On Remembrance Day, we launched our newest employee-led network group: Armed Forces. The group is open to all Leonardo employees and is focused on supporting those who have served in the Armed Forces, whether as a Regular or Reserve. It also provides a forum for Leonardo employees who are spouses or partners of serving members, as well as allies who wish to learn more. The launch of the network group builds upon our long-standing support for the Armed Forces Community, and strengthens our commitment to foster an inclusive workplace for all our colleagues.
Our commitment to inclusion was recognised at the Women in Defence UK Awards in November, when three of our colleagues were shortlisted as finalists for their outstanding work at Leonardo, with another colleague shortlisted for her time with the Royal Air Force (RAF). Furthermore, Basildon-based Leonardo apprentice Jainna was Highly Commended at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2022.
Employees from across our UK sites supported Movember once again in 2022, with colleagues growing moustaches to raise funds and awareness for men’s health issues. Led by activity from our Equalise network group, the team raised over £1,800 for the charity. We also marked International Men’s Day, hearing from Scott Sullivan, an Assistant Scout Leader at Holy Trinity Scout Group who works on the AW101 helicopter programme at our Yeovil site. He explained about the success of his new Aerospace STEM badge and how Scouting continues to help men and boys.
On Carers Rights Day, which this year was focused on the cost of caring, Leonardo’s Paul Lord spoke about the financial and wellbeing challenges he faced when trying to find suitable care for his mum and grandma, before eventually managing to locate a day care centre that provided much-needed support.
Our run of award wins continued in November, as we picked up the prize for Manufacturing in Action at the 2022 Manufacturer MX Awards in Liverpool. Leonardo Strategic Planning Manager, Jon Sackett, and Chief Engineer - Military Aircraft, Michael Overd, were also recognised at the event, as they featured in The Manufacturer Top 100 2022 – a showcase of individuals who go the extra mile in their work.
To demonstrate further why we believe our AW149 is the ideal solution to the UK government’s New Medium Helicopter requirement, we published two new articles about how the platform is designed to survive on the battlefield. The first article focussed on the airframe’s crashworthiness and minimised susceptibility to enemy fire, in addition to its unparalleled gearbox run dry capability. The second article looked at how a reduced exhaust infrared signature, next generation Defensive Aids System and external weapons options will protect the aircrew and aircraft by avoiding detection and engagement in the most severe operational environments.
We also welcomed a new member to Team AW149 in November, as Yeovil College joined as the first ‘community member’, representing skills and early career opportunities. Other members of the team – a national alliance of onshore supply chain members supporting our bid to provide the AW149 to the UK Armed Forces – also highlighted their educational links with local communities, demonstrating the wide-ranging value of helicopters being made in Britain.
During Tomorrow’s Engineers Week, held in the first full week of November each year, we put the spotlight on some of our talented young engineers, like Elin, an apprentice at our Luton site who became an engineer due to her love of solving problems, and Michael, who was recognised at this year’s MAKE UK Manufacturing Awards. We also we took part in the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) ‘Lottie Tour’, with the miniature engineer learning about the work we do across our UK sites.
Finally, we ended the month with it being announced that the United States Air National Guard had recommend fielding Leonardo’s BriteCloud 218 decoy, after successfully completing an extensive US Defense Department test programme. Designed and manufactured by Leonardo in the UK, BriteCloud has already entered service with the UK’s Royal Air Force.