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MBDA employees revealed as Finalists in the 2024 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards

We’re proud to share the news that five of our people have been shortlisted for the finals of the 2024 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards.

Now in their second year, the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards lead the way as a flagship annual showcase of the talents, achievements and contributions of this vibrant community in an industry which is vital to national security and prosperity.

The Awards, which attract hundreds of nominations each year, recognise not only those who trailblazer for LGBTQ+ inclusion but also other LGBTQ+ achievers who simply through being able to be themselves at work have maximised their value to UK defence and security.

Our finalists are:

·        Calum for Ally of the Year,

·        Madison for Graduate or Apprentice of the Year,

·        Amberley for Inspiration of the Year, and

·        Alice and Meghan, both separately shortlisted for Team Leader of the Year.

James Allibone, our executive sponsor of Pride@MBDA, our employee led network for our LGBTQ+ community, said, “Well done to all our finalists, MBDA is extremely proud of you, not to mention, extremely grateful to you for the work and insight you bring to the company.

“Your drive and your willingness to be a role-model within the business is helping us maintain momentum on creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and included, and can perform at their best.

“This in turn allows our business to be more innovative and more successful. We recognise your contribution within the business and it is great to see you being recognised by the wider sector as well through the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards.”

Defence, aerospace and security are among the sectors in which the LGBTQ+ community is underrepresented in the UK. LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces are not just right for equality, but imperative for Defence organisations to thrive in the future. A lack of visible role models can prevent LGBTQ+ workers from feeling accepted and empowered to succeed. This is what drives the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards to present an annual showcase of the talents and achievements of this vibrant community in industries so crucial to UK security and prosperity. 

Ed Hall, Chair, and Caroline Paige MBE, Chief Executive of Fighting With Pride, official charity partner of the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, said: “We’re delighted that this year’s [awards] is building on [last year’s] with even wider recognition, including for Armed Forces personnel and veterans working outside the defence sector. Our sincere congratulations and thanks go to our shortlisted finalists and to all those who were nominated, and the marvellous nominators who help us recognise people and organisations that are inspiring diversity, inclusion and equity in defence.”

The awards programme is sponsored by companies including MBDA. The winners are decided by an independent judging panel of leaders from organisations including the Ministry of Defence, the British Army, RAF, Imperial College London and other industry companies.

This year’s winners will be celebrated at an award ceremony in October, we wish you good luck on the night!