Better Public Services article: Department of Transport Values in Action
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From: Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
- Published on: 26 February 2025
- Last updated on: 13 March 2025
Congratulations to the Department of Transport for winning the Best Public Sector HR Initiative Award for their Values in Action initiative at the HR Leadership & Management Awards 2024. The Department has also been short-listed for the 2025 CIPD Awards which will take place on 28 February – best of luck to all involved!
The 'Values in Action' initiative represents the culmination of the Department’s culture and values journey over the past three years. These efforts also align with the Better Public Services strategy of building a workforce of the future that is an established Employer of Choice; skilled for the future; and more diverse, agile and inclusive.
The Department’s journey began with a culture audit in 2021 which provided a snapshot of the current state and highlighted areas for improvement. A cross-organisational team worked together and developed the Connecting the DoTs programme, providing a graduated pathway to support staff return to the office post the pandemic.
Recognising that the Department was on a complex journey to redefine ways of working while reconnecting with its culture and values, a future of work survey was carried out in early 2023. The survey included 48 questions on blended working, the working environment, employee expectations and also culture and values. This approach also helped inform the development of the CS Blended Working Evaluation Framework.
Staff focus groups provided insights into the responses and lived experiences, informing a series of Management Board Culture Workshops to re-define the department’s values and desired culture. The departmental values—Public Service Ethos, Ambition, Collaboration, and Quality & Delivery—were published in the Department of Transport Statement of Strategy 2023-2025.
By 2024, the Department wanted to ensure that their values were integrated into ways of working. The ‘Values in Action’ (VIA) competition sought examples and stories of how staff were embedding and living these values. A total of 31 outstanding entries were submitted from across all areas of the Department, demonstrating that not only were the values understood but how they have been embedded into work practices and decision making. An awards ceremony announcing the short-listed entries and winners was hosted by the Secretary General, Ken Spratt in June 2024.
The Values in Action initiative instilled a sense of pride and ownership, recognised employees who consistently exemplify values in daily work, and highlighted the positive impact of employee engagement in creating a more unified and purpose-driven workforce. This innovative approach has also ensured that values are not just an integral part of the Department’s identity but also serve as a compass guiding decisions and policy development, playing a pivotal role in sustainability by attracting and retaining top talent to the Civil Service.
Instilling civil service and departmental values has never been more important, considering the changing context introduced by hybrid working, rapid technological advancements, changing demographics, and evolving societal expectations. The Department’s Secretary General, Ken Spratt, also leads the Civil Service Management Board (CSMB) Values & Leadership sub-group, ensuring that our culture and values are upheld and passed on to future generations. This commitment is essential for maintaining public trust and fostering a resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking workforce.
