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Hertfordshire children's homes project scoops top national award

Hertfordshire County Council’s first Private Finance Initiative which will transform children’s homes and resource centres has won a prestigious national award.

The ambitious project to enhance services for vulnerable young people won the Best Community/User Involvement in a Project category at Public Private Finance magazine’s annual awards on Tuesday evening.

The £24 million pound scheme will provide nine new buildings and five refurbishments of children’s homes, adolescent and disability resource centres and family centres.

The judges praised Young Herts, the project partner, for working closely with staff and young people to provide safe, flexible facilities with a homely feel.

“Young Herts has shown exceptional levels of consultation and engagement with the community that will benefit from the facilities and services being provided,” they said.

Young Herts includes the County Council’s Children, Schools and Families service, Hertfordshire Property, contractors and private investors. The project began in June 2007 and so far two family support centres in Cheshunt and Hemel Hempstead have been refurbished and construction is about to be completed on three new children's homes in Baldock, St Albans and Stevenage.

“What makes the children’s services project fantastic to work on is that it really is giving children who have had difficulties in their lives new opportunities to thrive and fulfil their potential,” said Keith Jennings, head of quality and asset management at the county council.

“It’s Hertfordshire’s first PFI, it’s the first award we’ve gone for and it’s wonderful to be recognised. Everyone in the team is absolutely delighted.”

The awards were presented by BBC news presenter Huw Edwards, and County Councillors Jane Pitman, lead member for Children’s Services and David Lloyd, executive member for Resources, attended the presentation at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.