Local authorities in England are now able to apply to take part in the Local Government Association’s (LGA) climate change-themed Design in the Public Sector programme.

The LGA has partnered with Design Council to lead the 18-week innovation programme to help councils tackle climate issues such as decarbonising transport, increasing uptake of active travel, improving air quality, and building environmental social value into council governance and processes.

Four introductory webinars will be open to all councils, free of charge, to explore how design thinking can be applied to address climate challenges. Councils interested in the programme have until 5pm on Friday 4 September 2020 to apply.

Cllr Peter Fleming, chairman of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: ‘Councils continue to show that they are best placed to innovate and lead on delivering the services their communities depend on.

‘To date, we have supported more than 70 councils and over 350 public sector leaders to adopt design tools and methods through Design in the Public Sector, and we are pleased to offer nine new councils the opportunities to continue on their improvement journey.

‘By working with the Design Council, participants will refocus their challenge around their residents and as a result, are more likely to develop more user appropriate systems and services, alongside progressing their climate action aims in their communities.’

Design Council’s chief executive, Sarah Weir, said: ‘The need to act on the climate crisis is clear. Design plays a crucial role in bringing about real, lasting change – with public sector workers being the ones who can create the conditions for that change.

‘We really look forward to working with local authority teams, teaching them all-important design skills, helping them to imagine new possibilities, and supporting them as they develop innovative ways to protect our precious planet, people and ecosystems.’