Hive Event

Gbenga Samuel, Houses of Parliament, Parliamentary Digital Services, has demonstrated exemplary leadership by fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His collaborative approach has significantly boosted staff engagement scores from 30% to 60%, empowering team members to take ownership of their work and pursue career advancement. During a challenging transition to the House of Commons Finance team, Gbenga provided clear guidance, ensuring a smooth process that prioritised team well-being and customer outcomes. By integrating financial considerations into strategic planning and mentoring his team, he has created a motivated and high-performing environment that embodies the core values of the Government Finance Function.

The Corporate Systems and Accounts Payable Teams at HM Land Registry have made significant strides in enhancing operational efficiency for approximately 7,000 staff members by integrating Finance, HR, and IT support. Their initiatives, including automated invoice scanning and streamlined procurement processes, have resulted in over 95% of invoices being processed automatically and more than £1 million saved through effective license management. Their innovative approach has improved internal processes, allowing caseworkers to focus on reducing backlogs and demonstrating a strong commitment to transformative change and enhanced customer support.

The Risk Specialism Team at Defence Equipment and Support has made outstanding contributions to risk management, significantly enhancing support for the UK armed forces. This team of around 100 risk managers implemented an improvement program focusing on leadership, strategy, culture, handling, and outcomes. Initiatives such as appointing a Deputy CEO as the risk champion and using PowerBI for consistent reporting have improved threat management and engagement. Their commitment to sharing expertise across government and industry has set a new standard for risk management practices, ensuring accountability while supporting the armed forces in a rapidly changing environment.

The Government Finance Function Race Network has shown exceptional dedication to enhancing diversity and inclusion within the finance network, particularly for Ethnically Diverse colleagues. By establishing a network to address underrepresentation at senior levels, they elevate the voices of these colleagues and support their ambitions to attain Senior Civil Service (SCS) positions. Their initiatives include creating safe spaces for open discussions and launching a sponsorship program that pairs Ethnically Diverse staff with SCS-level allies, providing essential guidance and professional development. Through targeted workshops and mentorship, the Race Network has significantly impacted the career progression of Ethnically Diverse colleagues, showcasing their commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace.

Paul Gallagher’s, HM Revenue & Customs, remarkable transition from primary school headteacher to finance professional within HMRC exemplifies drive and professionalism. Since joining in December 2022, he has demonstrated a commitment to continuous improvement and has provided essential support as the Regional Lead for the National Apprentice Network. His dedication to sharing knowledge and enhancing team processes has led to significant improvements, while his friendly personality and organisational skills have made him a true asset to the team. Paul’s collaborative spirit inspires others and sets a high standard for excellence within the organisation.

Jeff Smith, a Senior Internal Auditor at the Government Internal Audit Agency (GIAA), has had a significant impact on the Ministry of Justice through his audit work. Combining deep technical knowledge with extensive experience, he has delivered valuable insights, particularly for HM Courts and Tribunal Services. His application of data and analytics has supported the rollout of reforms and enhanced system security, while his review of longstanding processes has increased financial integrity. Jeff’s dedication to team development further strengthens GIAA’s capability, and his commitment to effective risk management has earned him high regard among senior leaders in the MoJ.

The Energy Affordability Finance Business Partner Team at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has played a crucial role in delivering £44 billion in grants to UK households and businesses. In the face of challenges, including the collapse of numerous energy suppliers, the team has built strong stakeholder relationships and implemented effective controls to safeguard taxpayer funds. Their operational expertise has ensured timely payments while maintaining costs at just 0.3% of total grant expenditure and achieving an exceptional irregular payment rate of below 1%. The team’s efforts have proven invaluable in the Energy Affordability initiative, earning recognition as unsung heroes within the department.

Kathryn Wearmouth, Ministry of Defence, has made remarkable contributions to the Government Finance Function throughout her career. Nominated for her exceptional leadership and commitment to driving positive change, she exemplifies integrity, innovation, collaboration, stewardship of public money, and inclusivity. Kathryn’s transformative leadership at CAAS and her dedication to fostering diversity have significantly impacted the finance community, showcasing her passion for creating a visible difference in the field.