The finalists of the Women in Defence UK Awards in association with PA Consulting, the innovation and transformation consultancy, are announced today, Wednesday 3 October. This year, in the awards’ third year, there have been over 300 nominations received from across the defence community including the Armed Forces, MOD Civil Service, GCHQ, MI5 and SIS, defence industry, the defence third sector and the Houses of Parliament Security.
Women in Defence UK exists for a community of people who wish to promote the value of women in defence. The organisation aims to inspire women to succeed authentically, share experience, build networks and encourage talent at all levels to join the defence sector. The awards have now received over 900 nominations over the last three years.
The 2018 finalists:
Inspirational Award – Sponsored by Thales
Lance Corporal Anna-Louise Stanley (The Army)
Flight Lieutenant Kerry Bennett (Royal Air Force)
Major Nics Wetherill (The Army)
Outstanding Contribution Award – Sponsored by BAE Systems
Corporal Karen Jones (Royal Air Force)
Major Ros Elliott (The Army)
Commander Sarah Cole (Royal Navy)
Most Collaborative Award – Sponsored by Aspire Defence
Squadron Leader Jodie Blackadder-Weinstein (Royal Air Force)
Doctor Penny Brookes (The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory)
Sarah Padley (Ministry of Defence)
Special Award – Sponsored by DXC Technology
Major Cleo Bigwood (The Army)
Sergeant Emma Smith (The Army)
Michelle Partington (Royal Air Force)
Emerging Talent Award – Sponsored by the The Army
Lucy Finch (Defence Equipment and Support)
Flight Lieutenant Maria Lynch (Royal Air Force)
Chantelle (National Cyber Security Centre)
Innovation Award – Sponsored by QinetiQ
Professor Petra Oyston (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory)
Captain (RN) Sharon Malkin (Royal Navy)
Louise (M15)
Unsung Heroines Award – Sponsored by Dell EMC
Carolyn Stothard (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory)
Lorna Stubbs (Defence Equipment and Support)
Maggie O’Connell (Northrop Grumman)
Promotion of Gender Balance Award - Sponsored by ATOS
Fay Tennet (Houses of Parliament Security)
Natalie Salem (Northrop Grumman)
Victoria (M15)
Inclusive Teamwork Award Sponsored by the Royal Air Force
A Joint Operational Team (GCHQ)
MOD Occupational Psychologists (Ministry of Defence)
NGUKL Engagement Team (Northrop Grumman)
STEM in Defence Award – Sponsored by Northrop Grumman
Corporal Charlotte Dunn (Royal Air Force)
Lieutenant Colonel Deborah Taylor (The Army)
G.Eng (BAE Systems).
There is also a Woman of the Year 2018 award, sponsored by PA Consulting.
Angela Owen, founder of Women in Defence and a defence expert at PA Consulting, says: “This year’s finalists are superb ambassadors for the work women do in defence of the nation. An inspiring and worthy line-up, they range in rank from Lance Corporal to Captain Royal Navy and comprise women and teams from all three of the Armed Forces, the MOD Civil Service, GCHQ and MI5, defence industry and the Houses of Parliament Security.
“At PA, our overriding focus is on finding ingenious ways to bring real transformation to organisations and these awards exemplify what can be achieved when there is a commitment to change. Women in Defence UK celebrates inspirational work and promotes the value of women in the sector. I’m delighted to have seen such a diverse list of finalists during this year of the centenary of suffrage. Every finalist should feel proud of their achievements and recognition within the defence community.”
The winners will be announced by the Secretary of State for Defence, The Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP on 6 November 2018.
The 2018 judges are:
