The 2026 Public Service Excellence and Innovation Awards took place yesterday, marking the fourth year of an initiative that continues to grow and which celebrates the dedication, professionalism and innovation found across Gibraltar’s public service. The awards once again highlighted the strength of a civil service that continues to deliver with commitment, pride and a shared sense of purpose.

This year’s Project Achievement Award was won by The Freedom Programme and Phoenix Project, recognised for its work supporting survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse through safe, structured programmes. The Education, Skills and Work Reintegration Programme was named runner-up for its work at His Majesty’s Prison Windmill Hill, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration through education and training.

The new Kinetic Award was awarded to Dr Nishant Joshi for his proposal for an AI system for repeat prescriptions, aimed at improving efficiency and patient care within the Gibraltar Health Authority. In the Team Award category, The Care Agency was named winner for establishing a new domiciliary care provider in less than 30 days following the termination of an existing contract, with the Advancing Data Confidentiality and Cyber Security Standards Team as runner-up for its work strengthening cyber resilience across the Public Service.

The Rising Star Award was won by Aline Banda of the Department of Social Security, with Lisa Duarte of the Department of Personnel and Development as runner-up, recognising emerging talent and commitment in public service. The Charles Collinson for Leadership Award was won by Nadine Mena of the Department of Personnel and Development, with Kyle Banda of the Treasury Department as runner-up, recognising outstanding leadership within the civil service.

The awards were once again a celebration of the people and teams whose work often goes unseen, but whose efforts make a real difference every day. They also served as a reminder of the pride, unity and public spirit that continue to define Gibraltar’s civil service.

The Chief Secretary, Glendon Martinez, said: “These awards have become a meaningful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the quality, commitment and professionalism that exists across the entire public service. We are one public service, and our ability to succeed depends on collaboration, adaptability and a shared sense of purpose.”

The Chief Minister, the Hon Fabian Picardo KC MP, said: “I’m very proud of the fact that I’m going to leave behind a stronger public sector, a younger public sector, a more connected public sector and a public sector that is fit for purpose and is ready for the great leap forward Gibraltar is about to take.”