A DSTL team leader has scooped a top award in London for his excellence in promoting skills development at the company.

Simon Swales won the prize at the Civil Service Awards Ceremony in Lancaster House for leading the learning and talent development team. The two to three-year programme for staff is focused on developing emotional intelligence, expanding personal experience, and coaching and mentoring from senior leaders.

Sir Jeremy Heywood, cabinet secretary and head of the civil service, said: “Simon is a wonderful and inspiring example of the civil service at its very best, brilliant people, quietly achieving exemplary results for the good of society.

“Congratulations.”

Since he started working on the development programme the costs have significantly shrunk and it now represents one of the most cost-effective skill development programmes in government.

Simon said: “Receiving this award for skills development validates an innovative approach that Dstl created through its own research into what will help people be more effective in the increasingly complex world of science and technology.

“The programme has supported many people so far and for some has been transformational for their career.

“For me this is the best feeling is knowing that you have in some small way made a positive difference for someone.

“That difference also links to the work that these people do for Dstl and the wider Ministry of Defence, which ultimately extends to improving the security and defence of the UK.”