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Issue 143 July 2020 the magazine for defence equipment desider and support DE&S- led team negotiates contracts for over 11 billion items of PPE Forewordcontinue to take real pride in to coincide with the DE&S virtual the way DE&S has mobilised to World Environment Day. As a I support Government, Defence and socially responsible organisation we frontline workers with the national are taking positive action and are COVID-19 response. We have a looking at ways we can reduce the environmental impact of our work, including the equipment and support "The continuous safety of our workforce remains we deliver and the sites we operate. Similarly, this month, it was good paramount as we determine our new normal" to see almost 1,000 of our staff attending the fourth of our annual very resilient workforce and I would Innovation Days, organised by the like to thank you all again for your DE&S Future Capability Group and continued flexibility and commitment also held virtually for the first time - an to delivering DE&S’ outputs during innovation in itself. Finding new and this time. inventive solutions or approaches is Intensive efforts by the something I want to ingrain across DE&S COVID-19 Operations the whole of DE&S and events like team, Infrastructure, Facilities these are a great opportunity to Management contractors, Corporate spread this message. Communications and many others, Elsewhere, at the start of June has seen our sites being reconfigured we led an excellent 85-person to COVID-secure standards. I've been webinar with industry to engage on really impressed by the arrangements the Defence Security and Industrial that have been made to enable our Strategy, which was well attended first priority returners back to some and received across the full range of of our sites. The continuous safety of our key suppliers. our workforce remains paramount as I attended a positive meeting with we determine our new normal. my counterparts in Germany and It’s been a busy month as we Sweden during which we discussed continue to support defence-critical our common interests and ways outputs and work hard alongside of working particularly in the field our industry partners and military of Land systems, but also Future customers, as well as playing a key Combat Air Systems and Complex role in continuing to support the UK Weapons. It reinforced to me the response to COVID-19. Read more value of sharing information beyond on page 9 about our dedicated formal cooperative programmes, and By Sir Simon Bollom, CEO team under Bruce Marshall who what we continue to achieve in our have negotiated contracts for over new virtual ways of working. 11 billion items of PPE, an inspiring This month, I’d like to pay tribute achievement and one that has been to Director of Engineering and Safety, recognised in the media. Tim Rowntree who is leaving us In terms of milestones, we recently this month after 47 years of loyal saw a C-17 Globemaster delivering service as an apprentice through to essential equipment to the Falkland Director. Tim has vast knowledge and Islands, enabling the construction passion for Defence and has made of an oxygen generation plant. Our a superb contribution to acquisition teams have played a key role with and support and driving innovative Joint Helicopter Command to extend thinking throughout his career. a contract to provide mission support Finally, it is impossible not to system arrangements for the Puma be moved by the passion and HC Mk2. The DE&S Small Boats commitment of those campaigning team secured a contract to provide for social justice. Working in Bristol inboard and outboard motors for makes this especially significant at the the MOD’s Small Boats fleet, and moment and I am sure recent events we have also seen success with the have resonated with us all - they recent environmental data gathering certainly have with me and reinforces trials for the Meteor missile. the need for us all to reflect on our Which leads me to highlight the contribution to making DE&S a really launch of our Environmental Strategy, inclusive workplace where everyone setting out the framework to deliver feels comfortable. on our environmental commitment over the next 10 years, and published

3 desider July 2020 desider July 2020 Contents Contents Contents www.gov.uk/government/publications/desider-2020 On the cover Twitter: @DefenceES Reservists unloading a third airlift of PPE.

Facebook: @DefenceES Photo by Cpl Andy Reid

LinkedIn: Defence Equipment & Support 16First Person 19Success for Meteor YouTube: DE&S Senior Commercial Advisor, Environmental Data Anne Huckle Gathering trials

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

Contributors: Daniel Evans, Louise Allford, Tom Morris, Lowri Jones, Ash Pitman, Hannah Swingler, Paul McLennan

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

Distribution Manager: Dick Naughton - 0117 9134342 [email protected] 6Senior Leader Comment 10Dambusters squadron land on HMS Queen Elizabeth 21Spirit of Normandy Advertising Manager: Russell Brown, Director First carrier qualifying training for 617 squadron Five-year-old Kyan receives special recognition Edwin Rodrigues Ships Support [email protected] +44 (0) 20 3411 1008

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.

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Cover story DE&S play essential role in COVID-19 response 14Tim Rowntree 9 12Small boats fleet 24DE&S celebrate Pride This magazine is printed on Novatech Matt FS 100gsm which is Forest Stewardship Council certified material Negotiating contracts for almost 11 billion items of PPE £26.7m engine support Reflects on his career from well-managed forests and elemental chlorine free. contract awarded with DE&S

4 5 desider July 2020 desider July 2020 Senior Leader Comment News

Russell Brown, Director Ships Support, talks to Desider about his role, adjusting to new working arrangements and the challenges ahead

f you can guarantee one thing manage DE&S’ response to the investments; building resilience about working in DE&S and situation; helped procure PPE and into platforms, systems and MOD, it’s that there are always ventilators; and have supported There are equipment; and implementing Inew opportunities and challenges the NHS in London. We’ve also always new effective and efficient support to face. At the start of my career, supported wider Government arrangements. I said to myself: “If my next job is initiatives through support to opportunities In delivering against these, it not as good as the last one then Navy priorities, specifically and challenges may seem odd, but one of the I’ll leave.” This personal test has enabling RFA Argus to deploy biggest challenges we’re facing been met, throughout my career, to the Caribbean and provide to face is the sheer volume and variety every time I’ve changed roles and COVID-19 assistance to our of new platforms coming into that’s why, more than 35 years overseas territories. service with the Navy. Good news later, I’m still here. Also, it should not be forgotten for the Navy and their sailors, but I’m currently assigned to the that maintaining Defence outputs it presents my teams with an ever- Director Ships Support role, is a key part of our COVID-19 increasing range of new systems leading an operating centre of response and all my teams have to understand and support. around 1,200 staff responsible ensured that the Navy’s highest working from home. Whilst some Another significant challenge for a wide range of projects priority outputs have been have relished and enjoyed the is matching our customer’s and programmes. This includes sustained. In doing so, I’ve been revised working arrangements, ambitious plans for support providing platform support to delighted by their positive attitude others have struggled to balance transformation, which is all about and Royal Fleet and the novel ways they’ve kept childcare, caring commitments getting our ships on task and Auxiliary (RFA) surface vessels, in touch and maintained their and even just find an appropriate keeping them there longer, for procuring and supporting combat morale. Like everyone, we’ve had location to concentrate. The less. We’ll only be able to achieve systems and marine systems, to adjust to working from home, importance of taking these this if we work in partnership and managing the programme ‘virtual’ meetings and managing wellbeing considerations into with industry, become truly to deliver our future support with reduced access to secret data. account, as we undertake a phased digitally enabled and exploit the arrangements for complex It’s also been necessary for a small return to our sites, cannot be strategic opportunities presented warships, submarines and HM number to continue working at underestimated. by the support contracts for the Naval Base services. their usual locations due to the Of course, it is vital that new and future platforms. By no As replicated across DE&S, nature of their work, and I want we continue to deliver our means is this an easy task, but it many of my staff have volunteered to thank them for their fortitude programmes during this is another exciting opportunity to to move from their usual during these difficult times. transition period and beyond. improve DE&S for the future. roles to support COVID-19 It’s clear that social distancing My three core strategic objectives activities during recent months. will be with us for some time and have survived contact with Staff have been deployed into there’ll be a long-term need for COVID-19 and remain delivering the Abbey Wood Ops Cell to significant numbers to continue our planned new equipment

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DE&S-led team negotiates contracts for over 11 billion items of PPE

he key supporting role DE&S staff continue to play supporting front line commands and defence operations in the UK response to the COVID-19 pandemic has taking place around the globe. been reflected in two significant milestones. “This committed team is incredibly professional and TIn March, a team led by supply chain and procurement realise that they play a key role in not just supporting the experts at DE&S was set up to negotiate and progress MOD, but also the entire country in a time of need.” personal protective equipment (PPE) submissions at pace to In so many other areas DE&S staff– of which more than the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) so the 300 have committed to supporting the COVID-19 response, NHS had access to critical supplies. have made a difference. At its peak, 130 of our staff worked alongside volunteers Whether that be the Chief Information Officer team from the NHS, Department for Education and other building laptops for our teams supporting the NHS, those governmental bodies including the Cabinet Office and who deployed to Bristol’s Nightingale Hospital to offer their Defence Science Technology Laboratory as part of the considerable skills in project management and equipment ‘New Buy PPE’ team sourcing PPE for all areas of Health and procurement, or our staff in the Vehicle Support Team Social Care including hospitals, care homes, GP surgeries working with the Army to make more than 2,300 vehicles and dentists. available for use as temporary ambulances and for the In just 13 weeks this dedicated DE&S-led New Buy Team delivery of essential equipment and food by 34 COVID (as of June 26) approached DHSC with orders for over 11 Support Force units across the UK. billion items of PPE worth £5.9 billion. Of these orders, There is also the Operational Infrastructure team at DE&S 10 billion items of PPE have been approved including 4.9 working with stakeholders across Defence to make field billion gloves, 3.5 billion face masks, 848 million aprons, 565 hospital equipment, power generators and tools available million safety glasses and 156 million gowns with suppliers to those COVID Support Forces, and the DE&S Fuel and all over the world, predominantly in the Far East. Infrastructure team who work with fuel contractors to DE&S’ contribution is part of a total of 28 billion items of ensure the supply chain is maintained to support COVID-19 PPE ordered by a government-led consortium of industry, Military Aid to Civil Authorities (MACA). overseas partners and the armed forces to provide a Much of the world-class kit DE&S has delivered is being continuous supply to those tackling coronavirus. used to support the effort. DE&S’ commercial expert Bruce Marshall, New Buy DE&S helped equip the Puma, Chinook and Merlin PPE team leader, said: “This has been a real team effort helicopters stationed in North Yorkshire and Scotland with people working all hours of the day to support providing assistance, including patient transport, to NHS the UK Government and those on the NHS front line. hospitals across Scotland and the north of England. Procurement in complex situations is our specialism and the Aircraft from the UK’s Voyager Multi Role Tanker benefits of collaborative working between DE&S and other Transport fleet repatriated hundreds of UK citizens left governmental agencies have been substantial. stranded overseas due to the pandemic and A400M has “In addition to quickly sourcing this large quantity of airlifted critically-ill patients and transported vital PPE and PPE, the Technical Assurance team, led by our incredibly medical supplies. competent and motivated Defence Quality Assurance Field And all this considerable output has been underpinned Force team, has successfully assured products, identifying by the work of the DE&S COVID-19 operations cell that many potential counterfeit items in the process, thus has risen to the significant challenge of undertaking the ensuring as far as possible that any products procured will be mammoth co-ordination task across DE&S and beyond into suitable and safe for use by the end users.” the rest of Defence, wider Government and the NHS. Another landmark worthy of recognition is at MOD Their tireless work has ensured DE&S has been on the Donnington where staff at the DE&S Defence Fulfilment best possible footing to look after its people and, manage its Centre have distributed almost 10,000 items of critical care business at a time of unprecedented uncertainty and as the medical equipment to NHS hospitals and Trusts around the UK slowly turns its attention to the ‘new normal,’ they will UK. continue to play a pivotal role. Staff at the enormous Shropshire-based distribution centre Sir Simon Bollom, DE&S CEO, said: “The efforts of more have worked around the clock to process and distribute than 300 DE&S staff who supported the COVID-19 response ventilators, oxygen concentrators and humidifiers. The has been nothing short of extraordinary and I thank you all. highly-committed Logistic Commodities and Services “I also wish to pay tribute to the entire workforce who Pictured (clockwise from top left): DE&S Defence Fulfilment Centre facility in Donnington, a Chinook HC4 helicopter, reservists unloading a third airlift of PPE, DE&S supporting Transformation (LCST) team, which includes staff from continue to demonstrate great resilience during incredibly the new Bristol Nightingale hospital, a Wildcat helicopter HMA Mk2, an A400M delivering essential equipment (Pictures by Sgt Ben Beale, Andrew Linnett, Cpl Tim Laurence Team Leidos, reached the impressive figure. challenging times to ensure critical defence outputs are RAF, Cpl Andy Reid, Si Ethell and Amy Lupton) Roger West, Director Logistics Delivery at DE&S, said: maintained.” “This continues to be an extraordinary effort by a team that has had to provide critical equipment to the NHS while also

8 9 desider July 2020 desider July 2020 News In Brief News In Brief

Poseidon named in honour of Sanctuary World War II pilot Awards The third of the RAF’s new down two German seaplanes, The deadline for the 2020 fleet of maritime patrol aircraft sank four German U-boats and Sanctuary Awards has been has been named after a highly- severely damaged several others. extended until July 31. The decorated pilot in Coastal ZP803 remains under Sanctuary awards have been Command in World War II. construction in the US and will recognising outstanding The latest Poseidon MRA be delivered to the RAF later this conservation and sustainability Mk1 aircraft, (ZP803) has been year. The first two aircraft in the efforts across the MOD estate named after Northern Irish pilot, fleet, Pride of Moray and City since 1991. Squadron Leader Terence Bulloch of Elgin, are currently operating Organisers of the awards are DSO* DFC* of 120 Squadron, in from Kinloss Barracks before keen to encourage more entries recognition of him being the pilot moving to RAF Lossiemouth later from teams involved in broader who made the greatest number of this year. aspects of sustainability, such as attacks against submarines in the The RAF Poseidon fleet will equipment procurement. Battle of the Atlantic. provide a globally deployable Winners and highly- Bulloch joined the RAF in 1936 maritime patrol capability, commended nominations will be and was known for his flying working alongside the Royal Navy presented with their awards by skills, innovative tactics and fine in securing the seas around the Minister for Defence Procurement eyesight. He and his crew shot UK and abroad. Jeremy Quin in Spring 2021, in central London. Winners will be featured in Voyager sets two new records for non-stop flights Sanctuary, the MOD’s annual sustainability magazine, and Availability boost for A400M A Voyager aircraft has set delivering the twice-weekly related publicity. two new records for non-stop South Atlantic Airbridge service The categories this year are: The availability and reliability The Task Line principle flights between the UK (RAF since 2013 under a Voyager Environmental Protection and of A400M continues to grow, and provides assurance for the users Brize Norton) and the Falkland private finance initiative contract Enhancement, Social Value, since early June eight task lines that unserviceable aircraft will not Islands. The outbound flight managed by DE&S. Community and Heritage, have been offered to the RAF, with impede A400M’s ability to support was completed in a time of 15 Lyndon Hoyle, Voyager Team Sustainable Construction, the A400M delivery team playing operations. This achievement hours 9 minutes, which betters Leader at DE&S, said: “The Energy, Low Carbon and a key role in this achievement. is despite pressures created by the previous record of 15 hours record-breaking non-stop flights Resource Efficiency, Sustainable A task line is the planned COVID-19 on the Atlas Support 45 minutes set by 10 Squadron are a splendid achievement for Procurement and Individual activity for one aircraft over a Centre (ASC) at RAF Brize in a VC10 in 1987, while the Defence, AirTanker and the Achievement. 24-hour period. If the allocated Norton, which has achieved 100% return flight to the UK took only Voyager service. It underlines the Contact DIO-Sanctuary@mod. aircraft goes unserviceable then of the tasks asked by the fleet. 13 hours 22 minutes, beating aircraft’s superb capability and gov.uk for more information as a spare unassigned aircraft will Stephen added: “Engineering, a second record by 1 hour 36 provides a fallback option should well as terms and conditions of replace it to ensure the planned in-service support and technical minutes. a stop-over for refuelling between entry. sorties and missions can still be personnel from DE&S are These flights confirmed the the UK and the Falkland Islands completed. normally based at the ASC but capability of the Voyager service not be possible due to COIVD-19 Stephen Wilcock, DE&S are currently working from home to sustain the South Atlantic Air restrictions. They are also a A400M-Voyager Head, said: and have contributed to this Bridge (SAA) to the Falklands great example of DE&S working “During the COVID-19 milestone, as part of one larger without having to land for innovatively with AirTanker to emergency, we have increased team together with Airbus, and refuelling. provide flexibility for Defence in Task Lines, provided additional the RAF. We are involved in The flights were operated how we sustain this essential air resilience aircraft and accelerated all aspects of work to improve by AirTanker, which has been transport service.” planned maintenance to improve aircraft availability, and the the readiness of the fleet should improvements that are planned the Defence tasking need to be will continue into next year.” increased.” Dambusters squadron land on HMS Queen Elizabeth June saw the 617 Squadron, Peter Davidson, DE&S famously known as the Lightning Delivery Teams OPV is one step closer to Dambusters, landing in F-35B Operations Manager, said: Lightning jets on the deck of HMS “We worked closely with Air operational service Queen Elizabeth. Command, Navy Command and The OPV team is marking of the White Ensign is significant This was the first carrier- Industry colleagues to ensure the another step towards HMS Tamar moment, steeped in Naval qualifying training that 617 had aircraft, pilots and maintainers entering service now the ship has tradition, and symbolises the carried out while embarked were ready to embark as per raised the White Ensign for the ship moving towards operational on the ship. Pilots, engineers the UK Programme of Record. first time. service in defence of the UK. I’m cyberspace and mission support This included making sure the The team is supporting proud of the way the OPV team is staff from 617 Squadron, the necessary spare parts and air Tamar’s crew as they complete delivering the fleet in partnership UK’s operational strike squadron, vehicle support equipment were acceptance trials off the South with our suppliers and Royal Navy embarked on the carrier during embarked on time and were West coast, including helicopter c u s t om e r.” a quick stop in Portsmouth available to support the aircraft landings, gunnery, boat drills and HMS Tamar also has the for supplies before the aircraft when they arrived on board.” emergency exercises. During an distinction for being the ‘Greenest themselves landed on board. The The F-35B jets involved in exercise in Weymouth Bay the Ship in the Royal Navy’ fitted with training will help the UK gear up the training will be the same ship was even accompanied by a catalytic converters which reduce to deploy the future generation aircraft that will sail with HMS pod of friendly dolphins which nitrogen-based emissions from of fighter aircraft that are able to Queen Elizabeth next year for chased the ship at sunset. her engine exhausts by up to 95 operate from the sea. her maiden Global Carrier Strike OPV team Project Manager per cent. Group 21 deployment. Gareth Morris said: “The raising

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Engine support contract awarded to support DE&S extends contract with Inzpire Mission Support thousands of the MOD’s small boats System for a further five years Pictured: Pacific 24 Mark-4 Rigid Inflatable Boats photographed during a boarding exercise (Picture by LPhot Sam Seeley UK MOD Crown Copyright) Pictured: Puma Mark 2 helicopter at RAF Honington, Suffolk (Picture by Cpl Babbs Robinson)

oint Helicopter Command in both 2D and 3D and conduct extension, the MSS capability in have exercised the option to MSS has become a ‘live’ impact assessment of the Puma flight simulator delivers he DE&S small boats involving the Royal Navy, Royal match the demanding operating extend their contract with any adjustments to the mission a synthetic GPS signal to the MSS integral to Puma team have awarded a Marines, , Ministry of conditions of their in-service J Inzpire to provide the GECO profile. The MSS capability has tablets. We look forward to £26.7 million contract to Defence Police and Cadets. craft.” Mission Support System (GECO Force success on transformed the way pre-flight and Despite COVID-19 travel and Tsupply and maintain outboard continuing to work James added: “Boats are an The contract will support MSS) for a further five years. operations and has in-flight planning are conducted, social distancing restrictions and inboard motors fitted to the together to support essential capability of the UK approximately 40 jobs within The contract, worth a total since been introduced helping the Puma Force move a joint team comprising staff MOD’s small boats fleet. our front line with the armed forces and are used for Barrus’ engineering centre and of £7 million, will continue to on other air platforms from a paper-based system to a from DE&S, CAE (including The seven-year contract for equipment they need many different operations around secure future roles for young provide mission support system “less paper” cockpit with electronic staff in Montreal), rotary wing the upkeep, update and supply while also maintaining the world ensuring that our Navy engineering students and the arrangements for the Puma HC Group Captain mapping, terrain and obstacle operational, the evaluation test of engines fitted to more than vital British skills and has the reach it needs to protect company’s graduate engineering Mk2. Mark Staveley alerting, an electronic flight bag unit and the Medium Support 1,100 craft has been secured by jobs our interests around the globe. We intake programme in Oxfordshire. The medium-support helicopter and performance planning which Helicopter Aircrew Training Oxfordshire-based company EP are committed to ensuring that In addition, around 80 jobs across operating under JHC control can be viewed via a carry-on tablet Facility successfully witnessed Barrus. James Melia, engines are effectively managed the UK supply chain will benefit is used in a variety of combat computer. the delivery of a synthetic GPS The new contract will support Project manager for through every stage of their life from the contract. roles. These include the tactical Once a mission is complete, signal using updated, production- boats within the current MOD DE&S boats team cycle and our partnership with EP Minister for Defence movement of troops, weapons, the system provides full mission standard GECO MSS tablets in-service fleet for craft under Barrus will provide critical support Procurement, Jeremy Quin, said: ammunition and stores on the data to support a comprehensive supplied by Inzpire. 25m, including Rigid Inflatable to this.” “Our maritime industry continues battlefield, as well as casualty debriefing. The updates to the simulator Boats (RIBs), the Mexeflote Barrus has a long-standing to grow from strength to strength. evacuation for a medical response Puma Team Leader and Chief and tablets will provide a complete landing-raft system powered by partnership with the MOD This contract will secure an team role. Engineer, Group Captain Mark replication of the ‘real world’ in the Thrustmaster propulsion unit, spanning over 75 years, with essential capability for our armed The contract extension will Staveley, said: “MSS has proved to the synthetic environment, and the workboats and planned future the first Post Immersion Restart forces and support over 40 quality mean all of the Puma in-service be an extremely popular and safe tablet image will update to match craft. Engines (PIRS) being introduced engineering jobs in Bicester, plus fleet of 23 aircraft will use the system that has become integral to the route the simulator is ‘flying’. Project manager for DE&S boats to the MOD back in the late 1970s. many more throughout the UK.” system, with RAF Benson’s 28, 33 Puma Force success on operations Throughout the next five years, team, James Melia, said: “DE&S Robert Glen, Chairman of EP and 230 Squadrons being fully and has since been introduced on DE&S will continue to benefit is proud to maintain excellent Barrus, said: “The award of this equipped until 2025. GECO MSS other air platforms.” from iterative improvements to the working relationships with EP prestigious contract is recognition provides an end-to-end mission “It is great to see that our system. Barrus, a valued industry supplier, of Barrus’ reputation as the capability which supports mission positive relationship and joint and we look forward to continuing leading custom-engine builder. planning, rehearsal, briefing, approach with Inzpire will to work together to support our Our research and development airborne execution and mission continue to sustain Puma front line with the equipment they team work closely with the debrief. operations. The joint team will need while also maintaining vital MOD to understand the specific To ensure missions are continue to maximise the benefit British skills and jobs.” requirements and, utilising the achievable, the rehearsal of MSS to the front line under this The contract will support latest technological advancements, functionality of the system enables welcome contract extension.” operations in the UK and overseas deliver engineering solutions that crews to run through a mission In addition to the contract

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Tim Rowntree - memories from his time with MOD and DE&S

Tim Rowntree, DE&S Director of Engineering and Safety, is retiring after 47 years with the MOD. Tim looks back and shares his highlights and advice after his long and successful career in Defence

How long have you been at DE&S and what did you and Afghanistan with a fleet of aircraft (VC10, Tristar, do before? Hercules C-130K, etc.) dating back to the 1960s. Keeping I’ve been in DE&S since its launch in 2007 when I them airworthy and fully operational through such was the first Director Air Support. I joined the MOD in high-tempo operations, while delivering at the same time 1973, 47 years ago this year, nine years of which I spent in the new generation (Voyager, A400M), was a massive Germany. Interestingly, back in 1973 I also saw the launch challenge. At the same time, though, it was a great team of a brand-new defence acquisition organisation. The effort across DE&S, industry, the RAF and the wider Procurement Executive had just been created following a Defence. major external review led by Sir Derek Rayner of Marks and Spencer. The Procurement Executive’s mission What advice would you give to those facing adversity was to bring acquisition coherence to the then highly within DE&S? independent and empowered front line commands. We’ve Stay calm, think it through, talk to someone and make been ‘round the buoy’ a few times since then, but in all a plan. More broadly, remember the massive diversity of that time I’ve never had a boring day at work. what we do here in DE&S. The opportunities are almost boundless. What has been the highlight of your time here at DE&S? How has DE&S changed over your time here? I’ve enjoyed every moment, including a fantastic In some ways, everything has changed, but in our secondment to run an international organisation core values, our teamwork and our passion for delivery, called Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation nothing has changed. (OCCAR), between 2013 and 2017. I had a head office in Bonn, Germany, with offices also in Paris, Toulouse, How do you hope DE&S changes when you’ve gone? Rome and Seville, managing a wide range of great I hope DE&S strengthens and reinforces its position programmes, such as Boxer and A400M, for the six and reputation as the home of defence acquisition, OCCAR member states. Tough work, but someone had enabling the UK to meet today’s rapidly evolving threats. to do it. To do this we will need to keep our focus on safety while embracing new technologies and innovation to create the What’s been your biggest achievement whilst you’ve battle-winning systems of the future. been here? Over these last two years, the Acquisition Safety Project What are your next steps? has created, for the first time ever, a single acquisition After almost 47 years, it’s time for a change, so I look safety system for Air, Land and Maritime, with clear roles forward to some new challenges while also making more and responsibilities throughout. Delivering that outcome time and flexibility to enjoy my many hobbies. I have was a great challenge but also a brilliant team effort, as a garage full of classic motorcycles, a boat, a bicycle, a everyone involved just threw their heart and soul into tractor, walking boots, Scuba kit, all just waiting for me to making sure it was a terrific success. I particularly enjoyed come and play. They have been very patient! our ‘Spotlight on Safety’ events, through which we reached over 6,000 people through live interactive drama What do you want to say to your colleagues as you to land the message that ‘everyone has a role in safety’. depart DE&S? Good luck. Remember we’re all on the same side, focus What has been the most challenging part of your more on our customer needs and less on internal process, career? and I wish you well in making DE&S more agile, reactive Probably my first years as Director Air Support and ready for the future. here in DE&S. I was supporting the airbridges to Iraq

14 15 desider July 2020 DE&S People Picture: Andrew Linnett Andrew Picture: On driving efficiency, team success and running the London Marathon Anne Huckle is the senior commercial advisor to Director General Air within the Air Domain, delivering commercial strategies and developing commercial improvement

What does your role involve? centre directors in support reporting to deliver and manage As domain commercial officer of DG Air, as well as support contracts, and to provide timely (DCO) I am the senior commercial the operating centre heads of and accurate performance and advisor to Director General commercial to secure a coherent management information. This Air. As DCO I am responsible approach to both commercial is a key tenet of my Air domain for overseeing all aspects of the strategies and commercial Commercial Improvement Plan, domain’s commercial activity improvement in the domain. which the heads of commercial including delegation, assurance, Functionally, teamwork goes and I will be aiming to deliver this development and delivery of key beyond the domain, working financial year with the support of commercial strategies as well with DCO colleagues in Land, the domains head of performance as commercial improvement Ships and Strategic Enablers to improvement, COO, CFO and and commercial management bring coherence of commercial Centre of Excellence teams with information. Additionally, I work approach DE&S wide and, of the DE&S corporate commercial with the Commercial domain course, working with commercial function. functional manager to oversee colleagues in Defence Commercial to ensure policy and process Why did you choose to pursue professional development and a career in DE&S? deployment of people. enables efficient business delivery. To borrow the MOD’s chief I have worked in various parts What about your role is commercial officer’s strapline of MOD, undertaking project exciting, rewarding or ‘Better Together’. management, commercial and interesting? secretariat roles in various How are you helping embed The role of DCO is a relatively geographic locations and, if I’m change in your area? new one and establishing the role honest, it is geographic location has been both interesting and DE&S has made great that led me to DE&S. But what challenging. However, the most strides with its transformation keeps me here is making a rewarding aspect is supporting programme but, having moved difference delivering to the UK delivery of equipment and services from the Joint Enablers to Air armed forces and working with to the RAF and other customers. domain last year, I was struck people motivated to do likewise. by how many things were done This might sound a bit cheesy, but How important to you is differently in each domain. I’ve it’s true. teamwork? been in the MOD for 35 years so I What do you most enjoy about I firmly believe that teamwork is am used to the language, the way your job? the first principle of success in an people can diverge from process acquisition delivery organisation and policy, and I’m not afraid Never quite knowing the next such as DE&S. As individuals to ask for help or challenge why problem that will need solving. we cannot succeed without things are being done differently. However, it is frustrating, does What do you enjoy doing in the experience, professional your spare time? knowledge and support of our not lead to efficient productivity colleagues. Team work and and it must be incredibly Being by the sea and, when collaborative working are key frustrating to people who are the wind conditions are right, to success in my role, requiring new to DE&S, our customers windsurfing and dinghy sailing. and industry. So, while we must me to work jointly with many What might surprise people not be handcuffed by process, I different individuals at different about you? levels within the organisation. am keen to seek efficiencies and I’ve run the London Marathon For example, it’s vital that I work make the jobs of commercial staff twice, with a personal best finish collaboratively with the domain more rewarding by promoting time of 4hrs 20mins. chief operating officer, chief the use of the DE&S tool sets, finance officer and operating adopting common processes and

17 desider July 2020 desider July 2020 News News

DE&S delivers life-saving capability to Falkland Islands Environmental Data Gathering success for Meteor Pictured: The UK armed forces has delivered essential equipment to the Falkland Islands to enable the construction of an oxygen generation plant to increase the supply to Pictured: An Environmental Data Gathering (EDG) missile pictured at MBDA's facility in Stevenage ahead of delivery (Picture submitted by MBDA. MBDA copyright) King Edward Memorial Hospital (Picture by Sgt 'Matty' Matthews RAF)

Meteor is the most advanced missile of its kind in the world and is a joint venture between six nations E&S has helped transform turned into life-saving oxygen case the King Edward Memorial and MBDA obsolete fighter jet machines.” Hospital, which doesn’t have its This was a fabulous Marcus Toms, equipment into oxygen A C-17 Globemaster from RAF own oxygen generation capability.” Weapons Operating Dmachines for patients at a Falkland example of initiative, Brize Norton recently transferred The airfield engineering Centre quality manager Islands hospital. teamwork and 20 tonnes of specialised apparatus support team quickly set about Air Separation Units (ASUs), planning including the ASUs in April. managing and co-ordinating the used previously to generate Two days later, an RAF A400M maintenance, spares support, oxygen for Royal Air Force Air Commodore transferred additional ancillary training and delivery of the aircrew on Tornado and Hercules Rob Woods equipment and personnel who complete equipment package. This from the 1990s to around assisted in the installation and involved a significant effort, as 2016, were identified by DE&S maintenance of the ASUs. The the ASUs are effectively obsolete, aircraft engineering specialists final shipment was for 50 oxygen with no serviceable equipment, no he Weapon Operating design meets the safety and aircraft for the UK and partner Colin Lapsley, MBDA’s head of as a potential oxygen production cylinders, which were flown to the personnel trained and no support Centre’s (WOC) air-to-air environmental constraints of the nations.” the Meteor programme, said: “My source for coronavirus patients. Falklands on a scheduled service. contract in place until recently. Missiles delivery team has aircraft’s weapon system. Meteor is currently used on thanks to our teams who, through Working with the Defence The initial idea for this project The team worked alongside Tsuccessfully delivered the first The EDG trials collected data Typhoon for the UK, Germany, their commitment and team spirit, Electronics and Components came from the airfield engineering colleagues from DECA to bring of three Environmental Data on how the missile responded Italy and Spain and is also have successfully delivered this Agency (DECA) and RAF support pillar within the air the support equipment up Gathering (EDG) rounds safely to the vibration, acceleration integrated onto the Gripen aircraft important Meteor test asset for personnel, the machines were commodities team, which is also to deployment serviceability and on time amid restrictions and temperature of different for the Swedish air force, as well as F-35B Lightning. It is an excellent sourced, repurposed to hospital- represented in the COVID-19 standard. imposed by COVID-19. environments. Meeting the French Rafale aircraft. example of how, together, we are grade standard and then quickly operations cell. DECA Stafford trained While manufacturing and requirements for the first EDG The missile will be integrated able to adapt to continue to deliver deployed to the Falkland Islands. Mark Taylor, operations personnel from 5001 Sqn testing took place, MBDA trials has marked a step to onto F-35B aircraft, which will and meet military needs under The equipment is now up and manager, AES air commodities RAF Wittering to operate the needed to temporarily close its bringing an innovative and long- play a critical role in the UK’s challenging conditions like we find running on a decommissioned team, said: “The RAF has a equipment and also deployed Environmental Engineering & range capability that will further Carrier Enabled Power Projection, now with COVID-19.” liquid oxygen production number of ASUs, which are used two technicians to install the Facilities centre due to COVID-19 enhance the UK’s F-35B fleet. enabling forces to deploy military compound at RAF Mount to generate oxygen for aircrew equipment at RAF Mount restrictions. However, after quickly Marcus Toms, WOC’s quality capabilities from anywhere in Pleasant, where liquid oxygen is operating at high altitude. The Pleasant. implementing safe working manager, said: “Beyond visual the world. Meteor will give the produced ready for transfer by airfield engineering support team Air Commodore Rob Woods, practices, providing PPE and range air-to-air missile, better Royal Air Force and Royal Navy road to King Edward Memorial recognised that these units can air domain chief of staff and head social distancing measures, MBDA known as Meteor, is the most a distinct air supremacy with Hospital. be adapted to produce oxygen for of DE&S’ COVID-19 operations ensured people on-site were advanced missile of its kind in the F-35B, bringing together Minister for Defence COVID-19 patients. cell, added: “This was a fabulous able to continue work in a safe the world and is a joint venture stealth technology and beyond- Procurement, Jeremy Quin, “The ASUs have limited example of initiative, teamwork environment. between six nations and MBDA. visual-range air-to-air missile said: “Repurposing parts operational usage since newer and planning from the air domain The purpose of the trials are “I have worked on Meteor capability. It will equip F-35Bs originally destined for fighter jets aircraft generate their own in partnership with colleagues to test the integration of the for over 10 years, embedded with all-weather combat capability demonstrates the versatility of oxygen for crews to breathe at from across Defence.” Meteor air-to-air missile system in industry, and this is the fifth to engage in a wide variety of what our military can offer our high altitude. Therefore, the spare onto the F-35B Lightning aircraft integration round that I have targets, from agile fast jets to small partners in the overseas territories: capacity was made available to and gather environmental data accepted, bringing Meteor into unmanned aerial vehicles and air separation units having been support other functions, in this to ensure the current Meteor service on to now four different cruise missiles.

18 19 desider July 2020 desider July 2020 Feature Feature

Five-year-old Kyan receives special recognition for his entry in the Spirit of Normandy competition Pictured: Major General Darren Crook and Kyan Terry-White pictured outside Sutton Benger Primary in where Kyan was highly commended for his entry in the recent VE-Day 75 poster competition (Picture by Richard Palusinski)

DE&S celebrates World Environment Day virtually

In support of World Environment Day, this year DE&S held a virtual event to build awareness of how important it is to address environmental protection. The programme of activities ran over two days and included a keynote Skype presentation by the MOD’s climate change policy lead, Lieutenant General Richard Nugee.

orld Environment in the lecture theatre in Bristol way to showcase environmental Day (WED) is a global Abbey Wood but were adapted to good practice within DE&S and initiative organised by become digital events to highlight allowed staff to chat to the teams Wthe United Nations every year to the importance of addressing involved live online. To help get people to connect with the our environmental impacts and inspire participants, they were also environment. During WED 2020, encourage people to engage more able to access a resources library DE&S hosted its own event to with the environment no matter with information on a range of encourage awareness and action their location. different green initiatives and case on environmental protection. The audience heard from the studies. This year’s theme focused on MOD’s climate change policy DE&S’ WED event followed biodiversity and created positive lead, Lieutenant General Richard the launch of the DE&S engagement not only about Nugee, who gave a keynote Skype Environmental Strategy 2020- biodiversity, but also about wider presentation around the challenges 2030 that outlines the framework environmental issues affecting our involved and the approaches being to deliver DE&S’ environmental organisation. pursued to enable MOD to achieve commitment over the next 10 DE&S’ WED took a virtual its Net Zero by 2050 objectives. years. The strategy forms the format this year where Skype talks Lt Gen Nugee is leading a review bedrock of DE&S’ environmental and digital events were presented, into MOD’s approach to climate business plans, which will highlighting the importance of change and Net Zero, which has define DE&S’ green targets addressing our environmental been identified as one of the most and objectives. DE&S is fully ive-year-old Kyan Terry- declining his cash prize.” Martin, who came up with impacts and encouraging people to significant challenges facing the committed to playing its part in White received a surprise It was an absolute The VE Day competition was the competition, said: engage more with the environment UK, Defence and the whole planet. meeting the huge environmental visit from a Major General organised by Spirit of Normandy “Congratulations to all the winners during and after the COVID-19 Presentations from DE&S challenge ahead and the strategy Fafter wowing veterans with his VE privilege to meet Kyan – a charitable trust set up to retain and thank you to all those who lockdown. senior leaders’ panel were also sets out how it will manage this, Day competition poster entry. and present him with the memory of those who fought took the time and trouble to enter WED 2020 was opened by shared, as well as webinars on both for DE&S as a business, and Kyan was too young to qualify his certificate to preserve freedom in 1944. the competition. Our thanks DE&S’ Director Engineering and climate resilience and biosecurity. for the equipment and services for an award in the charity- The charity organised the also go to the veterans who took Safety, Tim Rowntree, who said: Hundreds of colleagues joined in that DE&S procure and support run competition that asked Major General competition to keep young the time to carefully review and “DE&S has a huge role to play in the Skype discussions, with one for the armed services. schoolchildren between seven and Darren Crook people engaged with VE Day after adjudicate the entries.” delivering these improvements, attendee saying: “I really enjoyed Please take the opportunity 16 years old to design posters that realising the COVID-19 pandemic Chairman Mr Palusinski added: whether it is by changing our the talks I dialled into. The range to read through the encapsulated the spirit of VE Day. meant many organised events had “The Trust was delighted with the own behaviour, enhancing our of topics that was covered kept it DE&S Environmental However, veterans were so to be shelved. range of entries and it was good infrastructure, improving the interesting and showed how it all Strategy, giving particular impressed by his entry they They were delighted when they to have brought young people and efficiency of the equipment we fits together. I learnt a lot about the consideration to how you insisted that Kyan, who attends Kyan and present him with his not only received online entries veterans together, albeit virtually. procure and support, or delivering environment, what DE&S is doing, can support DE&S in its Sutton Benger Primary in certificate. VE Day is a hugely from across the UK, but also some I am also delighted that Kyan’s more sustainable military and it’s made me think about what environmental endeavours. Wiltshire, was recognised for his significant part of our nation’s from France and Luxembourg. achievement and selflessness has capability. Every positive change I can do to be greener.” efforts. history and it was clear from both Charity trustee Flaminia been recognised.” we can make will help.” Attendees enjoyed a ‘virtual’ When Kyan was told he would Kyan’s excellent poster, and from The event’s presentations were marketplace, which used the be presented with a certificate speaking with him, that he had originally planned to be held DE&S intranet in an innovative and cash prize he insisted the a real grasp of what it meant to charity kept the money for those it p e op l e .” supported. Victory in Europe Day As a special surprise Kyan’s celebrates the formal acceptance certificate was awarded to him by of defeat by Nazi Germany on DE&S Director Land Equipment Tuesday, May 8 1945, marking the Major General Darren Crook. end of the Second World War in Also in attendance were Kyan’s Europe. proud mother Isabel, his head Isabel said: “Kyan was teacher Luke Maddison and very excited to be receiving a Richard Palusinski, chairman presentation from a real Major of the Spirit of Normandy Trust General and particularly wanted which organised the competition. to wear his WW2 outfit for the Maj Gen Crook said: “It was occasion. I’m also very proud of an absolute privilege to meet him for his generosity of spirit in

20 21 Illustration by Hannah Bone desider July 2020 DE&S People Project Manager 60 second spotlight Engineer "Be the best you can be and reach for the stars. Take Commercial responsibility for your actions and never sit back and expect someone else to do it" Finance

a few years ago and although I have happily reached my target Graduate Janet Peil weight, I love helping others and Job: cooking the Slimming World way.

Operations manager at the What are you most proud of? Defence Munitions storage depot, Glen Douglas, managing First and foremost, my two the day-to-day operations of daughters and what they have FIND 56 explosive store houses, five achieved and continue to ammunition process buildings, achieve. Professionally, a couple nine non-explosive warehouses, of years ago I was invited to the a road and rail transfer point, and Annual Project Manager awards a deep-water explosive handling to represent DE&S - this followed jetty (currently being refurbished the new Road and Rail Transport YOUR to outload the new Queen Facility at Glen Douglas being Elizabeth Class of carrier). My nominated for an award. It was role is to make sure the armed a very Glitzy, Black tie affair forces are fully supported by and the evening was topped off providing a service to receipt, perfectly when the project won store, maintain and issue their an award. It really felt like the Oscars. FUTURE stock when and where they need it. If you were sent to a desert Your route into DE&S? island, what three things Business Manager would you take with you? Having worked in the MOD since 1982, doing a variety of My husband (I’d need someone roles, I became part of DE&S to build the campfires), my dog when Defence Munitions and my collection of JD Robb futuristic crime novels. Communications were incorporated into the organisation. What irritates you the most? Your claim to fame? Professionally, someone not following a job through to Project Controller Raising a large sum of money for a cancer charity by completing conclusion. Overall, I get really the West Highland Way, which is irritated when drivers don’t use their indicators properly. a long distance walk of 96 miles, for this, having grown up in the following lochs, glens and hills country surrounded by them. Human Resources from Glasgow to Fort William, What is your favourite place They have never done me any Do you or resulting in a lovely write-up in in the world? harm, nor have I seen them do the local paper. someone you I have been lucky to have any harm to others, but when travelled to many places in the I am in the vicinity of one, I just know deserve Your advice to anyone? cannot function. Security world and have many favourites. their 60 seconds Be the best you can be and But no matter where I travel in the spotlight? reach for the stars. Take to whether it’s Bali, America responsibility for your actions or nearer home, I am at my Email and never sit back and expect happiest walking along a beach. [email protected] someone else to do it, when it To be able to walk for miles on was yours to do. sand with the sea beside you is bliss. What do you do when you’re away from work? What would surprise people about you? I love reading, hill walking and I am passionate about my local I am completely phobic about des.mod.uk cows. There is no logical reason Slimming World club. I joined A new home for careers at DE&S 2222 desider July 2020 desider July 2020 DE&S People DE&S People

Following the launch of field of energetics and maintain a the Abbey Wood Women the MOD skilled workforce. Lottery in Engineering Community Dr Eluned Lewis then shared at the 2019 International her research in the field of body February Scarecrows, innovation and winners Women in Engineering armour and ballistic protection MOTTO Day, celebrations for 2020 and how changes to fit different were equally insightful and body shapes are impacting £10,000 Paul Hulley, Cheadle Hulme inspiring, fitting in with this Women in Engineering survivability. £2,500 Juta Moloney, Shrewsbury year's theme: “shape the One attendee said: “It was world”. really inspiring to hear from £1,000 Helen Ross, Portsmouth Over 100 people across other women in engineering £500 Julie Molloy, Dstl the MOD joined the 2020 from different backgrounds and £250 Patrick Murphy, Helensburgh June was Pride month are looking forward to sharing celebration, which showcased at different levels and stages in £100 Ray Pack, Henlow across the UK, and in more blogs throughout the summer a range of engineering talent their careers. Seeing how well usual circumstances during months, commencing with from across DE&S. it was attended generally, by Angela Griffiths, Northwood Pride season, the DE&S Pride Ian Craddock, chief operating Attendees were welcomed to people of all genders, felt really Robert Wilmont, London network would have attended officer for the Air domain and the event by Brigadier Anna- supportive.” Robert Quee events to raise visibility DE&S Pride Champion. Pride Lee Reilly, leader of the Vehicle Participants also heard from of DE&S’ commitment to look forward to celebrating Support Team, who delivered Holli Kimble, chief engineer in the Eileen McAdam, Croughton diversity and inclusion. events such as bi-visibility day an engaging and inspiring ground breaking field of Directed Louise Elcoate, Bristol opening speech. Energy Weapons, who spoke However, in lockdown, this in September, National Coming Kevin Marshall, Portsmouth has not been possible. The Out Day in October and Trans To begin, the audience about her role as a volunteer network – a sexual orientation Day of Remembrance in heard from Dr Jon Cook, head with Team Re:Act, providing David Graham, Glasgow and gender identity network November, where the network of the engineering function, disaster relief in the wake of Julie Walker, Cyprus who shared the Diversity with a growing membership will raise awareness and Hurricane Idai. Deborah Barker, London and presence across DE&S understanding of the challenges and Inclusion Plan for the Min Rodriguez, DE&S Diversity – instead released weekly that LGBT people can face. engineering function. and Inclusion Lead, concluded Sally Brown, Andover communications promoting Network Chair Mark Dr Jocelyn Peach then the event and reminded Sheila Slaney, Telford LGBT heroes. These focused Cartwright said: “Pride season spoke about her role as WOME participants of the benefits that Fiona Martin, Bristol on people who have made a is really important to our (Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions diversity and inclusion can yield real and positive difference to community. For me, it is a and Explosives) Early Careers for everybody. Gareth Ames, Liverpool their community. celebration of progress made Chairperson and the steps her Rachel Dunn, Cheadle Hulme The network has several and a time to reflect on what team is taking to futureproof the Ian Mathias, High Wycombe senior domain champions who more we need to do.” Rita McKechnie, Wyton Yvonne Newman, Dstl Kim Robbins, Shrivenham Karen Campbell, Pirbright For the first time, DE&S’ Attendees also heard Innovation Day was an from Graham Turnock, CEO entirely virtual event UK Space Agency; Air Vice organised by the DE&S Marshall Harvey Smith, Future Capability Group MOD Director Space; David and encouraged staff to Chinn, lead for the DE&S get inspired and think Space strategy; and Michael innovatively. O’Callaghan, DSTL space The event promoted the Programme Manager, who need for Defence to increase its discussed the current and appetite for risk when delivering future role Defence has in innovation to the front line and space, the challenges it poses attendees explored how DE&S and how they are tackling can deliver at pace to maintain them. The attendees were the battle-winning edge. also joined by the author of This year’s Innovation Be Less Zombie, Elvin Turner, Day saw the DE&S Defence who discussed how to create Ideas Innovation Challenge the right environment for highlighting the locations of launched on Hive – DE&S’ innovation to thrive. Elvin was the scarecrows and provided online collaboration tool on the accompanied by a cartoonist pictures of the entries for the Defence Ideas Platform. Hive who captured and interpreted local care homes so residents encourages DE&S employees comments from the audience were able to take part in the to share their ideas on (pictured right). Artillery Systems team encouraging families to adventure while still shielding. technology innovation, delivery Tim Rowntree, Director operations manager Zoe create and display their own Zoe said: “It has massively at pace, innovation blockers Engineering and Safety at Roberts has been unleashing scarecrows outside their homes helped people mentally and and enablers, and innovation in DE&S, said: “The great thing her creativity throughout and compete for small prizes given them a few planned support. about innovation is that COVID-19 lockdown. donated from local companies. outings to go round and see Throughout the day, FCG everyone can do it. You don't Cartoon by Richard Johnston, Be Less Zombie illustrator. After Nailsea’s nearby Anticipating around 20-30 them all. One young lad, who hosted four webinars that were need to be an engineer or a scarecrow trails were families to take part in the is unfortunately ill, had been to attended by roughly 1,000 scientist, what you need is an temporarily paused due to local ‘scarecrow hunt’, Zoe visit a bumblebee scarecrow so DE&S colleagues learning enquiring mind, imagination, lockdown restrictions, Zoe was delighted that around 385 many times that the owners of more about a wide range the courage to speak up with Visit the DE&S Innovation Portal here: and her neighbours decided families made and displayed the scarecrow gifted it to him of innovation topics - from your idea, determination, and https://modgovuk.sharepoint.com/teams/2228/portals/ to create their own scarecrow their creations. and it now lives in his garden.” digital battlespace to robotic the ability to work as a team to innovation/Pages/Innovation.aspx trail in their local community, Zoe created a map platoon vehicles and nano UAS deliver it.” programmes.

24 25 desider July 2020 DE&S People Case Study Andy Willcock, cost controller within DE&S, gives his insight into some of the benefits of working for the organisation time and I have the greatest respect for those who have completed it already.

What do you most enjoy about your job? Name: The satisfaction of seeing improvements to Andy Willcock equipment, from cradle to grave, that benefit boots on the ground. Job title: Level 3 cost controller – vehicle support team What’s your ambition? As I write this we are just entering our eighth week How long have you worked for DE&S? of lockdown. Being able to go into the office, see Just over 10 years. my team and go for a Nando’s is my ambition at the moment! Why did you choose to pursue a career in DE&S? I’m an ex Army regular and wanted to continue to What’s your greatest achievement to date? support our armed forces. A lot of my friends are still My biggest highlight to date was working on involved in the military and this job feels like I am and completing Warrior Urgent Operational contributing to make things better for them. Requirements (UORs) during Op Herrick SIX GREAT REASONS TO WORK FOR DE&S (Afghanistan). Seeing the speed things can get done if What does your role entail? everyone is pulling in the same direction is not only Primarily, I ensure the financial forecast for my satisfying, but really makes you realise why we do platforms are a true and fair reflection of reality. what we do. I work with my Level 2s and project managers to ensure forecasts are correct and value for money is Why would you recommend DE&S to others as a sought at all opportunities. I liaise with contractors great place to work? to make sure they provide us with the correct details Personally, I feel like I make a contribution and enjoy and have been reported up the chain accurately, to working with people all moving in same direction enable informed decisions at all levels. with the same goals. The amount of knowledge and Bonuses & Pension Flexible Professional Holiday Facilities experience in the organisation is amazing. What are the opportunities to develop and Recognition Working Development progress within your function? What are the social benefits of working for DE&S? When I started in DE&S I completed the Association I have been in the Army Reserves now for nearly 20 of Accounting Technicians (AAT) qualifications years, since leaving the regulars. DE&S allows 15 day’s straight away. I would recommend this to anyone paid special leave to complete my training, which is For more info and job opportunities visit: in cost controls and finance, as it gives you a good hugely beneficial. I have also been lucky enough to base level of understanding. The Chartered Institute have attended a garden party at 10 Downing Street to www.des.mod.uk of Management Accounting (CIMA) is next and is celebrate civil servants in the Reserves back in 2018, currently required if I am to progress any further which I would not have had the opportunity to do within the function. It is a massive commitment in had I not worked for DE&S.

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