20th Anniversary Special: Lifetime Achievement Award Shortlist

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Emma Day

Home Office

Emma Day’s near 40-year Civil Service career exemplifies sustained excellence, innovation, and compassionate leadership. Beginning in 1987 as the youngest Immigration Officer at Heathrow Terminal 4, Emma was at the forefront when the first digital systems for immigration casework were introduced, coaching colleagues and improving efficiency. She led the creation of the first casework and asylum desk at Manchester Airport, a model later adopted across regional airports, and played a key role in responding to the Kosovan crisis and operationalising the Human Rights Act.

Rising to G7 and beyond, Emma introduced intranet-based reporting tools, established the first accredited Financial Intelligence Officers, and contributed to the Organised Crime Coordination Centre, disrupting criminal networks and supporting prosecutions. She later led the Home Office Intelligence response to Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking , set up the Office for Data Communications Authorisations, and was joint lead for the National Communications Data Service, improving service compliance, reducing case turnaround times, and enhancing cyber security during COVID. Most recently, she stabilised the Accelerated Capability Environment during its transition back into Civil Service leadership.

Beyond operational achievements, Emma is a compassionate and forward-thinking leader, championing flexible working, mentoring staff, and supporting professional development programmes across departments. Her career demonstrates vision, operational brilliance, and a people-focused approach, leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, efficiency, and inspiration across the Civil Service.

Jon O'Donnell

Department for Work and Pensions

Jon has dedicated nearly 30 years to public service, demonstrating resilience, transformative leadership, and a commitment to accessibility. Beginning his Civil Service career in 1996, he quickly distinguished himself, leading high-performing teams in challenging areas such as Peckham and Deptford, and transforming the South London District from the lowest- to the highest-performing in the country within 18 months.

Jon pioneered innovative tools, including the New Deal Lone Parent Tool, and helped design the DWP’s national job start measurement system. As Kent District Performance Manager, he achieved a 27.6% reduction in youth (18-24) unemployment Kent (12,100 to 8,765) after the financial crash, (UK average reduction was 17.8%), and mentored multiple districts to improve national performance rankings.

Following a life-altering accident in 2011, Jon championed document accessibility across the Civil Service. As a Senior Accessibility Specialist, he has delivered hundreds of workshops, launched Civil Service-wide MS365 accessibility training for over 3,000 staff, and authored policies benefiting more than 94,000 colleagues. He also co-leads the Digital Document Public Sector Community of Practice, supporting over 185 members from 60+ organisations.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jon contributed over 13 years to youth football coaching, fundraising, and serving as Governor and then Chair of Governors at a primary school with a high proportion of SEN (Special Educational Needs) and Pupil Premium (40%+) and was also SEN lead Governor at a secondary school. His career reflects courage, innovation, and lasting impact, improving public service delivery and enhancing accessibility for citizens and colleagues alike.

Tracie Jackson

Home Office

Tracie Jackson has dedicated nearly four decades to transforming border security and canine detection in the UK. Since joining Customs & Excise in 1987, her career has spanned diverse operational roles, from passenger screening, controlled deliveries to leading multi-functional teams across major UK ports and airports. Early experiences at the Dover and Sheerness Dog Units laid the foundation for her pioneering work in detector dog operations, including the groundbreaking passive response dog trials ahead of the Channel Tunnel opening.

In 2019, Tracie joined the Border Force National Dog Team, leading the development of the world’s first canine detection capability for New Synthetic Opioids (NSOs), including nitazenes. Collaborating with the University of Lincoln and scientific partners, she introduced novel training methods, evidence-based benchmarking, and advanced chemical analysis, redefining standards in detection science globally.

Her work has enhanced operational efficiency, improved detection accuracy, and strengthened the UK’s position as a world leader in non-intrusive detection capability. Across her career, Tracie has also mentored generations of officers, advanced scientific understanding of canine olfaction, and contributed to safer borders — leaving a lasting legacy of innovation, expertise, and public service impact.