www.des.mod.uk

Issue 144 August 2020 the magazine for defence equipment desider and support

DE&S sign contract for first three Protector aircraft am hugely impressed by in the same way to ensure we ForewordDE&S’ extraordinary flexibility provide our armed forces with I and agility as we continue the kit they need for today’s and to deliver our national security tomorrow’s warfare. outputs alongside supporting our This example also reinforces wider government responses to the importance we must continue to place with our international relationships. These relationships "With the changing nature of modern warfare, we must all are built on long-standing operational and industrial challenge ourselves and adopt agile and innovative mind-sets co-operation. With strong to protect our nation against the evolving threats" international relationships we can achieve better results for the COVID-19. Mobilising as a whole equipment we procure, both now force has always been something and in the future. we’ve done extremely well and It gave me great pleasure to the current situation has brought hear Defence Secretary Ben out the best in the defence Wallace announce at the Air enterprise. and Space Power Conference July was a very busy month, the £65-million contract for the with us continuing to strengthen production of our first ground- relationships with our key breaking Protector aircraft. This stakeholders. month, we also took control I met with the US Secretary of the £100-million Poseidon of the Army, Ryan McCarthy, strategic facility at the Moray as the UK and US signed a base, RAF Lossiemouth, and Memorandum of Agreement to steel was cut on the final piece of explore collaboration in some of Type 26 HMS Glasgow. their major Army programmes. Looking ahead, we are The agreement is a sign of anticipating the upcoming intent to formalise a number of Integrated Review that will ongoing initiatives between the re-examine the UK’s defence two armies, the areas ranging priorities and objectives. from land, cyber and space, and With the changing nature of collaboration between the air modern warfare, we must all forces and navies. challenge ourselves and adopt We want to work closely agile and innovative mind-sets with our allies and this provides to protect our nation against the us with fantastic opportunities evolving threats. Working together By Sir Simon Bollom, CEO from military and procurement across all five operating domains perspectives. I look forward to (Air, Land, Sea, Space and Cyber) seeing how UK defence and will be key and the mission of our industry can benefit from their newly-created Strategic Enablers genuine desire for a close and business unit, that will lead on co- collaborative relationship. ordinating our efforts in the two As part of this visit, I was new operating domains, Space hosted for dinner by the and Cyber, that the UK National 4th Battalion, the Rifles - a Security Strategy has identified. specialised infantry battalion DE&S plays a pivotal role, whose role it is to accompany procuring equipment and the soldiers of overseas partners, providing in-service support to helping them to develop their own ensure that our armed forces capability, with responsibility for have what they need, when they the Middle East and North Africa. need it and I’m confident that we It is impressive to see how will continue to deliver value for these small, capable teams, money, drive out inefficiencies, who are always deployed, have and enhance and support British adapted to the challenges of military capability. modern warfare, the need to be Finally, although summer persistently engaged, to build holiday season may be different lasting international partnerships, this year, I hope you are all able to and to do so with limited enjoy some well-deserved down resources, commitment and time during the coming weeks. innovation. And we must adapt

3 desider August 2020 desider August 2020 Contents Contents Contents www.gov.uk/government/publications/desider-2020 On the cover Twitter: @DefenceES Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Air System

Facebook: @DefenceES Crown Copyright

LinkedIn: Defence Equipment & Support 10Boxer 20MOD Donnington YouTube: DE&S Success in recent stowage trials Despatches over 10,000 items of critical medical equipment

Editor: Louisa Keefe Louisa Keefe - 07981 013054 [email protected]

Contributors: Daniel Evans, Louise Allford, Tom Morris, Lowri Jones, Ash Pitman, Paul Mclennan and Monika Morgan

Photography and Design: Katherine Williams, Jack Eckersley, Charlie Perham and Andrew Linnett

Distribution Manager: Dick Naughton - 0117 9134342 [email protected] 6Senior Leader Comment 14Gibraltar Squadron Fast Patrol Craft 22Making a difference Advertising Manager: Adrian Baguley, Deputy CEO and Director £9-million contract award to replace Fast Patrol Craft How a DE&S volunteer Edwin Rodrigues General Strategic Enablers [email protected] has supported her local +44 (0) 20 3411 1008 community

Printing desider is distributed free to DE&S employees and the equipment capability organisations. Copies may be sent to readers outside MOD, including in the defence industries and is published on the world wide web via GOV.UK and www.des.mod.uk. While the editor takes care to ensure all material produced is accurate, no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Views expressed in desider, and products and services advertised, are not necessarily endorsed by DE&S or the MOD. All editorial submissions must be cleared by the relevant MOD authorities.

© Crown Copyright

Cover story 8Protector production 16First Person 25HMS Glasgow 28Prestigious fellowship This magazine is printed on Novatech Matt FS 100gsm DE&S award £65-million contract which is Forest Stewardship Council certified material Kam Mckinley, Head of Final steel cut for Type 26 Duncan Kemp receives from well-managed forests and elemental chlorine free. British Forces Post Office esteemed recognition

4 5 desider August 2020 Senior Leader Comment Project Manager Adrian Baguley, Deputy Chief Executive and Director General Strategic Enablers, talks to Desider about his Engineer new roles, his praise for staff and adapting for the future Commercial Finance Graduate FIND YOUR FUTURE

ver the past few months, and to help shape the organisation I’m excited to bring the Business Manager DE&S has undertaken to ensure our ongoing success in Future Capability Group an enormous amount of the years to come. Let's take pride (FCG) into SE and to the Ochange. Not only have we had It’s certainly been busy, but in ourselves forefront of DE&S. Whether it’s to adopt new ways of working I have a fabulous team in the and our ability growing our embryonic Space due to COVID-19, but we’ve four business-facing directorates capability or providing a home Communications also had to adapt to changes in (Director Programmes, Director to provide for experimentation on new our organisational structure. For Chief Digital Information Officer, technologies such as artificial me, the latter of these has been Director Engineering and Safety, defence with intelligence, FCG needs to push two-fold. and Director Support) and they’ve world-class the technological boundaries My area of responsibility within supported me wonderfully in the and help transition these into the Project Controller DE&S – previously Joint Enablers transition. So far, much of my equipment and wider organisation. – has been reshaped into a new time has been spent working with support for We need to embrace the business unit, Strategic Enablers MOD Head Office on COVID-19 digital tools that’ll help us (SE). One of the primary reasons activity, wider MOD change years to come become a data-led organisation for establishing SE is to help programmes and preparing for with accurate management Human Resources drive integration across DE&S the Integrated Review. information at our fingertips. and to better align some of our I couldn’t be prouder of the We’re also a rather bureaucratic capabilities with UK Strategic work everyone has done to organisation at present but, in my Command. We provide a centre support COVID-19 efforts, either experience, we can drive through of expertise for our digital working directly on COVID-19 we’ve adapted to remote working, that bureaucracy if we truly Security capabilities and skills which are tasks or stepping up to support and we’re already thinking about empower our people and give central to the modern security business as usual to back-fill what this means for our future. them the confidence to do so. context and the nature of the colleagues assigned to support the We’re currently saving 109 tonnes And that’s the key: DE&S complex, software-intensive NHS. The plaudits our staff have of carbon every week through collectively needs to be more systems we procure. received from across Whitehall reduced travel and parking at confident. The support ’we ve Also, following Nick Elliott’s pay testament to their skills, drive Abbey Wood has never been provided throughout COVID-19 departure, I’ve taken over the and determination. The Cabinet easier. has reinforced that we are very role of DE&S’ Deputy Chief Office recently commented that Continuing to adapt and good at our job, so let’s take pride Executive. Having spent much DE&S colleagues working on PPE improve our ways of working in ourselves and our ability to of my career in DE&S and its were “without exception, skilled, is a high priority for me going provide defence with world-class previous incarnations, this is a experienced, well trained and well forward, not only to improve equipment and support for years tremendous honour. I’m relishing organised...displaying a high level business outputs, but to help to come. des.mod.uk the opportunity to share learning competence.” us become stronger and better and drive coherence across DE&S I’m also impressed by the way individuals. A new home for careers at DE&S 6 desider August 2020 desider August 2020 News NNewsews

DE&S awards contract for first three Protector aircraft he first three of the UK’s General Atomics Aeronautical Reaper. working relationship they have CEO, said: “The DE&S team has The fleet will also have world-leading Protector Systems Inc following a successful News of the contract was The DE&S team has built with General Atomics.” demonstrated their remarkable advanced anti-icing and lightning aircraft are now being development phase, will see the announced by Defence Secretary Protector will have to meet resilience and overcome protection, providing the RAF Tmanufactured following the award company build the first three Ben Wallace during a speech at demonstrated their stringent NATO and UK safety considerable challenge to ensure with unprecedented flexibility of a £65-million ($80-million) innovative Protectors, as well as the Virtual Air and Space Power remarkable resilience certification standards, meaning it this significant programme to operate in adverse weather contract by DE&S. three ground control stations and Conference last month. and overcome could operate in civilian airspace. remained on track. conditions. Protector, which will replace other associated equipment. Charlie Hazeldean, the head of considerable It will be deployed in wide- “Their efforts and the The first Protector aircraft the current Reaper system when Alongside this a test and Unmanned Air Systems at DE&S, challenge to ensure ranging Intelligence, Surveillance, collaborative commitment from will be delivered in 2021 but will it is introduced to the front line, evaluation contract is already in said: “Protector is a world-class, this significant Targeting and Reconnaissance industry means that the RAF can remain in the US to be utilised in is considered a step change in place to gather evidence for the ground-breaking capability and is programme remained (ISTAR) operations where its still look forward to the delivery of the test and evaluation phase of capability for the RAF. acceptance and certification of the a significant step in capability for ability to fly consistently for up the cutting-edge Protector and the the programme. The first aircraft The cutting-edge platform system. the RAF. on track to 40 hours offers the RAF vastly step change in capability it brings.” delivery to the RAF will be in will be capable of being flown The production contract “I am incredibly proud of the improved armed ISTAR capability. The aircraft will use enhanced 2023. anywhere in the world while includes an option for the build team who, due to COVID-19, Sir Simon Bollom, It would also be available, if data links and carry next- DE&S CEO being operated by personnel of the remaining 13 aircraft, had to manage the final contract requested, to support civilian generation, low collateral, located at their home base at RAF four ground control stations to negotiations virtually, combined agencies in the UK, for example precision strike weapons – the Waddington, Lincolnshire, where complete the current planned fleet with an eight-hour time difference. in search and rescue and disaster UK-made Brimstone missile it will enter service by mid-2024. of 16 aircraft which will more than Their success is testament to response missions. (MBDA) and Paveway IV laser The contract, awarded to double the capability provided by their commitment and the great Sir Simon Bollom, DE&S guided bomb (Raytheon UK).

Pictured: The Protector aircraft will be capable of strike 8 9 missions anywhere in the world (Crown Copyright) desider August 2020 desider August 2020 News In Brief News In Brief

A step forward for Team Tempest - DE&S teams broadening the partnership shortlisted in It has been announced that enhance the capabilities currently seven new companies – GEUK, delivered by Typhoon. APM Awards GKN, Collins Aerospace, Martin The new partners will bring Both the DE&S United Kingdom Baker, QinetiQ, Bombardier and new innovations and designs, Military Flying Training System Thales UK– will collaborate with enabling Team Tempest to (UKMFTS) Team and DE&S’ Team Tempest, the pioneering continue developing ground- Queen Elizabeth Class Prince alliance delivering cutting-edge breaking concepts and of Wales team have recently technology for a new generation technologies that build upon been shortlisted in the annual of combat air power. existing world-leading UK Association of Project Management Team Tempest is a group of capabilities. (APM) awards. The APM Awards industry partners (BAE Systems, Deputy head commercial, recognise the very best of the Rolls-Royce, Leonardo UK and Maggie Dillon from the DE&S project profession and both DE&S MBDA UK) working with the Combat Air Strategy Team, teams have been shortlisted as MOD on the UK’s Future Combat said: “By widening partner finalists for the annual awards Air System Technology Initiative engagements and pulling third ceremony. (FCAS TI) programme. parties closer to the Tempest The PWLS team has been FCAS TI is the circa £2-billion programme, we hope to expand selected as a finalist in this years’ research and development the existing skills base within the ‘engineering, construction and Boxer stowage trials in the programme, maturing UK through greater innovation.” infrastructure project of the technologies that will be exploited Together, Team Tempest year award’ for displaying high Netherlands across the combat air system. This is developing more than 60 levels of project management work, being done in alignment technology prototypes and professionalism, determination and Less than nine months since equipment and a complete with the Combat Air Acquisition demonstration activities. an ethos of ‘Best for Project’ and the Mechanised Infantry Vehicle equipment schedule of items that Programme (CAAP), will develop New processes will also deliver Enterprise decision making. The (MIV) contract award, successful are issued with a vehicle. the next generation combat air technology and intellectual shortlisting also recognised that stowage trials are well under way An assessment of the electronic system, including unmanned and property in half the time and they embraced the lessons learnt for Boxer. counter measures was also manned components (such as the at significantly lower cost than from Ship one and embedded them MIV delivery team completed, and work undertaken LANCA ‘loyal wingman’ and the previous complex combat air into Ship two as well as overcoming requirements manager, Major with General Dynamics Technical future combat aircraft known as programmes. extraordinary challenges unique in Ed Charlesworth, led the team Assurance Services to confirm the Tempest) which will replace and their scale and complexity. of subject-matter experts installation design. The UKMFTS team was chosen from DE&S, OCCAR, Army Major Charlesworth, said: ahead of an incredibly high calibre HQ and the Field Army, with “These trials provided the first of entries in the Programme of the representatives from the Rifles, opportunity to conduct a user Year category. Their submission Scots Guards, Royal Artillery, assessment of the MIV design, focused on key milestones that Royal Engineers, Royal Signals an excellent achievement since UKMFTS has delivered as a state- and Royal Army Medical Corps. contract award in November 2019 of-the-art flying training system. Working alongside industry that is testament to the hard work This includes replacing legacy fleets colleagues from RMV, KMW of the whole team.” New date for of training aircraft and helicopters, and ARTEC in the Rheinmetall The trials will confirm the DVD constructing aircraft hangars in factory in Ede, Netherlands, vehicle layout, which will four locations, designing and the trials focussed on the then be carried forward to the This year, DVD will return to installing simulators and synthetic stowage assessment of the forthcoming preliminary design Millbrook on the new dates of training devices, and developing complete loading list including review due to be conducted later November 4-5 2020. The biennial new training syllabus and courses. communication systems, personal this year. defence industry exhibition In September, the teams will equipment, electronic architecture enables focussed engagement present virtually to the judging between defence industry, DE&S panel and the awards ceremony delivery teams, Army HQ and will take place on 16 November. other defence community users of land equipment. DVD provides an effective forum for all those involved in the land equipment sector First sailors on board HMS Spey User feedback sees further enhancements to the SA80A3 assault rifle to develop ideas and generate The SA80A3 assault rifle, the system has been high, with a greater understanding of The ’s final new voyage to her home port of first fielded in 2018 and used constructive feedback leading technologies, capabilities and offshore patrol vessel has Portsmouth. on operations globally, is a to further improvements and requirements, enabling co- welcomed her first sailors on DE&S OPV project manager weapon that integrates fully the development of a redesigned ordinated engagement through board. Gareth Morris said: “Our team with the world-class sighting handguard. Army HQ and DE&S informal discussion, briefings, HMS Spey is nearing the end is proud to be supporting HMS systems that are now being have worked alongside Heckler & demonstrations and displays. of her build on the River Clyde in Spey through the final build stages procured – enabling a step change Koch to develop the handguard, Director Land Equipment, Scotland and five members of the ahead of her homeward sailing. in capability, 24 hours a day. encapsulating all the observations Major General Darren Crook, ship’s company are now living on “We will continue working The Assault Rifle In-line Low onto this second version, which said: “Although COVID-19 board. closely with our supplier to Light Sight (ARILLS), issued brings more flexibility and continues to cause challenges This is a significant milestone ensure the Royal Navy receives in early 2020, uses cutting edge comfort to the user as well as for large scale events, we feel for Spey who, when she officially the world-beating equipment it technology, allowing the user to some engineering enhancements that moving the event will give becomes part of the fleet, will join needs.” quickly fit the system in front of to provide a more robust and safer us the best opportunity to run her sister patrol vessels Trent, The second batch of OPVs are their lightweight day sight (LDS), weapon system. By continually a successful DVD2020, with all Tamar, Medway and Forth. part of the Royal Navy’s forward giving an increased low/no light developing, DE&S is ensuring of the benefits that exhibitors More sailors will join in early presence programme, which will capability without the need to the very latest cutting-edge and visitors expect from this September before the ship begins see ships forward deployed on remove the LDS. technology gets into the hands of important UK Land Forces event.” preparations for her delivery operations around the globe. User feedback and praise for the troops who need it.

10 11 desider August 2020 desider August 2020 Feature Feature Facing challenges: Henry Parker looks back at his rewarding career within DE&S

As career highlights go, standing aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth as she sailed into Portsmouth for the first time is right up there for Henry Parker.

And for someone who played such a key role in the ’s complex and high-profile delivery, the emotion of such a momentous occasion will live with him forever

E&S’ Director Ship Acquisition is now preparing for service to the whole project from within the prime contract a new challenge in industry but has little difficulty organisation, so I’ll very much still feel that I am working for summoning vivid memories from what has been a the MOD which, in the end, needs to be the controlling mind.” Dchallenging and rewarding career so far. Big shipbuilding programmes are never easy to navigate, “This was a pretty dramatic way of delivering something,” but it is the constant challenge and expectation to deliver said Henry, casting his mind back to Queen Elizabeth’s which Henry has enjoyed and learned from over the years, homecoming. including managing Navy budgets in main building and “There is such a range of things to be proud of in what leading engineers. the team has delivered over my six years as Director Ship “If I go back a long time, being one of the engineering Acquisition. heads of department on a first-of-class submarine – HMS “There’s been delivering the carriers, getting Type 26 on Upholder – aged 26 was definitely the most challenging part contract in 2017 and still running to approval now, and the of my career. That programme would have been worth about successful sale of the Type 26 design to Canada and Australia. £2-billion in today’s money. “There’s been getting Type 31 into the programme in the “It was amazing at that age to have so much responsibility 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), and and nowhere to hide. However, being an Operating Centre having a really good ship at great value for money now in Director in DE&S is a very close second. The sustained manufacture. pressure the job entails is considerable and nothing worth “This is not to mention the OPVs, which have been a lot of doing is ever easy. necessary pain, but we got there. I think the sum total of this “It’s actually what you learn in adversity that’s a huge benefit – having rebalanced the programme after SDSR – is what I’m to you later. So, to some extent, people should go out looking most proud of. for it.” “Collectively, this has put British shipbuilding in a When there is adversity, what advice would he give? completely different place to what it was five years ago.” “Stick to your guns and see it through,” Henry added. Not every headline surrounding the Queen Elizabeth Class “Things do go wrong - we are in a risk-management business. has been positive. For Henry, there is no doubt the ships “Be confident that others understand this, and it is often in and their accompanying strike group of fighter jets, , how you deal with adversity that your true mettle is displayed. and helicopters will effectively protect the UK for “If things are really bad, I think of Roosevelt’s ‘Man in the decades to come. Arena’ speech. A good friend in the desk next to me has had “It’s an incredibly flexible asset that allows us to apply it on his desk partition all this time, so reminding myself has maritime power at a time and place of our choosing, anywhere been pretty easy.” in the world, and it puts us in a select group of nations who While Henry is leaving DE&S, he would love to see the can do that. improvements of recent years continue, namely better use of “I feel the whole concept of the carriers – how relatively project control toolsets and more empowerment of people to little it’s cost us compared with other nations and the make decisions about how to do their part of the collective innovative way in which we went about delivering it – is job. actually something that should be celebrated.” “This has been an amazing job,” he said. “I’ve loved it. It’s Henry has been working in shipbuilding and acquisition just time to move on now. since 1994 and was in the Royal Navy until 2016. “I would like to say ‘thank you’ to my colleagues at DE&S. His next career challenge will take him back to familiar My team, which is really very small, has been amazing and it waters. He will be working for BAE Systems on Dreadnought, is quite humbling how much voluntary effort and initiative so the nuclear submarine programme he first joined back in many people have put in. It is very satisfying to see how much 2007. has been achieved, by so few people.” Henry added: “I’m very passionate about this shipbuilding thing and I’ll be in a role in which I will be providing a central

12 13 desider August 2020 desider August 2020 News News

£9-million contract will see new boats patrol coast of Gibraltar Pictured: HMS Scimitar and HMS Sabre accompanied by three Pacific 24 rigid-hulled inflatable boats at sea to the East of Gibraltar (Crown Copyright)

E&S has awarded a (BGTW) as well as supporting capability for fulfilling their “These new vessels will enable be working with DE&S helping to British company Marine £9-million contract to British exercises and operations important role.” These boats will the Royal Navy to maintain the deliver tomorrow’s technology and replace the Gibraltar in the area, keeping a close watch The two new boats will replace provide the Royal security of British Gibraltar ensure our UK Armed Forces are Specialised Technology has DSquadron Fast Patrol Craft. over Gibraltar’s shores. the Gibraltar Squadron Fast Patrol Territorial Waters and protect at the cutting edge of capability. The six-year contract will Project manager for DE&S Craft, HMS Pursuer and Dasher. Navy Gibraltar British, NATO and allied ships “This contract is particularly signed a £9-million contract support 30 jobs and create a Boats Team, Mark Milsom, said: These two Archer-class vessels Squadron with a transiting through the region. prestigious and reflects just how further 25, with construction “There has been a British Armed very recently took over from HMS modern, fast and “This contract will also support far Marine Specialised Technology with the MOD for two new of the two boats beginning Forces presence in Gibraltar for Sabre and HMS Scimitar, the effective capability highly-skilled jobs across the UK, has come in the last 18 years and is boats to replace the Gibraltar in July 2020, which will take more than 100 years and these scimitar-class vessels that had been for fulfilling their which clearly demonstrates how a commendation for all of the hard approximately 18 months, with boats will ensure we maintain an in service in Gibraltar for 17 years. important role national security and regional work and dedication that our team Squadron Fast Patrol Craft Boat 1 due to be delivered in Q3 important capability to the Royal Putting technological prosperity go hand in hand.” has put in.” 2021/22 and Boat 2 in Q1 2022/23. Navy and our armed forces, as advancement at the fore, the Mark Milsom, project The vessels are being built at The remainder of the contract well as playing a pivotal role in vessels will demonstrate UK manager for DE&S MST’s boatyard on Merseyside will provide an additional four patrolling our coastline, protecting sovereignty of Gibraltar as well Boats Team and the contract has created 25 years of local in-service support to domestic waters and supporting as providing force protection to new jobs as well as sustaining the patrol craft. maritime interests. designated visiting UK and allied 30 current jobs as part of the Both boats will be used to “These boats will provide the military vessels. £9-million contract. patrol HMNB Gibraltar and Royal Navy Gibraltar Squadron Minister for Defence Philip Hilbert, Sales Director for British Gibraltar Territorial Waters with a modern, fast and effective Procurement, Jeremy Quin, said: MST, said: “We are very proud to

14 15 desider August 2020 DE&S People

On bringing a different perspective, adding value and tattoos

Kam Mckinley is the first civilian Head of British Forces Post Office, helping deliver to serving armed forces and entitled personnel all over the world

What does your role involve? to work together and with their BFPO does is very important and I started as the Head of British stakeholders efficiently. It’s not the so I feel like what I do matters. Forces Post Office (BFPO) in type of job you can do in isolation, because we’re in the middle of the What do you most enjoy about February, shortly before lockdown. your job? My role here is to make sure pipeline, which many people don’t everyone has the resources and appreciate. We rely on items from I really like that I’m trusted support they need to do their jobs e-commerce sites, for example, to run the organisation in the and help BFPO deliver its service – and work with several external way I think is best within the set to get secret, official and personal partners to deliver mail, whether framework and I have the ability mail to serving armed forces and by road, air or sea. COVID-19 to contribute to the wider logistics entitled personnel all over the created significant challenges with delivery operating centre team. world. flight cancellations and country I was always interested in the restrictions, but the team has armed forces so it’s nice to do What about your role is worked hard to overcome these. something closely linked to it and exciting, rewarding or see how it operates first-hand. I interesting? How are you helping embed had slight trepidation on how I’d change in your area? We are providing a service be received as the first civilian that has great value to our My predecessors have done a Head of BFPO and I am pleased to customers. The military personnel great job setting up operations and say everyone has been fantastic. and civilians working abroad the team is very experienced, but I think there are areas where I can What do you enjoy doing in often can’t get certain items any your spare time? other way than through BFPO, add a different perspective. whether it’s a secret document, BFPO’s focus has always I like keeping fit and working a present from family or basic provided an excellent service for out – I run, do pilates and goods unavailable in their current defence and I’d like to introduce kickboxing. I also enjoy learning location. It’s especially important more of a commercial view. It is and reading. My favourite book given personnel often work in crucial we continue to provide this right now is Ask and It Is Given by challenging environments and great service and we need to adopt Esther Hicks. are away from home for a while. a more cost-conscious culture as we’re spending public money after What might surprise people It means a lot for them to receive about you? something from home, and for all. I’m a qualified health coach and their families it’s often the only I’m also focusing on people, I also like tattoos, and have quite way to do something nice for communications and engagement. a few. them. Our recent staff survey indicated What’s exciting about my role is we have some work to do in this the freedom to add value. I’m very area, so I’m looking at how to fortunate to work with a fantastic improve the way we communicate team who are great at their jobs, so across the organisation and make I don’t need to do any firefighting. BFPO an even better place to Instead, I’ve got the time to focus work. on our strategy and how we can Why did you choose to pursue improve BFPO for our customers a career in DE&S? and staff, as well as the taxpayer. I wasn’t really aware of DE&S, How important to you is but I knew about BFPO having teamwork? worked in Royal Mail. I really Being quite a small team – and wanted a meaningful job where I away from the Abbey Wood could do more than just make a headquarters – our staff have company profitable. The work that

17

desider August 2020 desider August 2020 News News Scottish home for Poseidon fleet reaches major milestone “The new strategic facility at RAF Lossiemouth is a great example of successful delivery through co-operative working” Michelle Sanders, DE&S P-8A Poseidon team leader

acilities to house the Poseidon MRA Mk1 fleet “The strategic facility at RAF Lossiemouth is going to have been handed over to DE&S, marking a be an outstanding working environment optimised major milestone in the Poseidon programme. to support the RAF’s new Poseidon Maritime Patrol FMeasuring over 33,000 square metres, DE&S will Aircraft. take control of the £100-million strategic facility at “But, more than that, it is going to be the home RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland. of our new capability where our crews, engineers, The facility includes a three-bay hangar and mission support staff and contractors will work accommodation for two squadrons, as well as state- together to deliver this essential Defence output. of-the-art training equipment and facilities for those “Delivered by Defence Equipment and Support working on the fleet of nine Poseidon aircraft. and Boeing Defence UK, the project has progressed Designed and built by Boeing Defence UK at impressive speed and will deliver exactly what we (BDUK) and local construction partner Robertson, need in time to meet the arrival of our new aircraft at more than 300 employees worked on the building at RAF Lossiemouth in the autumn.” Lossiemouth during the peak of the two-year project. Terence Bulloch, the third aircraft in the fleet, DE&S P-8A Poseidon team leader, Michelle is named after the highest-scoring pilot in Coastal Sanders, said: “The new strategic facility at RAF Command during the Second World War. It has Lossiemouth is a great example of successful delivery completed the painting stage and is having its mission through co-operative working. DE&S, Boeing equipment fitted at the Boeing Defence facility in Defence UK and Robertson have worked closely since Seattle. the project began in early 2018 and here we are, just Anna Keeling, managing director of Boeing over two years later, taking delivery of this splendid Defence UK, said: “We are incredibly proud to be new building. The focus of our work now shifts to handing over this state-of-the-art facility to DE&S preparing it for handover to the RAF later this year.” after two years of hard work and investment, and Once operational in the autumn, the facility will be we are excited to begin a new phase of Boeing’s the workplace for 470 additional military and civilian partnership at RAF Lossiemouth. personnel, taking the total number of people working “It’s a further sign of our more than 80-year out of the coastal base to about 2,200. commitment to the UK and we could not have Minister for Defence Procurement, Jeremy Quin, done it without the support of the local Morayshire said: “The new Poseidon fleet will reassert the UK in community, both on and off base.” the maritime patrol arena. It will play an invaluable In the coming months, DE&S will oversee the role in our national security for decades to come. The installation of computers, audio-visual technology state-of-the-art Lossiemouth facility provides the fleet and the IT network to ensure the facility meets the with an ideal base while helping to create and sustain RAF’s requirements. jobs in Scotland.” Simulators and training devices for the Poseidon The first RAF Poseidon - named Pride of Moray - air and ground crews will be delivered and their arrived from the USA and touched down at Kinloss installation will begin, while a separate ground Airfield in February 2020, followed by the second support equipment (GSE) hangar will also be built by - named City of Elgin - in March. Both aircraft are Robertson. Pictured from top: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Wigston, is given a tour of the strategic facility by the station commander of RAF Lossiemouth, Group Captain Layden, and the LDP Director, Group Captain Strasdin, the new strategic currently flying from Kinloss until the Lossiemouth All nine Poseidon aircraft, which are based on the facility at RAF Lossiemouth and Poseidon aircraft (Crown Copyright) facility and runway are formally opened. Boeing 737 Next-Generation airliner, are expected to RAF Air Commodore Richard Barrow, Senior be in the UK by the end of 2021. Responsible Owner for the Posiden Programme said:

18 19 desider August 2020 desider August 2020 News News

More than 10,000 items of critical medical equipment Upgraded Rivet Joint takes to the skies Pictured: DE&S has played a major role in preparing the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) aircraft for a return to operations despatched from MOD Donnington (Crown copyright)

The DE&S Defence Fulfilment Centre (MOD Donnington) has now received, processed and despatched more than 10,000 items of critical medical equipment to the NHS front line. Rivet Joint (Airseeker) and large LCD screens, rather than achievement, which underpins he Logistics Delivery start of this national endeavour Government during this national electronic surveillance traditional dials and gauges. Rivet Joint’s ability to deploy Operating Centre, working to support the UK Government’s emergency. aircraft is preparing to The certification Rivet Joint is a unique UK/ anywhere in the world. closely with the MOD We take great pride response to COVID-19. “We take great pride in the Aresume operations following a of this first-of-type US co-operative programme. “Our global ISTAR fleet has Tdelivery partner, Team Leidos, in the assistance that In total they have delivered assistance that our people have major upgrade including new flight deck is a Both nations collaborate on never been so potent, thanks to the reached the milestone in just three our people have been 2,092 bilateral ventilators, 2,757 been able to provide to support the state-of-the-art ‘glass’ flight brilliant achievement training, maintenance and test innovation and teamwork of this months on June 30 which includes able to provide to oxygen concentrators, 1,369 NHS and wider social care need in deck, delivering a significant for a pivotal UK/ and evaluation, as well as the remarkable United States Air Force the delivery of ventilators, oxygen support the NHS and mechanical ventilators, 3,109 the response to COVID-19.” improvement in the aircraft’s US collaborative exchanging of intelligence, and RAF enterprise.” concentrators and humidifiers to syringe drivers and 690 volumetric Since the pandemic began more wider social care need capability for UK forces and its programme expertise and best practice. UK Rivet Joint crews were where they are needed the most. in the response to pumps across all of the UK, Isle than 300 DE&S staff have directly allies. Air Commodore Mark Hunt, the first to receive a bespoke The achievement has been made of Man, Guernsey and Jersey supported the procurement and The DE&S Air ISTAR Airseeker DE&S Air ISTAR team leader, training package, including a new COVID-19 Air Commodore Mark Hunt, possible by a highly-motivated covering an estimated 57,000 miles logistics activities in support of the team managed the programme DE&S Air ISTAR team leader said: “RJ-18’s (ZZ664) clearance state-of-the-art simulator at RAF Logistic Commodities and in the process. national response. of modifications and secured UK for operations marks a huge Waddington. This is currently Services Transformation (LCST) Sir Simon Bollom, Roger West, Director Logistics DE&S recently announced that certification of the new flight deck. milestone for the delivery team. the only Rivet Joint simulator DE&S CEO team which has worked alongside Delivery at DE&S, said: “This the DE&S-led New Buy PPE Team Complete with its newly As a culmination of four years’ modified to the new glass cockpit. the Department for Health and continues to be an extraordinary had negotiated contracts for more acquired world-leading work, the certification of this first- The RAF’s other two Rivet Social Care, NHS, Cabinet Office effort by a team that has had to than 11 billion items of PPE worth technologies, Rivet Joint aircraft of-type flight deck is a brilliant Joint jets will undergo the same and PA Consultants. provide critical equipment to almost £6-billion. ZZ664 has undertaken the first achievement for a pivotal UK/US programme of upgrades in due Defence Minister Jeremy Quin the NHS while also supporting of a series of flight deck training collaborative programme.” course. said: “I am proud of our dedicated front-line commands and defence sorties from RAF Waddington The Rivet Joint global fleet logistics and delivery professionals, operations taking place around the with the aim of shortly resuming includes 20 aircraft, three of which who have made a significant globe. exercises and operations covering belong to the Royal Air Force. contribution to the COVID-19 “This committed team is a wide range of areas of interest for ZZ664 is the first aircraft from the pandemic response. incredibly professional and realise the UK. combined UK/US fleet to undergo “They have delivered a huge that they play a key role in not just Since being upgraded in the these major enhancements. quantity of medical supplies supporting the MOD but also the United States, the aircraft boasts Air Commodore Nick Hay, right across the UK, ensuring entire country in a time of need.” a flight deck which makes flying Air ISTAR Force Commander, our frontline NHS staff have the Sir Simon Bollom, DE&S CEO, operations easier and safer for said: “This pioneering cockpit equipment they need to provide added: “This has been a fantastic pilots. Its improved situational and major systems upgrade is a life-saving medical care.” effort by DE&S and our logistics awareness enables crews to huge leap forward for the RAF’s LCST’s professionalism and partners and has helped provide concentrate more on their mission. Rivet Joint capability. Integrating enthusiasm maintained the flow critical front-line support to our The new glass cockpit features these enhancements onto a legacy of critical equipment since the NHS as well as supporting the UK digital flight instrument displays jet was a technically ambitious

20 21

desider August 2020 desider August 2020 Feature Feature Going the extra miles to support the vulnerable

A DE&S employee determined to make a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic has run almost 90km across Bristol to deliver medical prescriptions to vulnerable members of her community

ai Nicklin only started running after the birth and saw a friendly face,” Jai said. of her first child in 2016 and joined This Mum If this wasn’t enough, Jai is also a BS7 Runs – an 80,000-strong nationwide group neighbourhood champion for North Bristol J started in Bristol by Mel Bound a year earlier. Foodbank and has held foodbank collections each When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Mel week on Thursday evenings so people on her road let her Bristol members know she was setting up in Bristol still have a reason to come together a group whereby runners could help pharmacies and contribute now the clapping for the NHS has deliver prescriptions, and Jai was happy to get on finished. board. In just four weeks they collected and donated 30 Jai, originally from Cambridgeshire, said: “I have bags of food. a wider family outside Bristol and many of them Jai said: “When weekly clapping for the NHS are elderly. I’d like to think that members of their finished, offering a foodbank collection at the community would be checking up on them. It was same time allows people to feel they are making a really nice to feel that I could offer that service to tangible difference to others, which I think is what my community in Bristol.” made this such a success.” Jai joined a rota of runners who ensured Those wanting to donate the price of a lunch to someone was on call to make sure prescriptions the North Bristol foodbank should visit: made their way to patients who were shielding due www.northbristol.foodbank.org.uk to health, age or illness. For more information on This Mum Runs, visit: Those on duty would receive a message from the www.thismumruns.co.uk group’s ‘mission control’ and run to the pharmacy that needed them, produce their identification, collect the medication and then make their way to the relevant delivery address. For Jai, a safety manager in Operational Infrastructure, that has amounted to 18 deliveries and 86km covered – the equivalent of two marathons – between March 28 and June 18. Jai said: “Being able to get out and run in green spaces was great for mental health too and my team at DE&S were very supportive, allowing me the flexibility I needed to make a difference.” On June 20, Jai came off the running rota because she had to self-isolate so her family could form a support bubble with her mother-in-law. At this stage, Jai moved onto mission control so Pictured: Jai pictured outside some of the pharmacies she was collecting prescriptions from and previous photos taken at running events with group ‘This Mum Runs’ group she could continue to contribute to the scheme. (Pictures submitted) “It was nice to feel like I was still contributing and making a difference by making sure that the shielding members of our community were OK

22 23 desider August 2020 desider August 2020 News Feature

DE&S delivers new VIP livery for RAF Voyager Final steel is cut for HMS Glasgow Pictured: Two F-35B Lightning aircraft linking up with the newly re-painted RAF Voyager for air-to-air refuelling (Crown Copyright) Pictured: Steel being cut for Type 26 at Govan, Glasgow (Picture submitted by BAE)

teel has been cut on the of these mighty new ships – a protection of the Royal Navy’s final unit of HMS Glasgow, The Type 26 tangible milestone which means a nuclear and the Queen To note: when flying the Union Flag on HM aircraft it is represented as being flown from a flagpole. Therefore, when viewed from the port side (left) it will appear correct, but meaning all sections of the huge amount to my team and our Elizabeth Class Carrier Strike when viewed from the starboard side (right) the flag appears to be inverted. Other nations also follow this convention. Sfirst Type 26 are now under programme has Royal Navy customer. Group. construction. proven itself in terms “It’s also great news for the UK, Each Type 26 will be equipped he Royal Air Force was more complex and extensive phase of the work including the The milestone comes as primary of cutting-edge as demonstrated by the positive with capabilities including the Sea contractor, BAE Systems, awards impact of the new subcontract Ceptor missile defence system, Voyager used to fly senior We are delighted with than a typical repainting of a civil actual painting. However, the design, international government Ministers and airliner in a standard company delivery team and its industry a further five sub-contracts defence exports awards which are supporting jobs a five-inch medium calibre gun, Tmembers of the Royal Family on the smart new livery livery given the dual role of the partners rose to the new challenge to suppliers worth more than and skills nationwide. We will flexible mission bay, Artisan 997 and proud of what we and creating and long-haul official business has aircraft and the number and profile and grasped the opportunity to £100-million. sustaining British jobs continue to work closely with BAE medium range radar, powerful received a new livery that better have achieved of stakeholders involved. make a statement about their The work will support 250 jobs, Systems and their supply chain to bow and towed array sonars. reflects this prestigious task. The project involved the ability to continue to deliver in the with the Type 26 programme now Defence Secretary Ben deliver these essential warships.” Australia and Canada both The aircraft,also referred to as Lyndon Hoyle, creation of an outline design that face of adversity. sustaining more than 4,000 across Wallace The UK Government has selected a variant of the Type 26 its military registration number, Voyager team leader was agreed with a wide range of The out-going DE&S Voyager the UK. More than £1-billion has committed to building eight design for their anti-submarine ZZ336, was previously visually interested parties, including the team leader, Lyndon Hoyle, said: been invested across the supply advanced anti-submarine warfare frigate programmes, supporting indistinguishable from the rest Royal Household and Number “We are delighted with the smart chain to date, with more than 100 ships. In 2017, BAE Systems greater operational, training and of the grey painted operational 10 Downing Street, before being new livery and proud of what suppliers globally. was awarded a contract for the intelligence ties between the three Voyager fleet. modified to reflect commercial, we have achieved. As well as the Glasgow-based Denholm construction of the first three, to nations. The work on the new livery legal, operational and aesthetic Voyager team, who led project Industrial Services will carry out the value of £3.7bn. Steve Timms, BAE Systems’ marks the culmination of several advice. In parallel, a paint selection delivery, I should recognise that surface preparation and painting Defence Secretary Ben Wallace naval ships managing director, months of intensive work by the process took place, with the successful delivery would not at Govan shipyard, while Malin said: “The Type 26 programme said: “Each of our new suppliers Voyager delivery team and others support of the Surface Finishing have been possible without the Abram Ltd, also based in Glasgow, has proven itself in terms of brings a unique capability that within DE&S and beyond, to team. expert advice provided by Air will work on the load out and float cutting-edge design, international is essential to ensure the safe ensure that the aircraft, with its The process was not only Commodities.” off of the ship. defence exports and creating and and continued progress of this eye-catching new livery, met the about the visual design but was CBL, based in Hartlepool, sustaining British jobs. nationally-important programme. brief of representing the UK at a complex engineering task will oversee the cable works, “This latest round of contract “It’s fantastic to see the first of major events around the world, requiring a comprehensive service Nottingham-based Kaefer, will awards will see companies from class, HMS Glasgow, taking shape while remaining fully cleared for bulletin and detailed engineering provide insulation products and the south coast of England to the at our facilities here on the Clyde. its primary air-to-air refuelling drawings. Once all engineering installation services, and Dorset banks of the Clyde benefit from She is a source of great pride for role. and regulatory processes had been firm SCA has secured a contract over 250 highly-skilled jobs and our workforce, who have worked DE&S worked closely with agreed, work could begin and for access and containment. multi-million-pound investment.” with real energy, commitment the Voyager service provider, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Mark Beverstock, head of the While 55 of the 57 units of HMS and innovation in recent months AirTanker Ltd and Airbus, which Group were chosen to apply the DE&S Ship Acquisition Type 26 Glasgow are now manufactured to ensure we meet our customer manufactures the A330-based new livery. delivery team, said: “With every in the city of the same name, the commitments.” aircraft, to ensure the exacting Although the project began part of HMS Glasgow now under remaining two mast units are requirements were delivered on before the COVID-19 pandemic, it construction in Govan, we’re being built by Umoe in Norway. budget and on time. The project coincided with the most intensive counting down to roll out the first The Type 26 will deliver critical

24 25 desider August 2020 DE&S People

60 second spotlight "I volunteer for the Scottish Ambulance Service as a first responder, so that takes up a lot of my free time"

and enjoy spending time with friends and family, eating out and Hazel Wilkes visiting the theatre. Job: What are you most proud of? Assistant health & safety officer at DM Glen Douglas, Scotland First and foremost my children, Logan and Connor. Followed by Your route into DE&S gaining my NEBOSH qualification in 2017, which is the UK’s I started my career job-sharing most popular health & safety as one of two depot typist/ qualification. I never thought that switchboard operators when we would be possible. were still NATO Ammunitions Depot Glen Douglas. The If you were sent to a desert job-share position came about island, what three things just at the right time. Before would you take with you? this, I had been in a fixed-term contract at the Royal Naval A solar-panelled charger (if there Armaments Depot at Coulport, is such a thing) for charging leaving there to go on maternity my Kindle/iPad because I love leave with my first child. Coming books, films and music. And back as a job-sharer to Glen copious amounts of sun cream Douglas was ideal for a work-life (I’d burn otherwise). balance. After a few years in this position, the introduction of What irritates you the most? personal PC’s came about so our job as typists was surplus Ignorance and rudeness. There to requirements. From there, I is no need for it in society. progressed to become an admin assistant within the main office What is your favourite place and I then moved to the Quality in the world? Department, assisting the quality I have three. Santorini - the manager. After a few years, in peace, the views and tranquillity, 2015, I moved into health and what is not to love? New York, safety and haven’t looked back for the hustle and bustle – there since. is no place quite like it. And Hong Kong – I lived there for Your claim to fame? three years in the early 1990s Do you or I was on the opening credits and I have great memories of the of You’ve Been Framed for place. Don’t ask me to choose someone you two or three series. I was the one, as I don’t think I could. know deserve blushing bride who got blown over by a gust of wind and my What would surprise people their 60 seconds new husband just walked away about you? in the spotlight? behind a tree, laughing. I’m not really a very confident Email person and I would love to work [email protected] Your advice to anyone? with the Scottish Ambulance It’s never too late to follow your Service. dreams.

What do you do when you’re away from work?

I volunteer for the Scottish Ambulance Service as a first responder, so that takes up a lot of my free time. When I am not responding, I like to take my dog for long walks. I also like to read

2626 desider August 2020 desider August 2020 DE&S People DE&S People

DE&S employee awarded member of DE&S’ fellowship scheme New Pride corporate the MOD INCOSE Fellowship that recognises the outstanding impact champion Lottery The team leader of the DE&S and contributions he has made to the In June, DE&S celebrated March Systems Engineering Internal Technical business through both practice and LGBT+ Pride month 2020 winners Support team, Duncan Kemp, has teaching. Duncan has made a significant with the DE&S Pride Network MOTTO recently been awarded a highly-coveted contribution to action research in hearing from DE&S staff INCOSE (International Council on systems engineering, publishing more who have made a real and £10,000 Susan Rogers, Dstl Systems Engineering) fellowship. There than 20 papers on what works in positive difference to the Pride £2,500 Michelle Gray, Middlesbrough are only 81 INCOSE fellows around the practice; most notably in capability/ community. £1,000 Ken Mcminn, Huntingdon globe, of which only five are from the mission engineering, system safety and Following this, Simon United Kingdom. in systems engineering leadership. Hughes, Director Programmes £500 Derral Morgan, Gosport This award recognises Duncan’s Duncan has had a diverse and Change, was recently £250 Jonathan Somersgill, Portsmouth significant contributions to the art career in the MOD after starting appointed the DE&S Pride £100 Amy Riches, Feltham and practice of systems engineering. as a student engineer in 1984, Corporate Champion. Specifically,it acknowledges Duncan’s working on Air Defence systems, He is committed to making a Peter Crowson, Gosport excellent leadership in embedding new submarine procurement, infrastructure positive difference, and to help Simon Bull, Bristol system engineering practices across management, strategic command and and support those who wish Emma Milford, Plymouth multiple sectors, as well as leading control, warship support and acquisition to do the same. He’s looking successful industry-wide change reform in both defence and the rail forward to meeting more of the Alex Petrovic, Bicester programmes in both defence and Rail industry. Pride community regularly and champions and anyone who Kelly Lusted, Shrivenham that have delivered significant tangible Duncan said: “I am delighted to hopes to offer some insight and wants to support Pride’s aims. He Janet Taylor benefits. become a fellow of INCOSE and guidance to the group on how says his door (which is a virtual Shirley Beard, Bristol Alongside the fellowship, Duncan Professor of Systems Thinking at they can continue to move the door at the moment) is always has also been appointed as a Visiting Loughborough University. Whilst this is Pride agenda forward. open. Jackie Downer, Bicester Professor of Systems Thinking in obviously a great personal achievement, Thrilled to take on the new Pride look forward to celebrating Mark Broadbent, Bristol the School of Mechanical, Electrical it also reflects the quality ofs ystems role, Simon said: “For me, events such as bi-visibility day in Michelle Matthews, Warminster and Manufacturing Engineering at engineering undertaken across DE&S Pride is about celebrating our September, National Coming Out Loughborough University. and the wider MOD.” differences and the diversity Day in October, and Trans Day Jeremy Nowers, Shrivenham Before being awarded his INCOSE that it brings. I realised a long of Remembrance in November, Julie Fletcher, Lincoln fellowship, Duncan was already a senior time ago that diversity in all its when the network will raise Claire Turner, Reading forms brings huge benefits to awareness and understanding of Michael Pitman, Dstl teams both inside and outside the challenges that LGBT people the workplace. can face. Network Chair Mark Karen Brooke, York “Pride also reminds me of the Cartwright said: “Pride season is John Varani, Colchester need to challenge intolerance really important to our community. Ashleigh Batchelor, Gosport and not to stand by and allow For me, it is a celebration of others to persecute those progress made, and a time to Diana Gover, Warminster different from the perceived reflect on what more we need Matthew Triggs, Catterick norm.” to do.” Simon looks forward to working with our brilliant Pride Network and allies, other

arranging their delivery. The team rely increasingly on people with specialist knowledge giving up their time and supporting them in this endeavour. This is where the generosity and support from Meggitt Braking has played a huge role over the last six months, ensuring the Lancaster Bomber continues to operate out of RAF Coningsby for the foreseeable future. The Air Commodities Amphibian and Reptile The site is home to some of team and the Amphibian and chance to spend a few days team operations manager, conservation at West Moors, the UK’s rarest reptiles including Reptile Conservation Trust on a single area, which allowed Aaron Bumford, said: “For Dorset adders, grass snakes, sand (ARC) was set up to help them to see the impact made me, the Bomber is a visual After winning an lizards and smooth snakes enhance and preserve this in such a short time. The team – representation of our resilience Occupational Health Safety the former two being species heathland. is excited about the potential of that has lasted for 80 years. In and Environment award for protected by law. Work was undertaken to this site for reptiles and other RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire. Lancaster wheels to The Battle what has been a testing year environmental management In order to conserve the remove the self-seeded pine heathland specialist species, Ensuring a future for our Our Air Commodities Team of Britain Memorial Flight Team, for the entire United Kingdom, in 2019, a team of DE&S habitats of these species, that will allow the dwarf shrub and look forward to seeing the Lancaster Bombers Currently, only two Avro have been working hard based at RAF Coningsby. ensuring that this beautiful volunteers at West Moors have during the summer of 2019 a community to flourish and help habitat thrive. Lancaster Bombers remain in alongside Meggitt Braking The Air Commodities Team aircraft continues to fly out been supporting conservation joint initiative between Defence the reptiles which need this service - one of which is based over the last few months to is responsible for locating of RAF Coningsby is of vital initiatives to improve living Infrastructure Organisation heathland to survive and grow. in Canada, and the other in facilitate the transfer of heritage Lancaster wheels assets and importance.” conditions for reptiles. ecologists, West Moors’ site The team enjoyed the

28 29 desider August 2020 Recruitment Case

perspectives of successful project management. With the numerous change initiatives happening in the background, every role will always face a challenge. Study We are all on a continuous, yet supported, learning journey to overcome them. Rakesh Takooree, Future Capability Group (FCG) project manager, gives What do you most enjoy about your job? Being in a role that couples risk-taking with exciting his insight into some of the benefits advances in technology with selfless people. The FCG team contains a breadth of backgrounds and of working for the organisation experience. We work collaboratively to successfully deliver projects.

What’s your ambition? Name: I hope to progress my project management career in Rakesh Takooree DE&S and broaden my skills and experience even further. From joining several dial-ins on race and Job title: parenting, and listening to the views that have been Future Capability Group (FCG) project manager. shared, I am also keen to help create an inclusive and fair workplace for all DE&S staff. How long have you worked for DE&S? 11 years. What’s your greatest achievement to date? Working closely with our commercial team, customer Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? and experts to identify, procure and deliver a Having worked in the broadcasting sector in a counter-UAS system for Air Command within a year. technical support role in London for a few years, I The system continues to be used for research and saw an opportunity to do a similar role for Defence development purposes. in my home city of Bristol. I also knew that DE&S SIX GREAT REASONS TO WORK FOR DE&S was an interesting place to work from previous Why would you recommend DE&S to others as a casual work during university summer holidays and great place to work? appreciated the value of keeping the country safe DE&S is a great place to pursue a career. It is full of using cutting-edge technology. It was a no-brainer. caring and approachable people. In my 11 years I have met interesting and knowledgeable people in What does your role entail? various teams across the domains that I find inspiring I am responsible for several research and and can often bounce ideas off of over a coffee. development projects across all front-line-commands. The role entails dealing with the broader FCG team What are the social benefits of working for DE&S? and stakeholders across defence and with industry to Writing this during the COVID-19 lockdown, I am Bonuses & Pension Flexible Professional Holiday Facilities push the boundaries of both technology and process. missing the lunchtime circuits sessions available at the Abbey Wood gym. The instructors are very Recognition Working Development What are the opportunities to develop and supportive to help you meet your fitness goals. progress within your function? Attending gym classes is good for mindfulness and Throughout my career I have been fortunate to further highlights the benefits of flexible working. take part in various project management training The work-life balance is considerate too. Being a For more info and job opportunities visit: courses and the application of theory from those has parent to an eight-and a four-year-old (and my wife helped me progress. I have recently started an MSc on the NHS front line) the support from the team www.des.mod.uk in Program and Project Management at Cranfield during the COVID-19 outbreak has been excellent. University, where I have formed links with the Trying to balance work whilst home-schooling the wider defence community and understand their children has been an interesting experience.

30 31