Curiosity in Action, Strategy with Purpose

Laura Alleyne joined the Cayman Islands Civil Service in 2021. Since then, she has actively pursued opportunities for further education and professional development - driven by a strong desire to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully.

Today, as a Senior Compliance Officer, Laura brings the lessons and skills gained from these experiences to every aspect of her role - whether she’s navigating regulatory requirements or exploring how innovation can enhance public service delivery.

Speaking about the Civil Service College and its courses, Laura explains:
“I had a genuine curiosity… I was drawn to the idea that the content was practical and directly applicable to real work situations.”

Applying Curiosity with Intention

In 2022, Laura began the ILM Level 5 programme through the Civil Service College, graduating in 2023. For Laura, this educational experience was a welcomed opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

“I saw it as a great opportunity not only to enhance my qualifications but also to broaden my perspective, gain new competencies, and ultimately add value to the Civil Service,” she says.

From the outset, she was drawn to the real-world relevance of the ILM curriculum. Each module offered tools she could immediately apply in her work - enhancing her leadership, strengthening her decision-making, and boosting her confidence to participate more strategically within her team.

Driving Departmental Impact

Drawing from her experience, Laura brought back key insights and introduced new ideas that contributed to her department’s strategic development.

“I was able to share insights and introduce ideas from the course into my department,” she explains. “The programme sharpened my leadership skills and improved my decision-making abilities. I found myself better equipped to contribute strategically and confidently.”

Laura recognised the long-term value of her experiences, and was proud to apply what she had learned to strengthen both her own performance and her team’s outcomes.

Connecting Values to Vision

For Laura, the ILM programme also deepened her connection to the Civil Service’s values, mission, and long-term strategic direction.

“The ILM programme broadened my understanding and appreciation for Civil Service values,” she says. “It was enriching to see the CIG Strategic Plan come to life through all aspects of the course.”

By aligning her coursework with the Plan, Laura saw her role as part of a wider purpose - one that’s helping to shape a World-Class Civil Service. “It helped me feel more connected to my professional purpose,” she reflects. “I now have the tools to recommend or implement findings from my coursework - contributing meaningful value not only to my department but to the Civil Service as a whole.”

Building a Culture of Innovation

Laura views the Civil Service College as a vital driver of innovation across government. In her eyes, the ILM programmes support more than just individual advancement - they foster a culture of creativity, leadership, and forward-thinking service.

“The Civil Service College and its ILM programmes are an integral part of leadership development and skill enhancement,” she says. “They foster an environment where innovation can thrive and where civil servants are encouraged to present creative ideas that improve public service delivery.”

That mindset - of experimentation, learning, and problem-solving - is something Laura actively champions. Whether she’s refining processes or contributing in strategy meetings, she sees professional development not as an optional extra, but as a core responsibility.

A Strategic Voice for the Future

As Laura approaches her fourth year in the Civil Service, her contributions are already shaping how her department operates. And yet, this is just the beginning.

With every new idea, skill, or insight, she continues to invest in both her own development and the evolution of the Civil Service. Her story reflects the qualities of a modern civil servant - data-literate, values-driven, and committed to public innovation and accountability.

For Laura Alleyne, professional development isn’t a checkbox. It’s how meaningful public service gets done