Emma Cundell

Emma was such a fantastic colleague, a joy to work with and completely brilliant at what she did. Working together, during an intensely busy time, her kind, calm approach (combined with a wicked sense of humour) helped us navigate through the most complex of tasks. Emma always made time for people, sensing times to lean in and support, sharing her expertise, effortlessly. Emma was one of the best, and I will remember fondly our 'safe space' chats on a Friday. Sending Emma's friends and family my condolences at such a heartbreaking time. I was devasted to hear the news and I cannot begin to imagine the hole Emma has left behind. But please know that she will never be forgotten by those who were lucky enough to work with her. Miss you, Emma Love from Laura xxx

Emma was such a warm, caring, and fun person to be around and I feel an immense privilege to have known her, worked alongside her and have her as a member of my team over the last 2 years. Emma brought humour, professionalism, calmness and can do attitude to everything she approached. She would often give me a knowing look if I had a crazy idea but she would always see the way through and turn that idea into a reality. I remember vividly and with such pride, her telling me that she actually liked me and I was making a difference - it meant such a lot coming from Emma. I also have fond memories of us laughing so much about whether to use the word fleetly or swiftly in our comms. Emma is missed so much in the team and right across the department, she was infectious and touched so many people lives in so many ways. Sending love to Emma’s family and friends.

I worked with Emma in 2016 when we both joined the academies team at the same time and were 'buddied' up together. She was so funny, such a lovely person and always supportive. I'm so sorry to hear about her passing. Sending my deepest condolences to her friends and family x

I worked with Emma on the Transformation team when we were both SEOs, and she was always there to offer encouragement and advice as I began my journey in DfE. It is truly sad that she has left us so soon. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and close friends during this difficult time, and I hope they find the strength and comfort to cope with their loss. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with her and will remember her kindness.

It was an absolute pleasure working with Emma and I am so sorry to hear this terribly sad news. Emma was so easy to engage with and we often had a giggle as we tried to pull together some last minute wording for some comms, Emma always turning my verbose nonsense into something useful and user friendly. She will be missed.

Emma was a true inspiration to me as a colleague. She was so brilliant at her role and I can see her voice across DfE communications. She demonstrated how you can balance kindness, compassion, professionalism, humour, and dedication. It was a pleasure working with Emma and I have many happy memories of our time together in the Transformation Team. I was devastated to hear that Emma was so unwell and has now passed. We will all miss you Emma xxx

Emma was both a brilliant colleague and an excellent friend. I had the privilege of working with Emma at the start of her civil service career and then watching her go on to have a significant impact in every team she was part of. As a colleagues she was kind, hilarious, straight-talking, observant, and exceptionally good at getting the best out of people. As a friend, she was all of those things and more. She was such a joy to have as a friend, I miss her. I'm sending my heartfelt sympathy and condolences to her friends and family.

I am so sad to hear of Emma's passing. I only worked with her briefly but she was always positive, calm and lovely. Sending all her friends and family my deepest sympathy.