Raising Standards In Enforcement: Dukes Shortlisted for CIVEA Excellence Awards

Dukes is proud to announce that we have been shortlisted in the upcoming CIVEA Excellence Awards, recognising the professionalism and leadership demonstrated across our business.

The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) is the trade association for the enforcement industry, representing approximately 40 civil enforcement agencies across England and Wales, with members collecting unpaid fines and taxes on behalf of local authorities. CIVEA plays an important role in promoting high standards and professional conduct across the industry. Held every two years, the CIVEA Excellence Awards celebrate individuals and teams who help raise standards in enforcement.

This year, Dukes entered two awards and has been shortlisted for both:

• Team of the Year – Dukes' Customer Hub

• Women in Enforcement – Dayle Webster, Head of Performance

Building on previous industry recognition

These latest achievements build on Dukes’s strong track record within the sector and previous success at the CIVEA Awards.

In 2022, Dukes won the ‘Outstanding Enforcement Agent’ Award, recognising the professionalism and dedication of Senior Enforcement Agent Mark Bytheway. More recently, in 2024, Dukes was awarded ‘Excellence in Innovation’, recognising our investment in technology to modernise enforcement, improve delivery, and enhance the customer journey - helping people get out of, and stay out of, debt.

Being shortlisted again this year across different categories highlights our continued commitment to delivering enforcement excellence and improving outcomes for our clients and communities.

Team of the Year 2026

New to the awards this year, this category recognises a team that is actively raising standards across the industry.

As a trusted supplier of debt enforcement recovering council tax, business rates and penalty charge notices for local authorities across England and Wales, our Customer Hub (contact centre team) provides essential support to hundreds of thousands of people in debt -  focusing on early engagement, identification of vulnerable residents, clear communication, and tailored support.

Operating Monday to Saturday (8am–8pm and 8am–2pm respectively), the team works to resolve cases at the earliest opportunity, with the aim of avoiding enforcement visits wherever possible. With collection rates at the compliance stage at an all-time high and low complaint levels setting the industry standard, their work continues to deliver meaningful support to both clients seeking to recover debts and local communities in need of support when managing debts.

Outstanding Women in Enforcement 2026

In an industry traditionally dominated by men, the Women in Enforcement 2026 award recognises individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to advancing women's roles in civil enforcement.

We are proud to share that our Head of Performance, Dayle Webster, has been shortlisted for this prestigious award.

With an 11-year career in the sector, Dayle’s journey reflects both progression and impact. Starting as a Contact Centre Agent, she has grown into a highly respected senior leader at Dukes, demonstrating the opportunities available for women in enforcement and inspiring others to follow a similar path.

Her leadership plays a key role in fostering a culture in which women are supported to develop, progress, and lead.

Supporting trust in enforcement

These award shortlistings, alongside our continued industry recognition, reflect our commitment to deliver reliable, ethical enforcement and debt recovery services.

If you’d like to learn more about how Dukes supports local authorities, commercial landlords and private businesses recover outstanding debts, get in touch with our team.