Pamela Badhan, Head of Air Commercial Ministry of Defence working within the RAF, has been named the Inspirational Leadership winner at the Government Commercial Function (GCF) Awards 2021.
This achievement was given for the radical difference in the Air Commercial space Pam has made in delivering the eight new Commercial Operating Model strategic pillars – these are:
- Commercial Lifecycle Assurance Team
- Commercial Intelligence & Customer Support
- Define & Procure
- Procure Major Projects & RCO
- Contract Performance & Management
- Income Generation
- Legal
- Commercial Enablement
Pam has shown great management, inspiring her team as a role model and empowering them to face challenges in their work. She has also doubled the headcount of Air Commercial staff, transforming the internal structure working on the revised Air Commercial Operating Model.
About the nominations and Pam, the judges commented:
"The winner of this category has demonstrated a range of impactfulness, offering clear leadership and has transformed the team. Their inspirational leadership in a challenging environment won the team round as well as stakeholders (including senior figures). The judges felt that this individual's utilisation of soft skills made them a role model for others. They have inspired others with their dedication and enthusiasm and corporate commitment to wider aspects of diversity. The judges also felt this individual was a standout leader within the GCF."
Pam was up against Commercial Officers working on the Test and Trace Programme, within the Home Office and the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. She was also shortlisted for the Diversity and Inclusion Award.
This year has seen an outstanding calibre of nominations across all the award categories; a true testament to the high-quality work taking place across the Government Commercial Function.
"As Head of Commercial, Pam’s commitment and vision have had a hugely positive impact across not only her own area but also the wider area of responsibility and on a daily basis I see her lead by example with dedication, enthusiasm and a caring and professional attitude. Pam has developed a clear vision for the Air Commercial team and through her role modelling, visionary leadership and innovative ideas she has brought the whole team with her on that journey – no mean feat for any leader. I wholeheartedly congratulate Pam on this very well-deserved recognition."
Mr Stephen Lock
Director of Resources
The Awards were held online, with several shortlisted individuals, teams and projects for each category, which included:
- Inspirational Leadership
- Social Value
- Innovative Commercial Projects
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Contract Management
- Collaboration and Partnerships
- Best Team
- Supplier Management
Several of the awards praised the success of those supporting and creating careers and opportunities for development for all, including gender equality, Pride, and BAME, prison leavers, and those in rehabilitation. Other awards praised success of those working in the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office, the Metropolitan Police, and the NHS; as well as departments for commercial, trading, education, law, digital, culture, media and sport, COVID-19 Lockdown, Test & Trace, and Vaccines, and even free school meals.
The RAF’s Next Generation Technical Training, Early Market Engagement team was shortlisted for the Innovative Commercial Projects Award.
