Get to London for your next conference day (People make) Sustainable and Innovative Places on Thursday 10 October

Take part in the Three Peaks Challenge

The Public Sector National Three Peaks Challenge

Local government is always up for a challenge but the last few years have been more challenging than most.

Teams from local government, the wider public sector, and private sector partners are coming together to tackle a different kind of challenge. Climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden, all in the space of 24 hours.

Jonathan Stephenson, joint Chief Executive of Brentwood Borough and Rochford District Councils devised the plan after leading his own team on a similar – if somewhat smaller – task last year.

In 2022, he and 30 colleagues raised more than £12,000 for local charities when they took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge – a 26 mile walk and climb over 10 hours.

Why stop there?

This year, Jonathan has teamed up with The MJ, Solace, the LGA and Socitm and is planning to climb the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales – alongside as many public sector staff and their partners as possible.

This time, the plan is to raise £50,000 or more for Cancer Research UK. And you can get involved.

  • You can take on the full challenge over 24 hours or longer.
  • You can just climb one of the national peaks. Or how about Slieve Donard for those in Northern Ireland.
  • You can choose one of the smaller challenges – the Yorkshire Three Peaks or the Surrey Three Peaks.
  • You can even just climb to the height of the peaks at home or in the office on the stairs. It’s up to you how you take part.

Jonathan is leading his team on 29 to 30 June 2023 – but other events will take place throughout the year. Share your training, and your achievements and be part of the wider public sector challenge.

Let us come together in 2023 as a sector, push ourselves, support and motivate each other to reach these heights together and raise as much money for this worthy charity as possible.’

Jonathan Stephenson

If you want to take part or just want to find out more, you will find information about this year’s challenge hosted on The MJ.

And if you can’t take part, you can join in by promoting or donating. Just use the hashtag #PublicSector3Peaks