An innovation allowing people with hearing loss to independently book a theory test is one of several projects which has been recognised at this year’s Operational Delivery Profession Awards.
The theory test team at the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency went home with the ODP Inclusion Award for their work to introduce a translation tool, making the booking system accessible for deaf people.
Previously anyone with British Sign Language as their first language would not be independently able to use the website. Since the introduction of the tool, more than 2,000 people have been able to book a test without the assistance of others.
Department for Work and Pensions permanent secretary Sir Peter Schofield, who is also head of the government operational delivery profession, said: “This year’s nominations once again demonstrate the exceptional calibre of our profession. We received hundreds of examples of teams and individuals delivering outstanding service, innovating, and responding to challenges with commitment and care.
“Across all the stories, one theme always stands out: a deep dedication to public service. Whether supporting people in crisis, tackling complex issues, or keeping essential services running at pace, you embody the best of operational delivery.”
The awards, held on Tuesday 21 April at Methodist Central Hall in London, are one of the biggest recognition ceremonies in the civil service, recognising those on the frontline of public services who go above and beyond every day. Almost 1,000 nominations were received from across the civil service in ten categories.
JP Marks, permanent secretary of HMRC, one of the biggest operational delivery departments, added: “The scale of this year’s awards speaks to the scale of our profession – 900 nominations, 47 departments and agencies represented right across government. To everyone who's been part of the process, congratulations, and thank you.”
This year's winners include Moulay Touiti, who works at Leith Jobcentre in Edinburgh and won the Customer Service Award after volunteering to act as an Arabic translator for refugees arriving in the Scottish capital; and Marion Gibrill from HM Revenue and Customs, who won the Head of Profession Award, selected by Schofield, for her work to protect colleagues from abusive customers.
Here are all the winners
ODP Innovation Award: Strategic Traffic Management Office (DVSA)
The Strategic Traffic Management Office developed an automated tool to analyse Automatic Number Plate Recognition data, identifying over 21,000 HGV speed limit violations in 90 days. This innovation replaced a previously hours-long process, enabled targeted enforcement action, improved road safety, and established a new standard for data-driven compliance within DVSA enforcement teams.
ODP Collaboration Award: Global Ecosystems Assessment Team (Defra)
For the first time, the Joint Intelligence Organisation and Defra collaborated to assess biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse as national security issues. Bringing together over 80 experts from across government, security, and academia, the partnership produced a landmark assessment that secured nature's inclusion in the UK's National Security Strategy. Its influence now helps shape international policy at the UN, G7, and COP. The work has sparked a five-year R&D programme and established nature security as a central pillar of UK resilience planning.
ODP Community Award: Suffolk Family Community Work Coaches Team (DWP)
The team have spent over 15 years supporting vulnerable families, focusing on preventing child poverty and reducing benefit dependency. Through creative clubs with local artists and social prescribers, and community outreach events, the team has reached over 800 families across Suffolk. Their work has uncovered nearly £100,000 in underpayments and £60,000 in overpayments, ensuring families get the right support. A bespoke "career start" programme is now building skills and employment pathways for disadvantaged customers across Suffolk.
ODP Development Award: Hayley Bird (CPS)
Hayley has transformed learning and development culture across the Crown Prosecution Service, designing and delivering analysis workshops that have helped staff master complex concepts and sharpen their analytical skills. From launching the inaugural 'Analysis in CPS' month to creating visual tools that help staff understand how different performance measures connect, her energy and creativity have raised capability across the CPS. Hayley’s mentoring and commitment to continuous improvement have left a lasting impact on colleagues at every level.
ODP Customer Service Award: Moulay Touiti (DWP)
The crisis in Gaza brought refugee families to Scotland, many of them arriving with urgent needs and unable to speak English. Moulay Touiti, an AO at Leith Job Centre, volunteered to assist Arabic-speaking families to help them navigate the benefits system. Working closely with local authorities and support workers, Moulay ensured a joined-up approach, linking DWP services with wider resources such as Scottish Government Child Benefit payments. This collaborative effort made support accessible and holistic, addressing both immediate needs and longer-term wellbeing.
ODP High Performing Team of the Year Award: Forestry and Land Scotland’s Newton Tree Nursery Redevelopment Team (Scottish Government)
Forestry and Land Scotland's Newton Tree Nursery team tripled annual tree production from 7 to 19 million, delivering a world-class operations hub completed in 2025. Through outstanding collaboration between nursery staff, engineers, and scientists, the team introduced game-changing innovations including automation, renewable energy, and the "Tape4Trees" system, all whilst seeing staff stress levels fall significantly. Their work directly supports the UK’s net-zero and biodiversity goals, whilst proving that operational excellence and staff wellbeing can go hand in hand.
ODP Inclusion Award: Theory Test Team (DVSA)
The Theory Test Team transformed access to the theory test booking service for deaf British Sign Language users by developing and launching the innovative Signly translation tool. Built through extensive user research and working with accessibility specialists, the tool empowers deaf candidates to engage with the service independently by translating written text into BSL videos. Since Signly’s launch, over 2,000 deaf candidates have received booking support. The team’s sustained engagement with the Deaf community sets a new standard for inclusive government service delivery.
ODP Head of Profession Award: Marion Gibrill (HMRC)
Marion has transformed how one of government's largest organisations approaches staff safety and inclusion. Her approach led to the publication of the Safeguarding HMRC Colleagues from Abusive Customer Interactions paper, which has shaped senior decision-making and shifted culture from passive tolerance to proactive measures to protect colleagues. By championing behavioural science and recommendations rooted in lived experience, Marion has delivered measurable improvements in colleague wellbeing, retention, and engagement across HMRC Operational Delivery.
ODP Leader of the Year Award: Monique Wrench (Home Office)
As director of operations for Border Force, Monique led one of the most ambitious restructures in recent public service history, unifying five regions and over 7,000 staff, all whilst the organisation seized over £300 million of Class A drugs and handled record passenger volumes. Monique’s people-first approach, including the Early Resolution Programme which equipped over 1,400 staff with mediation skills, has transformed workplace culture, dramatically improving staff wellbeing and engagement across the organisation.
ODP Outstanding Contributor of the Year Award: Jenny Winchurch (Home Office)
Jenny has made an outstanding contribution to the transformation of the High Profile (HP) case process within the Home Office. Faced with a disorganised and inefficient system, Jenny took the initiative to design and implement a sophisticated Excel-based tracking solution that streamlined workload management, introduced deadline alerts, and eliminated errors – reducing missed cases to zero and saving hundreds of hours of staff time.
ODP Rising Star Award: Amy Cavanagh (Rural Payments Agency)
Amy proved herself an exceptional talent during one of the Rural Payments Agency's most complex operational challenges. When technical failures threatened the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025, Amy's problem-solving and collaborative approach kept critical outcomes on track. Her innovative solution to verify veterinary consultations through a new data collection process achieved an 89% response rate, supporting successful delivery across nearly 4,000 projects. Amy's integrity, adaptability, and dedication have already made a lasting impact on grant delivery and operational effectiveness.