Rebekah Warburton OBE, from St Annes, was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) on 12 June 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to public service through her work at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Currently serving as Deputy Director for Health Transformation and Delivery, Warburton’s career is a remarkable example of progression, leadership and dedication within the Civil Service. Her journey began in 2004 when she joined the Department for Work and Pensions as an Administrative Officer within the Child Support Agency.
Starting in an entry-level role, she steadily built her career through a combination of operational expertise, commitment to service improvement and a passion for helping others. Over the years, she developed a reputation for delivering transformational change within some of the government’s most important public services. Today, as Deputy Director for Health Transformation and Delivery, Warburton plays a key role in overseeing programmes designed to improve how health-related services are delivered across the DWP. Her work focuses on ensuring that services operate efficiently, effectively and with the needs of customers at their heart.
Throughout her career, she has remained passionate about operational delivery, believing that public services work best when they are designed around the people who rely upon them. Her commitment to transforming services and continually improving outcomes has helped shape programmes that support some of the most vulnerable members of society. Alongside her work on service delivery, Warburton is particularly recognised for her commitment to developing people and future leaders. She has consistently championed staff development, mentoring and leadership programmes, helping colleagues build confidence, develop new skills and achieve their professional ambitions.
Speaking about her career, she has highlighted the importance of helping people reach their full potential, a philosophy that has guided much of her leadership approach. Her focus on nurturing talent and supporting colleagues has earned her respect throughout the organisation and contributed to the development of future generations of Civil Service leaders. The award of an OBE recognises not only her individual achievements but also more than two decades of dedication to public service. From her beginnings in the Child Support Agency to her current senior leadership role, Warburton’s career demonstrates the opportunities available within the Civil Service for those who combine ambition, expertise and a commitment to serving the public.
For St Annes and the wider Fylde Coast, her recognition in the national honours system represents a proud achievement and highlights the significant contributions made by local people working at the highest levels of public service. Her story is one of progression, perseverance and purpose — rising from an Administrative Officer in 2004 to become a nationally recognised leader responsible for helping transform services used by millions of people across the United Kingdom.
Featured Image © Rebekah Twitter
Background Image © Alamy
