With the deadline to enter the DfT Special Recognition Awards 2026 fast approaching, we’re delighted to introduce the first members of this year’s judging panel.
Now in their seventh 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 continue Steve’s legacy, celebrating the people, teams and organisations making an outstanding contribution to the highways sector. The awards continue to shine a spotlight on excellence, innovation and collaboration, recognising those making a real difference to our industry.
Taking place as part of Strictly Highways 2026, the awards are judged by a panel of respected experts from across local government, national organisations and industry, ensuring every entry is assessed fairly and against the highest standards.
Today, we’re pleased to introduce the first four judges who will be reviewing this year’s submissions.
Nathan Hurdsfield 
Head of Innovation, Department for Transport
Nathan helps policy teams identify and deliver practical innovation opportunities across the transport system. He developed the DfT Innovation Playbook and Innovation Opportunities Pathway, and leads the 170-member DfT Innovation Network. Nathan also chairs cross-government innovation networks and works with partners to improve how government designs, funds and evaluates innovation.
Nathan said:
“I welcome the opportunity to judge the DfT Special Recognition Awards because they provide an important chance to celebrate the individuals and teams whose commitment, leadership and innovation make a real difference across the highways sector.
“In my role at the Department for Transport, I see the value of recognising not only high-profile achievements, but also the collaboration, persistence and professionalism that often sit behind successful delivery. I would be pleased to bring an objective and informed perspective to the judging process and to help ensure that exceptional contributions receive the recognition they deserve.”
Ian Large FIHE FCIHT CMgr FCMI FIoL MRailEI 
Head of Highway and Traffic Management Services, Blackpool Council
Ian is Chair of the LCRIG Infrastructure Innovation Board. In addition, he is also a Fellow of the Institute of Highway Engineers, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation, Chartered Manager Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management.
Ian said:
“It is a privilege to be part of recognising the exceptional people, teams and organisations that continue to drive innovation, collaboration and excellence across the highways and transport sector. Celebrating success is important, not only to acknowledge outstanding achievements, but also to inspire others and showcase the incredible work taking place across our industry.”
Phillip Proctor CEng MIET
Head of Research, National Highways
Phillip is a Chartered Engineer with the Institution of Engineering. With over 25 years of experience in transport research, Phillip brings deep expertise in driving innovation and evidence-based decision-making across the sector. Prior to joining National Highways, he worked at Toshiba UK and holds a degree in Satellite Communication Engineering.
Phillip said:
“I’m really pleased to be involved in judging the DfT Special Recognition Awards at Strictly Highways. These awards are a chance to recognise the individuals, teams and partnerships going above and beyond for the highways sector. I’m looking forward to learning more about the work taking place across the country and celebrating those who are helping to deliver better, safer and more resilient networks.”
Kim Harper 
Head of Highways Policy, Innovation & Knowledge, LCRIG
Kim is a highways policy, innovation and continuous improvement specialist with almost 20 years’ experience in local government. In her role at LCRIG, she leads the Knowledge & Innovation Network, supporting members to navigate highways policy updates, address sector challenges, and translate real-world problems into practical, scalable solutions. Working closely with local authorities, industry and government, Kim is passionate about driving collaboration, sharing best practice and delivering meaningful change across the highways sector.
Kim said:
“Having worked closely with Local Authorities, suppliers and innovators across the highways sector, I know how much talent, commitment and creativity exists within our community.
I am honoured to be a judge for this year’s DfT Special Recognition Awards and I am looking forward to reviewing the submissions and seeing first-hand the innovative ideas, partnerships and projects that are making a real difference. It is a privilege to help recognise those who are pushing boundaries, sharing knowledge and driving progress across the highways community.”
We’ll be introducing more of our judging panel in Part Two, so stay tuned to meet the remaining experts who will help select this year’s winners.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Enter
There’s still time to submit your entry and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals, teams, projects and partnerships across the highways sector.
Entries close at 5pm on Friday 21 August 2026.
Award categories include:
- Employer Initiative of the Year Award
- Highways Apprentice of the Year Award
- Best Use of Technology in the Highways and Transportation Sector Award
- Transport Technology Innovation Award
- Net Zero Project of the Year Award
- Collaborative Partnership Award
- Best of Britain Award
- Outstanding Contribution Award (Private Sector)
Find out more and submit your entry here.
Join Us at Strictly Highways 2026
Public sector delegate places are still available for Strictly Highways 2026. As well as hosting the DfT Special Recognition Awards, the event features a comprehensive CPD-accredited conference, an extensive exhibition and invaluable networking opportunities, bringing together local authorities, the supply chain, industry experts and the Department for Transport to explore the latest developments shaping the highways sector.
Apply now for your fully funded public sector place.
Individual places are also still available for the DfT Special Recognition Awards. Book yours today and join us for an evening celebrating excellence across the highways community.
