A CIVIL servant from north Hampshire has beaten off stiff competition to win the coveted Professional of the Year prize at this year’s Civil Service Awards.

Alanah Donnell, of St Stephens Close, Upton Grey, beat hundreds of people to win the accolade at the ceremony which was attended by Prime Minister David Cameron.

Head of Strategic Engagement and Partnerships at the Department for Work and Pensions, Alanah has worked in the Civil Service for 10 years.

Her vision for effective stakeholder engagement influenced the presentation of the Department for Work and Pension’s welfare reform agenda, and shaped public acceptance of the case for change.

Through this work, Alanah developed a reputation as a trusted, credible adviser. She is often sought out by ministers and special advisers about work outside her remit.

She said: “It was flattering and exciting just to be nominated for this award, but to have won is incredible.

“Although it’s an individual nomination, I couldn’t have done this without the support of a great team, and some fantastic colleagues across DWP crossed boundaries to work together to support this landmark legislation.

“Professional of the Year is a really important category, showcasing the variety of careers in the Civil Service.”

David Cameron told the audience: “It’s only when you become Prime Minister that you really grasp the enormity of what the Civil Service does. And as the leader of a Coalition Government, I am especially grateful for what you do.”