Make a Change RCT was recently recognised at the Granicus’ annual awards, winning the Trust and Transparency Award for its inclusive, bilingual engagement platform that puts citizen participation at the heart of decision-making.
The sought-after national award was presented to Rhondda Cynon Taf Health Determinants Research Collaboration (RCT HDRC) on the 16 April, in Birmingham, at the 2026 UK Digital Government Awards - celebrating public sector organisations who are delivering measurable improvements in transparency, engagement and service delivery through digital innovation.
Funded by the NIHR, the Health Determinants Research Collaboration (HDRC) is led by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, bringing together partners from Cardiff University, Cwm Taf Morgannwg Health Board, Interlink RCT and Public Health Wales to look at how the lived experience of residents, alongside research and evidence can help build a healthier future for all and improve local services.
The Trust & Transparency award category recognises organisations that use digital approaches to build public confidence, openness and accountability. RCT HDRC was selected for its demonstrable impact and its commitment to transparency. Judges praised the project for their innovative use of digital tools to ensure communities play an influential role in shaping decisions that affect their health and future wellbeing.
The digital portal allows users to find out more, take courses and workshops, respond to surveys, take quizzes and get directly involved to help to ‘Make a Change’ for residents and the future generations of RCT.
Through the Make a Change RCT platform, residents have already shared their lived experience of the wider determinants of health and worked alongside council officers, researchers and decision makers. Community members now sit as equal voting members on recruitment panels and co‑design policies and initiatives - helping to shape council decision - making using personal insight alongside research and data.
Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
“This award honours our commitment to being open, transparent and community‑led. By putting lived experience at the heart of how we make decisions, we are building trust with our residents and ensuring that policies affecting health and wellbeing are shaped by the people who experience these issues every day. Make a Change RCT shows how local government can use digital tools to work differently - going beyond consultation, ensuring residents are active partners in shaping priorities, not just contributors of feedback.”
More than 100 council officers have been trained to embed an evidence-informed approach across services. The model is now being replicated by other local authorities across Wales and the UK, demonstrating its impact and scalability.
Zoe Lancelott, Head of Health Determinants Research Collaboration at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said:
“Make a Change RCT is helping communities share their lived experience of the wider determinants of health in simple, accessible ways, ensuring their insight sits alongside research and data to shape more informed and equitable decisions across RCTCBC.
“By building trust, increasing transparency, and embedding community voice into how we work, the initiative has already changed decision making culture in RCTCBC and is now influencing practice across Wales and the UK.”
RCT HDRC’s win reflects its ambition to work in partnership with residents, ensuring decisions are informed by evidence, experience and community insight, and proof that practical, measurable digital transformation is happening at every level of government across the UK.
Ian Roberts, UK Managing Director at Granicus, said:
“Every year we see the ambition, creativity, and commitment of public sector teams across the UK. This year’s winners show what is possible using digital innovation with purpose. They are improving how citizens engage with services and building more transparent, responsive government. We are proud to recognise their achievements.”
To learn more about the work of RCT HDRC and their Granicus win, please visit: https://makeachange.rctcbc.gov.uk/make-a-change-rct-wins-national-trust-and-transparency-award
Posted on 30/04/2026