The Rising Star Award

Recognising a civil servant who has made a significant impact within the first eight years of their Civil Service career.

Abigail has passion and commitment to public service and has made a significant impact to communities, dedicating her career to supporting marginalised and minority communities and amplifying their voices. She has worked with Grenfell victims and survivors, and supported children being brought safely to the UK from Calais and is currently working in MHCLG engaging with faith and BAME communities following COVID-19.

Abigail has been instrumental in leading on race in the Civil Service and enabled uncomfortable conversations to happen, in order to create an inclusive, safe and accountable culture particularly with the Black community with the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on minority ethnic people and the witnessing of the death of George Floyd and many others.

During COVID-19, and in addition to her role as a team leader with a substantially increased workload, Leanna has demonstrated extraordinary foresight in setting up Wales Employment Tribunal’s (ET) technology, Cloud Video Platform (CVP), ensuring the upkeep of justice. Acting Regional Employment Judge for Wales,

Sian Davies, says:“Leanna’s contribution to the administration of justice during the pandemic has been extraordinary. I have no doubt whatsoever that Wales ET would have been unable to respond to the crisis in the way it has without Leanna; she is simply exceptional and her efforts are deserving of national recognition with this award.”

Sidonie’s outstanding people and policy leadership makes her a rising star. Approachable and generous with her time, despite dealing with complex issues across several portfolios, Sidi inspires all around her.With her exemplary support and guidance, her team delivered - at pace policy to base maternity pay for furloughed workers’ on their usual earnings rather than their reduced furlough pay, supporting thousands of families through challenging times. Committed to staff development, she manages portfolios thoughtfully, ensuring staff are optimally stretched and supported. She conveys passion for DWP’s objectives and confidence in her team’s ability to deliver excellence, taking pride in embodying the Civil Service values.