
· ‘Clean Energy – Power’ category (APSE Energy Awards)
· Cliff Dean, Chief Information Officer for Digital, Data and Technology – Cybersecurity Advocate/Educator of the Year (Cybersecurity Excellence Awards)