ADR Wales is proud to announce that Delyth James, who works within the Welsh Government arm of ADR Wales, has been named this year’s winner of the Analysis in Government (AiG) Rising Star Award.
The AiG Rising Star Award is a national award that recognises analysts in their first five years of government service who have already made an extraordinary impact.
Delyth was nominated for her, “Contribution to ADR Wales and Better Outcomes through Linked Data”, which formed part of the Ministry of Justice’s Better Outcomes through Linked Data (BOLD) programme. As part of this major cross‑government initiative, ADR Wales led a key work package focused on substance misuse – an area where Delyth’s analytical expertise and compassionate approach have shaped new understanding of complex social issues.
The judging panel of senior analysts from departments across government praised Delyth’s outstanding contribution, noting:
“Really strong set of examples and impact in profession.”
“Relatively new to Government and Data Science – a strong first few years demonstrating commitment, determination and technical ability. Leading others and impressive range of impacts with public presentations and publications. An inspiration to others.”
Having joined the Civil Service less than three years ago after raising three children and completing her studies in data science, Delyth has rapidly become a standout analyst. She first served as the sole statistician in the Office of the Chief Scientific Adviser before joining the ADR Wales team, where her impact has grown even further.
Her work on the BOLD programme alone has led to 10 publications and presentations at national conferences, elevating Wales’ profile in linked‑data research. Her analyses on substance misuse, homelessness, and vulnerable groups combine technical depth with empathy, and she has championed open communication through blogs, videos, and public forums.
Delyth is not only a skilled analyst but also a champion of inclusive practice. She proudly promotes Welsh language use in analytical work and shares her own lived experience to help shape more person‑centred, meaningful analysis. Her expertise has supported Welsh Government’s evolving approach to synthetic data, and she has represented both Wales and the UK at national technical workshops.
Now in its sixth year, the Annual Analysis in Government (AiG) Awards celebrate the high‑quality work taking place across the Analysis Function and spotlight the breadth of analytical professions and government departments involved. The awards showcase the diversity and impact of exceptional analysis happening across government.
Following her category win, Delyth now goes forward to compete for the 2026 People’s Choice Award, voted for by members of the Analysis Function community.
Vote for Delyth here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/AF_Peoples_Choice_Award_2026/
The winner will be announced in March 2026.