Winners of the sixth annual Analysis in Government (AiG) Awards

Delyth James

• Department: Welsh Government
• Nominated work: “Contribution to ADR Wales and Better Outcomes through Linked Data”

Summary

“Delyth joined the Civil Service less than three years ago after raising three children and studying data science.

She quickly became a standout analyst, first as the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser’s sole statistician, then in the Administrative Data Research Wales team. Her work on the Better Outcomes through Linked Data programme led to 10 publications and presentations at major conferences. She has explored substance misuse, homelessness, and vulnerable populations with technical depth and compassion, sharing insights through blogs, videos, and forums.

Delyth champions Welsh language use and bravely shares her lived experience to inform analysis. She has informed Welsh Government’s approach to synthetic data and represented Wales and the UK at national workshops.

A community councillor and member of Ceredigion Council’s Ethics and Standards Committee, her leadership and warmth inspire colleagues and have helped her team win awards.”

Judges’ comments

“Really strong set of examples and impact in profession.”

“Relatively new to Government and Data Science – a strong first few years demonstrating commitment, determination and technically ability. Leading others and impressive range of impacts with public presentations and publications. An inspiration to others.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for Delyth James for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

Gwobr Seren ar ei chodiad – Llywodraeth Cymru

Delyth James

• Adran: Llywodraeth Cymru
• Gwaith enwebedig: “Cyfraniad at YDC Cymru a Gwell Canlyniadau drwy Ddata Cysylltiol”

Crynodeb

Ymunodd Delyth â’r Gwasanaeth Sifil llai na thair blynedd yn ôl ar ôl magu tri o blant ac ar ôl astudio gwyddor data.Daeth yn ddadansoddwr amlwg yn gyflym, yn gyntaf fel yr unig ystadegydd Swyddfa’r Prif Gynghorydd Gwyddonol, ac yna yn nhîm Ymchwil Data Gweinyddol Cymru. Arweiniodd ei gwaith ar y rhaglen Gwell Canlyniadau drwy Ddata Cysylltiedig at 10 o gyhoeddiadau a chyflwyniadau mewn cynadleddau mawr. Mae hi wedi archwilio camddefnyddio sylweddau, digartrefedd a phoblogaethau bregus gyda dyfnder technegol a thosturi, gan rannu mewnwelediadau drwy flogiau, fideos a fforymau. Mae Delyth yn hyrwyddo’r defnydd o’r Gymraeg ac yn dangos dewrder wrth rannu ei phrofiad byw er mwyn llywio dadansoddi. Mae hi wedi llywio dull Llywodraeth Cymru tuag at ddata synthetig ac wedi cynrychioli Cymru a’r DU mewn gweithdai cenedlaethol. Yn gynghorydd cymunedol ac yn aelod o Bwyllgor Moeseg a Safonau Cyngor Ceredigion, mae ei harweinyddiaeth a’i chynhesrwydd yn ysbrydoli cydweithwyr ac wedi helpu ei thîm i ennill gwobrau.

Sylwadau’r beirniaid

“Casgliad cryf iawn o enghreifftiau ac effaith yn y proffesiwn.”

“Yn gymharol newydd i’r Llywodraeth a Gwyddor Data – blynyddoedd cyntaf cryf sy’n dangos ymrwymiad, penderfyniad a gallu technegol. Mae’n arwain eraill ac mae ganddi ystod drawiadol o effeithiau drwy gyhoeddiadau a chyflwyniadau cyhoeddus. Ysbrydoliaeth i eraill.”

Gwobr Dewis y Bobl 2026

Pleidleisiwch dros Delyth James ar gyfer Gwobr Dewis y Bobl 2026 People’s Choice Award 2026.

Eva Grace

• Department: Government Actuary’s Department (GAD)
• Nominated work: “Cross-government investment advice”

Summary

“Eva Grace joined the Government Actuary’s Department’s (GAD’s) investment team less than two years ago.

In that time, Eva has advised several government departments on wide-ranging projects in support of two of the government’s missions: kickstarting economic growth and making Britain a Clean Energy Superpower, demonstrating versatility, innovation and expertise. In between, Eva has demonstrated leadership potential through chairing GAD’s inaugural investment conference for the public sector, co-organising GAD’s all-staff strategy day, promoting Pride month at GAD and taking on leadership of people issues for the investment team.

In doing so, Eva has already had significant impact across government and demonstrated leadership potential through a focus on people and inclusion”.

Judges’ comments

“Strong demonstration of policy and work impact, and involvement in corporate roles.”

“Recent joiner to GAD but already successfully led multiple projects impacting on other government departments and Government Missions. In addition, leading internal cross GAD groups providing leadership and inspiration.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for Eva Grace for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

Arywen Morris

• Department: Department for Transport (DfT)
• Nominated work: “Sustainable Aviation Fuel Analysis”

Summary

“Arywen Morris joined the Low Carbon Fuels Analysis team as a second-year GES apprentice and has made an extraordinary impact from day one. She led value-for-money assessment for the Advanced Fuels Fund – central to the UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) strategy and the recent Spending Review – helping to shape investment decisions.

Arywen fully rebuilt the team’s SAF modelling suite to a high standard, improving the assessment of costs and benefits of SAF policies, engaging across the Department for Transport and other departments to ensure it could inform future policy decisions, including the SAF Mandate and Revenue Certainty Mechanism.

Beyond analysis, Arywen has shown maturity beyond her grade by organising team events to create a good team vibe and proactively developing guidance on carbon appraisal that is now used consistently across teams. Arywen exemplifies the qualities of a rising star: curious, collaborative and already producing analysis with real-world impact.”

Judges’ comments

“The nominee hugely impressed me with the range of technical and strategic skill she has demonstrated as a second-year apprentice. I am sure she will be an impactful future Civil Service and analytical leader.”

“Strong demonstration of work impact and impressive stretch of role as an apprentice.”

“Strong example… Impactful, successfully taking on responsibility and demonstrating good behaviours and supporting other teams. Already leading tech discussions in her area.”

Better Outcomes through Linked Data

• Department: Ministry of Justice (MoJ)
• Nominated work: “Laurium”

Summary

“Through daily interactions with citizens, government services generate vast quantities of text. These records hold crucial insights about service effectiveness, emerging needs, and operational challenges. Yet this information is rarely used to inform decision-making, being locked in unstructured formats across fragmented systems, and therefore the strategic value of this data is unrealised. The fundamental problem is not information scarcity but the lack of systematic methods to transform unstructured text into actionable insight.

The Better Outcomes through Linked Data (BOLD) programme tackled this challenge by creating Laurium, an AI-enabled software package that processes case-notes at scale. The tool, having already saved a provisional £250,000 in manual processing costs at the Ministry of Justice, is now open-source and in use across two other ministerial departments. By moving beyond proof-of-concept to a production system, BOLD has demonstrated that government can harness AI to provide realised benefit”.

Judges’ comments

“Excellent use of AI to support analysis of free text, reusable amongst other use cases. An excellent combination of new analytical approaches combined with use of new technology. Strong feedback loops with users and policy colleagues. Good demonstration of testing and iterating to develop and innovate the product.”

“Using AI techniques and custom models, this project has a cross-government benefit. Already delivered significant cost savings, with further potential. Fantastic example of work on a specific project being identified for its potential to help more widely and then rolled out in an effective manner. Developers seek user feedback and are continuing to improve the software tool.”

“Innovative approach to a new area of analysis impacting on the lives of individuals. Cost savings are significant for operational work, and the approach is already being adopted by other departments.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for the Better Outcomes through Linked Data team for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

Technology and Science Insights: Data and Analysis

• Department: Government Office for Science (GO-Science)
• Nominated work: “Technology Smart Specialisation Analysis”

Summary

“This project applies economic complexity analysis and the smart specialisation framework to identify where the United Kingdom can build competitive advantage in emerging and disruptive technologies.

By combining data on exports, patents, and academic research with advanced metrics that using machine learning to decode the inputs of an activities production function, the work pinpoints high-value activities that align with existing UK capabilities. This evidence-based approach helped policymakers prioritise sub-sectors where success is most likely, reducing risk and maximising impact. The analysis supported strategic decisions on whether to develop technologies domestically, collaborate internationally, or secure access through trade.

By turning complex, multidimensional data into actionable insights, the project strengthens industrial policy and fosters innovation-led growth. It deserves recognition for its rigorous methodology, clarity of communication, and direct contribution to shaping long-term economic resilience and technological leadership.”

Judges’ comments

“Excellent combination of innovation in analysis, innovation in presentation and use of new techniques to analyse large datasets to directly inform a policy challenge, doing so in an efficient manner by utilising machine learning technology and responding to feedback from users.”

“Use of machine learning and operationalisation of innovative academic validated metrics. With strengths and limitations well documents and supported by stakeholder engagement and user feedback.”

“Good piece of work.”

“Interesting example.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for Technology and Science Insights: Data and Analysis for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

Welsh Government Input-Output Table team

• Department: Welsh Government
• Nominated work: “Publication of first official Input-Output tables for Wales”

Summary

“Published in 2025, the Welsh Government’s first Input-Output Tables (IOTs) provide a detailed picture of the Welsh economy, showing how sectors interact, enabling better analysis of economic interventions.

Previously, Welsh modelling relied on UK data, which did not reflect Wales’s unique structure. Innovative methods were used to develop the IOTs, mapping 55 industries using diverse sources despite challenges with UK-centric systems. The project, supported by Professor Calvin Jones and partners like the Office for National Statistics, is informing analysis of programmes like Tech Valleys.

Endorsed by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance, the IOTs represent a major advance in Wales’s economic data infrastructure and evidence-informed policymaking”.

Judges’ comments

“Good nomination with clearly important impact and filling a gap in user needs… digital innovation in terms of publication of a tool and supporting code.”

“Clear innovation, filling a critical gap by developing Wales-specific Input-Output Tables (IOTs) versus relying on UK-wide, less relevant data. Provides major improvements in evidence-based assessments, built upon novel data linkages subject to wide scrutiny.”

“This work is changing the way economic data is being used both inside and outside the Welsh government. It is already impacting local industries.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for Welsh Government Input-Output Table team for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

Yn gydradd ail yn y categori Dulliau Arloesol- Llywodraeth Cymru

Tîm Tabl Mewnbwn-Allbwn Llywodraeth Cymru

• Adran: Llywodraeth Cymru
• Gwaith enwebedig: “Cyhoeddiad o dablau Mewnbwn‑Allbwn swyddogol cyntaf i Gymru”

Crynodeb

Cyhoeddwyd yn 2025, mae Tablau Mewnbwn-Allbwn cyntaf Llywodraeth Cymru yn rhoi darlun manwl o economi Cymru, gan ddangos sut mae sectorau’n rhyngweithio, gan alluogi dadansoddiad gwell o ymyriadau economaidd. Yn flaenorol, roedd modelu Cymreig yn dibynnu ar ddata’r DU, nad oedd yn adlewyrchu strwythur unigryw Cymru. Defnyddiwyd dulliau arloesol i ddatblygu’r tablau mewnbwn‑allbwn, gan fapio 55 o ddiwydiannau gan ddefnyddio amrywiaeth o ffynonellau er gwaethaf yr heriau a gododd oherwydd systemau sy’n canolbwyntio ar y DU. Mae’r prosiect, a gefnogir gan yr Athro Calvin Jones a phartneriaid fel y Swyddfa Ystadegau Gwladol, yn llywio’r dadansoddiad o raglenni fel Tech Valleys. Wedi’u cymeradwyo gan Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Gyllid, mae’r Tablau Mewnbwn-Allbwn yn cynrychioli cynnydd sylweddol ym maes seilwaith data economaidd Cymru a llunio polisïau ar sail tystiolaeth.

Sylwadau’r beirniaid

“Enwebiad da gyda dylanwad amlwg a phwysig, sy’n llenwi bwlch yn anghenion defnyddwyr… arloesi digidol drwy gyhoeddi offeryn a chod ategol.”

“Arloesedd clir, gan lenwi bwlch critigol drwy ddatblygu Tablau Mewnbwn‑Allbwn sy’n benodol i Gymru yn hytrach na dibynnu ar ddata llai perthnasol ledled y DU. Mae’n darparu gwelliannau mawr mewn asesiadau sy’n seiliedig ar dystiolaeth, wedi’u hadeiladu ar gysylltiadau data arloesol sydd wedi bod yn destun craffu eang.”

“Mae’r gwaith hwn yn newid y ffordd y caiff data economaidd ei ddefnyddio, o fewn a thu allan i Lywodraeth Cymru. Mae eisoes yn cael effaith ar ddiwydiannau lleol.”

Gwobr Dewis y Bobl 2026

Pleidleisiwch dros y tîm Tabl Mewnbwn-Allbwn Llywodraeth Cymru ar gyfer Gwobr Dewis y Bobl 2026 People’s Choice Award 2026 (Sylwer – bydd y pôl yn mynd yn fyw ddydd Llun 26 Ionawr unwaith y bydd pob un o’n henillwyr wedi’u cyhoeddi).

Ofsted Research and Evaluation team, in collaboration with Research in Practice at the National Children’s Bureau (NCB)

• Department: Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted)
• Nominated work: “From Trait to State: How Ofsted Might Consider Conceptualising Vulnerability for Inspection and Regulation”

Summary

“This nomination recognises Ofsted social researchers, in collaboration with Research in Practice, for their outstanding contribution to embedding inclusion in government analysis.

The team identified a critical opportunity to redefine how vulnerability is conceptualised across education and children’s social care, informing a new evaluation area on “Inclusion” as part of Ofsted’s long-awaited renewed Education Inspection Framework (EIF), published in September 2025. They commissioned and co-led research that challenges static, deficit-based definitions of vulnerability—developing a dynamic, context-sensitive model rooted in lived experience.

Through inclusive, trauma-informed methods, the team championed underrepresented voices, eliciting over 400 stakeholder views – including from children – and ensured findings were rigorous and actionable. Their collaboration has shaped how Ofsted evaluates inclusive practice and trains inspectors. Ofsted’s changes to national policy and practice informed by this research have signalled to the education sector the importance of identifying and responding to those experiencing vulnerabilities, especially those historically overlooked.”

Judges’ comments

“A great piece of work supporting changes to the inspection framework to enhance inclusion.”

“Powerful nomination for work to redefine how vulnerability is reflected in Ofsted inspections. Clear real-world impact in important areas such as safeguarding. Clever approaches to including the voices of children, and a strong sense of going beyond the traditional ‘commissioning’ approach to research.”

“Great example of some incredibly impactful analysis – which was both itself inclusive and should drive more inclusive outcomes for children. Clear impact on Ofsted, recognised by external stakeholders – will be great to see if this also has impact on outcomes for children.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for the Ofsted Research & Evaluation team for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

Public Health Analysis Team, in collaboration with UKHSA Health Equity and Inclusion Health, and UKHSA Strategy

• Department: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
• Nominated work: “Health inequalities in health protection report 2025”

Summary

“The Health Inequalities in Health Protection Report was a groundbreaking analytical product exposing, for the first time, inequalities in population outcomes for all health threats within the remit of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach enabled UKHSA to improve analysis and communication of inequalities in health outcomes by deprivation, ethnicity and region. Working with topic experts and academics, the analysis went further to examine inequalities for ‘inclusion health groups’, for example, those disproportionately impacted but where the true burden is difficult to quantify (such as people experiencing homelessness). Economic analysis quantified the costs of inequalities, and potential savings to the NHS.

The paper received widespread media attention (including coverage in the Financial Times, Guardian, and the British Medical Journal) and has been presented at over 20 events on reducing inequalities. The Chief Medical Advisor commended it to UKHSA’s Board as “an excellent report… our next steps are to identify cost-effective policy actions to reduce these inequalities”.”

Judges’ comments

“Great work by the team to collaborate across areas and to place understanding of inequalities at the heart of the reporting… [and it] achieved its objectives of raising understanding and the focus on addressing the challenges identified.”

“A very clear nomination for work analysing health inequalities to improve inclusion. Particularly stands out for its focus on impact on senior and public influencers – tailoring analysis and its presentation to the audience from the outset. Inclusive across analytical professions and policy and operational colleagues.”

“Great example of a piece of analysis looking into health outcomes for different groups, clearly targeted at a known Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) issue.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for the Public Health Analysis Team for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

Black Analyst Forum

• Department: Cross-government
• Nominated work: “Empowering Inclusivity – Black Analyst Forum”

Summary

“Launched in February 2024, the Black Analyst Forum (BAF) has grown to over 150 members across analytical professions and departments. BAF plays a vital role in building an inclusive culture by hosting educational and social events, including Black History Month celebrations. Development sessions have covered topics such as elevating personal branding on LinkedIn, effective communication of analysis and understanding analytical careers across the Civil Service.

BAF also runs a monthly Coffee Connect initiative to strengthen peer networks and publishes a newsletter featuring events, opportunities and an “Analyst Spotlight” to increase visibility. These efforts reduce barriers and improve access to knowledge for underrepresented analysts.

BAF has contributed to major analytical work by providing feedback on the Government Economic Service Membership Statistical Report dashboard and the Government Social Research Retention Survey and by presenting findings on inequalities at major data launches. Members report increased confidence, stronger networks, and improved career progression”.

Judges’ comments

“Building on last year’s entry, a great example of demonstrating impact for an under-represented group and bringing value beyond just that group.”

“Special mention for furthering inclusion within the Analysis Function. Cross-government initiative with clear impacts on the individual professions (Government Statistical Service, Government Economic Service and Government Social Research).”

“Great example of identifying a real-world problem and responding directly to fix it. Ongoing active listening of members to identify important issues and pursue solutions that will have the biggest impact on inclusion.”

The Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme (GSCIP) team

• Department: Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
• Nominated work: “The Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme (GSCIP)”

Summary

“The Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme (GSCIP) is a pioneering cross-government capability hosted in DBT. We have developed a platform which combines numerous commercial, government and open-source datasets to gain unprecedented supply chain visibility.

Over four years, GSCIP has transformed from a two-person pilot into a £10m cross-HMG funded national asset, delivered by a high-performing team of around15 analysts.

GSCIP has achieved extraordinary, measurable impact, informing major policy decisions, improving operational outcomes, saving millions financially, and advancing analytical practice and innovation in government. GSCIP demonstrates that, by combining data, innovation, and collaboration, analysis can directly inform outcomes of national importance”.

Judges’ comments

“The achievements of this truly cross-cutting team are clearly exceptional, driving a holistic understanding of Supply Chains cross-government with huge impact. I look forward to seeing how the team will continue to go from strength to strength!”

“Great example of cross-department cooperation. Strong impact section with wide ranging evidence. Particularly like the reference to new methods and increasing capability.”

“Great example of spotting an issue and implementing a cost-effective analytical solution. Clear focus on ensuring impact through constant attention to user needs, and regular evaluation of effectiveness and usage.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for the GSCIP Team for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

MHCLG and HMT housing and planning analysts

• Department: Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and HM Treasury (HMT)
• Nominated work: “Housing and Planning Policy Analysis”

Summary

“Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and HM Treasury (HMT) analysts collaborated to deliver the first-ever macroeconomic modelling of residential planning reform. Unlike many other policies, there was no established framework to quantify the effect of planning reforms, and limited modelling of the macroeconomic implications. The team built novel analytical tools to fill these gaps.

Our primary objective was to determine the magnitude of planning reform’s impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP). A second objective was to convince the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR), the official forecaster, of this impact in a context where the OBR had never previously considered that planning reform alone could have material economic effects.

Our analysis was pivotal within Spring Statement 2025 and resulted in the OBR judging that planning reforms would materially impact the UK economy – increasing GDP in 2029-30 by £6.8bn. This is the largest positive growth impact the OBR has ever recognised from a policy with zero fiscal cost”.

Judges’ comments

“Superb application that tells a terrific story of technical expertise really moving the dial in policy and investment.”

“Fantastic example of different analytical professions coming together to approach an analytical problem in an innovative way. Also great evidence of focus on the end customer to ensure that the analysis had impact. And a very impressive outcome was achieved!”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for MHCLG and HMT housing and planning analysts for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

Electricity Strategy Analysis Team

• Department: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
• Nominated work: “Power Sector Strategy Analysis for the 2025 Spending Review”

Summary

“The Electricity Strategy Analysis team delivered analysis that shaped DESNZ’s 2025 power sector Spending Review settlement. In a challenging fiscal climate, their analysis allowed confident decisions to invest billions of pounds in electricity infrastructure, supporting future energy security and growth.

They explored the balance of risks around affordability, security of supply, decarbonisation, and system operability. Through rigorous scenario modelling and cost-risk analysis, the team demonstrated the consequences of different decisions, bringing out strategic risks to emissions targets and system resilience.

Outputs were used in ministerial briefings, Treasury and No.10 negotiations, and cross-government strategy discussions, guiding decisions on the future system. This robust analysis communicated complex system dynamics accessibly to non-experts. It highlighted complex trade-offs and ensured DESNZ’s settlement was grounded in robust evidence.

This work exemplifies impactful analysis that informed real-world outcomes. It also ensured the UK’s transition to a secure, low-carbon power system, which will underpin decarbonisation of our economy, remains on track”.

Judges’ comments

“Good scene setting and description of the analysis.”

“Strong use of technical analysis and scenario testing to influence at senior levels and other government departments, including HM Treasury, resulting in a better outcome for DESNZ at the spending review.”

Northern Ireland Public Expenditure Webpage team

• Department: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA)

• Nominated work: “Northern Ireland Public Expenditure Webpage”

Summary

“Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) has developed a new set of web resources to increase transparency around Northern Ireland Executive spending.

Working with colleagues across the Department of Finance, including statisticians, economists and accountants, transformed complex financial outturn data into clear, accessible webpages tailored for different audiences. A detailed interactive site allows interested parties and members of the public to explore departmental spending trends and download data for further analysis, while a simplified “Quick Read” version provides easy-to-understand summaries suitable for schools and casual users.

Accessibility was central throughout, with extensive testing, focus groups, and stakeholder engagement shaping the content and design. Innovative communication methods such as interactive visuals, user-friendly navigation, and plain-language explanations ensure the outputs are meaningful, transparent, and engaging. The Northern Ireland Fiscal Council and departmental finance leaders have endorsed the resource, recognising its value in supporting public understanding and scrutiny of Northern Ireland’s public finances”.

Judges’ comments

“Very strong nomination, covering all the criteria and demonstrating clear value of presenting information in different ways for different users. Clear evidence of undertaking user research to support iteration of the products to test understandability.”

“Good user requirements and engagements to understand needs so that the product could be tailored to different audiences with targeted communications as a result, including good accessibility considerations.”

“Clearly understood the diverse user needs and the government requirement to communicate effectively. Developed innovate products that are sustainable and designed to be long lasting. Products designed to communicate with users in different ways and at different levels of comprehension and information need.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for the Northern Ireland Public Expenditure Webpage team for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

NISRA Tech Lab

• Department: Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA)
• Nominated work: “NISRA Local Statistics Explorer”

Summary

“The NISRA (Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency) Local Statistics Explorer is a powerful online tool that helps people access and understand local statistics across Northern Ireland.

Launched in October 2024, it allows users to explore data by council, electoral area, or smaller geographies. The tool brings together data from multiple public sector sources, breaking down boundaries and making analysis easier. It presents statistics clearly and simply, with strong visual impact and comparisons to Northern Ireland averages.

Users do not need technical skills to use the tool, which is designed to be accessible to everyone. Councils, community groups, schools, and the public are using it to support decision-making and planning. Developed with users in mind and shaped by their feedback, the tool reflects NISRA’s commitment to clear, inclusive communication and innovation in analysis.”

Judges’ comments

“Strong nomination demonstrating excellent engagement with users and very good user feedback, meeting a clear gap for local data. Good approach to accessibility.”

“Good user requirements and use of different geographies dependent on user needs.”

“Strong demonstration of a communications tool that has fulfilled a diverse user need and was designed through user engagement and to be sustainable.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for the NISRA Tech Lab for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

The Innovation Clusters team

• Department: Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT)
• Nominated work: “The new Innovation Clusters map”

Summary

“The Innovation Clusters Map exemplifies outstanding communication in analysis by transforming complex data into a compelling, accessible, and impactful tool.

The project team did a brilliant job in completely rebuilding and launching this product in October 2025. The map displays some exceptionally complex information – 3,000 clusters across 85 sectors based on dozens of data sources – in a clear and meaningful way for a very wide variety of users. This has been achieved through extensive user research and innovative features such as built-in examples, in-context guidance, and easy data and image downloads. The team prioritised accessibility, including external accessibility testing and alternative data formats.

This has resulted in an accessible map which helps all users – from policymakers to the public – confidently navigate and interpret complex data, turning a challenging landscape into clear, actionable insight which directly addresses government priorities”.

Judges’ comments

“Outstanding all-round nomination. Innovative presentation, really clear user journey driven by extensive user research. Strong commitment to accessibility – above and beyond expectations.”

“Good accessibility and clearly huge amount of backend data work was needed, but tool itself quite a basic map. Good use of personas to assist wireframing and promoting in different fora.”

“Good demonstration of the development of an interactive map that met diverse user needs, making the data accessible to all. Development of innovative approaches and demonstration of high regard for the product.”

Andrew Lawrie

• Department: Health and Social Care, Northern Ireland (HSCNI)
• Nominated work: “Pharmaceutical Clinical Effectiveness (PCE) Project”

Summary

“The Pharmaceutical Clinical Effectiveness (PCE) project is a flagship medicines management initiative in Northern Ireland and a major part of the Department of Health’s efficiency strategy.  Pharmacy advisors, statisticians and finance staff work together to improve the quality and cost effectiveness of medicines management.

Cost savings (totalling around £8m across 60 to 70 drug groups) are targeted using a range of interventions set out in an annual plan. Progress was historically communicated monthly through a detailed hard copy report offering no scope for interactive interrogation.

Andrew Lawrie developed a new innovative dashboard, using best practice statistical techniques, which much more effectively communicates findings. Moreover, full dashboard automation saves around 15 days staff and production time each month across the statistical and finance teams. The dashboard has attracted much favourable comment from users on ease of use, clearer data presentation, informative context and enhanced ability to make timely project interventions”.

Judges’ comments

“Outstanding nomination for an individual who clearly led this work with a passion to solve a problem. Clear problem statement in an area clearly needing a new communication method to help stakeholders undertake their work to drive forward efficiencies. Positive user engagement and iteration and consideration in accessibility and impairments even for an internal only product.”

“Big leap forward within the organisation as going from Word document to dashboard and first dashboard used within organisation. Huge impact within the organisation and the beginning of an exciting journey.”

“Impressive delivery of an interactive dashboard to meet several user needs. This is an internal product which has had considerable impact on resource needs and received high praise from users.”

EU Entry and Exit System Queue Modelling team

• Department: Department for Transport (DfT) and Home Office (HO)
• Nominated work: “EU Entry and Exit System Queue Modelling”

Summary

“The Department for Transport (DfT) and Home Office (HO) Border Analysis teams deserve recognition for their outstanding cross-departmental collaboration, innovation, and delivery in developing a simulation queuing model for the Port of Dover.

Working at pace, they created a sophisticated model to assess the potential scale and impact of car passenger queues at the border following implementation of the EU Entry and Exit System (EES), which went live this autumn. Their pioneering use of GitHub and the R ‘simmer’ package enabled integrated, cross-departmental code development and modelling – setting a new standard for joint analytical work between DfT and HO. This agile and effective approach accelerated progress and enabled the team to provide a high-quality, evidence-based update to ministers in early June.

Their work has provided greater confidence in Dover’s operational readiness and informed both policy and planning. It is a great excellent example of how collaborative, technically advanced analysis can directly support critical national priorities”.

Judges’ comments

“Really strong example of collaboration across government and working closely with external organisations and bodies; demonstration of how to collaborate within data security and confidentiality constraints.”

“Great collaboration across departments, local government bodies and with French authorities. Particularly strong on the use of new and innovative analytical tools and overcoming institutional hurdles to achieve that – for example, new data sharing arrangements and a new level of trust and openness.”

“Good collaboration between departments, utilising tools and ways of working and wider external collaboration to get access to necessary sensitive data and test assumptions.”

“Good departmental and industry engagement, some novel modelling and high-profile policy.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for the EU Entry and Exit System Queue Modelling team for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

NHS Quality, Safety and Investigations Analytical Team

• Department: Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC)
• Nominated work: “Assisted Dying Bill Impact Assessment”

Summary

“The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill aims to create the first assisted dying service in England and Wales. This private members’ bill was introduced without an impact assessment, and there is no existing research on potential demand for an assisted dying service in England and Wales, so parliamentarians could not fully scrutinise the proposals on a highly emotive topic.

We assembled a multi-disciplinary team of analysts from DHSC and the Ministry of Justice, built relationships with academic, legal and policy experts both outside and across government, gathered international evidence, and used creative analytical approaches and to expand the evidence base.

This first-of-its-kind analysis informed Parliamentary debate and vote at Third Reading, while maintaining the Government’s position of neutrality. The analysis is an important new reference domestically and internationally and stood up to the most intense scrutiny on a totemic issue for society”.

Judges’ comments

“Excellent demonstration of collaboration across government, academia, and international bodies. The lack of pre-existing evidence and proactivity in tackling novel questions create a compelling picture of adding genuinely new insight. Particularly impressed with the stakeholder engagement on both sides of this highly emotive subject, both to quality assure the analysis and ensure it landed successfully.”

“Really strong demonstration of the need to collaborate and the different types of collaboration: international, cross-government, and cross-profession, with academia. Significant impact for government and society.”

“Good mix of stakeholders, high-profile output and good result from their collaboration.”

People’s Choice Award 2026

Vote for the NHS Quality, Safety and Investigations Analytical Team for the People’s Choice Award 2026.

The Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme (GSCIP) team

• Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
• Nominated work: “The Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme (GSCIP)”

Summary

“The Global Supply Chains Intelligence Programme (GSCIP) is a pioneering cross-government capability hosted in DBT, transforming from a two-person pilot into a £10m national asset.

GSCIP’s multidisciplinary team of analysts collaborate across eight departments, academia, and private industry, driving innovation and financial sustainability. GSCIP’s partnerships have informed major policy decisions, improved operational outcomes, saved millions financially, and advanced analytical practice, developing the use of AI, network science, and predictive analytics in government. GSCIP has demonstrated that, by combining data, innovation, and collaboration, analysis can directly shape outcomes of national importance.”

Judges’ comments

“Impressive scale of data mapping with international reach and using AI and data science techniques. Very strong cross-government impact with projects across many departments.”

“Multi-department and external engagement; novel insights and strong policy impact.”

“Strong impact.”