Beacons will set the pace of change and act as centres of excellence by spreading best practice and sharing their experience. The scheme is designed to help local government learn from itself. The IDeA has a key role in supporting the Beacon Councils and spreading good practice from the Beacons to councils, council partners and members. Each year, the government chooses themes for the Beacon scheme.
Councils can apply for Beacon status in up to a maximum of three themes.
Normally the status is awarded for just one service area although some councils have held Beacon status in two themes. To obtain Beacon status, applicants must demonstrate that they have good overall council performance and not just in the service for which the status is awarded. The assessment process includes an initial review by lead government departments for theme specific good practice, scrutiny by the DTLR for overall council performance and by the IDeA on dissemination proposals. Finally, an independent advisory panel reviews the applications and makes recommendations to ministers. There are a number of other beacon schemes in government, for example beacon schools.