With the deadline to enter the DfT Special Recognition Awards fast approaching, we are excited to unveil our esteemed panel of judges. These key industry leaders are set to review submissions and select the shortlist ahead of the awards ceremony, which will take place during Strictly Highways on the evening of 02 October.
Now in their fifth year, the DfT Special Recognition Awards were established by the late Steve Berry OBE, the Department for Transport’s former Head of Highways Maintenance, Innovation and Resilience. These awards stand as a testament to Steve’s legacy, continuing to inspire excellence and progress within the sector.
Meet Our Judges
Darren Capes
ITS Policy Lead at the Department for Transport (DfT) and Manager of the Transport Technology Forum (TTF)
Leading this year’s judging panel is Darren Capes, ITS policy lead at the Department for Transport. In his role Darren supports local authorities to engage with the Future of Transport agenda, ensuring the UK’s road authorities are prepared for future challenges.
A fellow of both the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Darren also manages the Transport Technology Forum on behalf of the DfT. He is a member of LCRIG’s Advisory Board, Junior Vice President Elect of the IHE, chairs the IET’s National Transport Policy Panel, and a board member of ITS(UK).
Matt Eglinton
Head of Local Highways Maintenance, Innovation, and Resilience at the Department for Transport
Joining the panel alongside Darren is Matt Eglinton, who focuses on promoting effective highways asset management, decarbonisation, and resilience in his role at the DfT. Prior to this position, Matt worked as a Private Secretary for a succession of Transport Ministers and led on domestic regulation for automated vehicle policy within the DfT’s Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV).
Dr Joanna White
Roads Development Director at National Highways
We are delighted to welcome back Dr Joanna White to our judging panel this year. Jo leads the Roads Development Division at National Highways, where she focuses on research, innovation, intelligent transport systems, energy, and road design.
Beyond her role at National Highways, Jo is a member of LCRIG’s Infrastructure Innovation Board, a Trustee of the Rees Jeffreys Road Fund, and is also a member of the RoadSafe Traffic Technology Think Tank and the Expert Advisory Panel for the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV). A passionate advocate for STEM education, Jo is committed to inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in the transport industry and champions apprentice and graduate placements at National Highways, which offers around 100 placements every year.
Dr Susan Scurlock MBE
Founder and Chief Executive at Primary Engineer
We are excited to introduce a new judge to our panel this year, Dr Susan Scurlock MBE. As the Founder and Chief Executive of Primary Engineer, Susan established the organisation in 2005 after training as a Graphic Designer and later as a Secondary School Teacher, driven by a belief that we can enable all children to reach their potential through engagement with engineering. Susan’s addition to our judging panel reflects the growing partnership and collaborative efforts between LCRIG and Primary Engineer.
Michael Hansford
Chief Executive at RSTA (effective from 29 August)
Joining our panel for the first time this year is Michael Hansford, the newly appointed Chief Executive of the RSTA. Taking over from Paul Boss, a longstanding supporter and judge of the awards, we are thrilled to have Mike continue this tradition.
With over 28 years of experience in local government, including 23 years in highways, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge to the panel. In his role at Dorset Council, he led a team responsible for strategic asset management, overseeing a £20 million+ structural maintenance programme, and managing performance, benchmarking, and highways systems. Mike also chairs the South West Regional Asset Management Group and sits on the UKRLG Asset Management Board, demonstrating his passion for driving change and innovation in the highways sector.
Paula Claytonsmith
Chief Executive at LCRIG
Paula brings extensive experience from local government and has held various leadership roles across the public and charitable sectors. Her background includes leading frontline services, working with a national public sector improvement agency focused on performance improvement, and engaging in roles at KPMG Government Advisory. Paula has also undertaken international consulting assignments, participated in political lobbying, and held independent advisory roles at national government level. Additionally, Paula has held executive leadership positions in the charitable sector, including a major stem cell cancer charity where she led their operations department and a leading environmental charity focused on strategic policy and lobbying to foster behavioural change for improving local environmental quality. Paula has been active in PIARC’s World Roads Association technical committee on accessibility and mobility in rural areas and is a member of the Royal Meteorology Society, reflecting her strong personal interest in extreme weather and climate change
Paula’s passion for technology, data, and public services has led her to speak on BBC Radio 4’s “In Business” about technology and Infrastructure. She has also authored articles for the Institute of Highway Engineers concerning infrastructure, data, and their social impact and provided evidence to the Transport Select Committee on Local Roads Funding and Governance in 2019.
Kerry Winstanley
Finance and Operations Director at LCRIG
As the Finance and Operations Director, Kerry oversees all business operations for LCRIG, including managing accounts and fulfilling statutory requirements as a Community Interest Company.
Passionate about addressing the skills shortage in the highways sector, she has played a pivotal role in establishing the Highway Maintenance Academy alongside partners from Salford City College and Salford Council.
Thank you to our panel of judges for their commitment and expertise in evaluating this year’s entries.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Enter
There’s still time to submit your entry and recognise the outstanding achievements of colleagues, projects and initiatives. Submit your entries by Friday, August 23 2024, at 17:00. Find out more and enter here.
Join Us at Strictly Highways
Public Sector delegate places are still available for Strictly Highways 2024. This event is not just an awards ceremony but also offers a comprehensive, CPD-accredited conference providing invaluable networking opportunities and discussions on key industry topics such as innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. We also have individual places and tables available for the DfT Special Recognition Awards. For more information and to secure your place today, visit Strictly Highways 2024.