The manager of a programme supporting care leavers into employment has won a national award at a ceremony which saw two Staffordshire council receive some of the highest honours in local government.
Staffordshire County Council’s Chloe Kelly was presented with the Rising Star accolade at the MJ Awards held in London last week.
At the same celebration, Tamworth Borough Council won the Community Engagement awards for its We are Tamworth programme.
Chloe was recognised for her leadership of the Care Leavers into Employment initiative, that has already supported more than 90 care leavers into education, employment and training.
Working with local businesses, the initiative matches young people with suitable opportunities while helping employers access a motivated and often overlooked talent pool.
The programme has attracted national attention, with government ministers taking an interest in its approach. The team is also due to present its work and future ambitions at the Houses of Parliament as it explores how the model could be expanded more widely.
Chloe said: “I feel incredibly grateful and proud to have received this recognition – it honestly means so much to me. But this award really isn’t just about me. I’ve been so lucky to have the support of an amazing team, strong leadership, and the wider backing of Staffordshire County Council, and I couldn’t have achieved this without them.
“This really feels like just the beginning. I’m passionate about making a lasting difference for care leavers, and I’m determined to keep building on this work to create even more opportunities and positive change.”
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, said: “The award is thoroughly deserved and reflects the difference she is making to the lives of young people across Staffordshire.
“This programme is helping care leavers access opportunities, build confidence and develop the skills they need to succeed, while also connecting local employers with talented and motivated young people.”
Tamworth Borough Council’s We Are Tamworth initiative was launched following rioting and unrest in the town and has since delivered a series of projects designed to strengthen community cohesion.
Judges praised the programme for its lasting impact, strong outcomes and sustainable approach to community empowerment.
Projects include the Kaleidoscope of Dreams festival, which attracted more than 3,000 people in 2025, with a second event due to take place on 4 July, the Unity Shield community art project and the We Are Tamworth Crowdfunding platform, which has helped raise almost £85,000 for grassroots projects.
Stephen Gabriel, the council’s chief executive, said: “We are very honoured to receive this accolade. We were up against some incredible projects and winning this award is a tremendous achievement for Tamworth and, most importantly, for the residents, community groups, schools, businesses and partners who have helped shape We Are Tamworth.
“This programme was built on a simple principle: listening first. By giving people a genuine voice and trusting communities to lead, we are seeking to see meaningful and lasting change.
“We’re pleased the judges recognised what we’ve been working to achieve and the real impact it is having on people’s lives. We Are Tamworth has shown what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared sense of pride, purpose and ambition for their town.
“This award belongs to everyone who has played a part in the journey so far, and we look forward to building on this success as we continue to create stronger, more connected communities across Tamworth.”
The council said it would continue working with partners to expand the programme through further community-led projects, events and investment opportunities designed to strengthen community pride, inclusion and belonging across the borough.
- To find out more about the Care Leavers into Employment initiative, email supportingcareleaversemployment@staffordshire.gov.uk
