Two Berkshire councils are set to go head-to-head for an award next month.

Both Bracknell Forest Council (BFC) and Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) have been nominated for Get Berkshire Active’s ‘active workplace of the year’ award.

Gill Vickers, Director of Delivery at BFC, said: “We’re delighted to be nominated for the active workplace of the year category in the Get Berkshire Active Awards.

“At Bracknell Forest Council we know how important it is to keep staff motivated both physically and mentally, and this is something we actively promote through providing boxing sessions and free weekly fitness classes for staff with a local trainer.

“We’ve also been fortunate to come top in the Workplace Challenge last year for the second time so we know our staff like to stay fit and healthy. We wish everyone the best for the awards, we’re thrilled to be nominated and proud that a healthy lifestyle and fitness are an integral part of working for Bracknell Forest Council.”

According to Get Berkshire Active, organisations are nominated for the workplace of the year award if they are an “outstanding employer who demonstrates a positive approach to keeping their workforce physically active and leading healthy lifestyles.”

Cllr John Halsall, executive member for environment, leisure and libraries at WBC, said: “We’re delighted to be nominated for workplace of the year. In the past year, we’ve worked to improve our offer to staff. We’re now running workplace morning and lunchtime yoga sessions, football and walks for staff and as well mindfulness sessions to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

“Partnerships with other organisations have allowed us to offer opportunities such as lunchtime swims at Carnival Pool with Places for People Leisure, and bike loan and cycle to work schemes.”

The criteria for the award include promoting the importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace, taking action to encourage active lifestyles, such as installing bike racks, supporting local community sport and physical activity, celebrating engagement from staff to promote sport and physical activity, and developing physical activity programmes to encourage workplace health.

The authorities are the only two nominees in this category and the winner is set to be announced at the Hilton Hotel in Reading on Friday, February 15.