Five Government Bodies Crowned Winners of 2025/2026 Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence

Five departments have been celebrated for their outstanding dedication to innovation and attracting strong fields for Civil Service roles, following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence.

The annual event, now in its fourth year, showcases the innovative initiatives that departments use to attract strong, diverse fields to the Civil Service. This year, the award is being integrated directly into the Commission’s audit process, requiring all departments achieve a minimum rating of ‘good’ to meet the Mark of Excellence standard. 

A Strong Field of Contenders

All five winning departments achieved a minimum audit score of ‘good’ and demonstrated significant recruitment innovation.

The five winning departments were FCDO Services, National Crime Agency (NCA), Scottish Prison Service (SPS), Animal, Plant & Health Agency (APHA) and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S): 

• FCDO Services won for its multidimensional outreach strategy, which used innovative tools such as social media advertising reels and sensory based neuro inclusive workshops to successfully engage over 14,000 students in STEM fields;

• NCA won for transforming its recruitment through the NCA Academy – prioritising transferable skills and inclusive hiring over traditional experience.

• SPS won for its successful transition to a recruitment model that prioritises regional accessibility through ‘Hub Recruitment’ alongside the diversification of middle management by opening roles to external candidates for the first time; 

• APHA won for its data led approach to stabilising the workforce, specifically using interactive geographic mapping to provide realistic job previews and implementing inclusive pilots like the advance release of interview questions to support neurodiverse candidates; and 

• DE&S won for its pioneering response to the ‘AI-arms race’ in recruitment, utilising neuroscientific psychometric tools and collaborative escape room assessments to focus on candidate potential rather than rehearsed narratives. 

Baroness Stuart emphasised the Civil Service Commission’s role as an enabling regulator, championing the flexibility of departments to meet their specific business needs while upholding the important principles of fair and open competition. 

Baroness Stuart said: ‘The core purpose of the Commissioners’ Mark of Excellence – to showcase exemplary work and recognise departments demonstrating exceptional innovation and diversity in external recruitment – was perfectly demonstrated by these five winners. I congratulate them for their innovative approach to civil service recruitment, bringing in people who may not have previously considered a career in the Civil Service.’

The winners are entitled to display the Mark of Excellence logo on all their recruitment advertisements for one year.