Fiona Ryland

In 2024, Fiona Ryland demonstrated exceptional HR leadership as Government Chief People Officer, guiding the Civil Service through a period of transformative change. She was central to developing and launching the Civil Service People Plan, a strategic blueprint comprising 45 ambitious commitments to modernise HR across government. Her collaborative approach with departments and ministers ensured alignment with long-term business objectives, earning praise from senior stakeholders and external commentators.

Fiona led significant organisational change by merging two Cabinet Office units, uniting over 1,000 HR professionals under a cohesive vision. Her leadership catalysed a cultural shift, reflected in a 12% and 16% improvement in ‘Leadership and Managing Change’ and ‘Organisational Purpose’ scores respectively in the 2024 People Survey. She also championed inclusive recruitment, expanding ‘life chance’ and EDI schemes—most notably, bringing over 3,500 individuals from underrepresented groups into the Civil Service through initiatives like the Going Forward into Employment scheme.

Placing learning and development at the heart of performance, Fiona introduced Line Management Standards and a Line Manager Induction, reaching over 70% of managers and driving consistency across leadership practices. Her reforms to the HR operating model delivered £50 million in savings and significantly improved functional efficiency. She also secured Strategic Workforce Planning within the Spending Review, enhancing workforce planning capability and data integrity.

Fiona’s forward-thinking leadership, commitment to inclusion, and focus on delivering measurable outcomes have not only transformed the HR function but set a new benchmark for excellence in public sector people strategy during a time of political and organisational change.