Above and Beyond: NAD Group Colleagues receive British Empire Medal
Published 07 July 2026
Two National Armament Director (NAD) Group colleagues have been awarded the British Empire Medal. The BEM recognises their outstanding voluntary contributions to Defence alongside their day-to-day roles.
The British Empire Medal (BEM) is one of the prestigious awards granted as part of the King’s Birthday Honours system. Within Defence, the honours recognise the dedication of civil servants and military personnel who work to support operational effectiveness and a more inclusive working environment.
The BEM is awarded to people who go above and beyond their formal roles to deliver a lasting, positive impact - whether within their organisation or in the wider community. Among this year’s recipients is Mo Bingham. As the founder and original Chair of the MOD Menopause Network, Mo has been recognised for her outstanding work in raising menopause awareness across Defence.
Alongside her role as an Inventory Management People Coach in the NAD Group, Mo has helped to encourage open conversations and ensure that menopause is recognised as an important workplace issue from both a business and wellbeing perspective.
Mo founded the MOD Menopause Network in 2019 following her own lived experience and a desire to support others. Since then, the network has grown to more than 2,900 members, bringing together colleagues from across Defence to share experiences, advice and resources in a supportive environment.
Reflecting on the honour, Mo said:
“I think it is brilliant to be recognised by my friends and colleagues — the best ‘birthday present’ I have ever had. If I have helped in some way, then I am happy. ‘Thank you’ probably does not come close to how I feel."
Another NAD Group winner is Andrew Burden, a Technical Support Gateway Engineer within the Airseeker Delivery Team. Alongside more than 40 years of service across the MOD, Andrew has a long-standing commitment to volunteering in his local community. He is also a Yeoman of the King’s Bodyguard.
Andrew has been awarded the BEM in recognition of his services to Defence, veterans, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and maritime safety. For more than 13 years, Andrew has volunteered with the RNLI, undertaking a variety of sea-going operational roles, contributing to vital lifesaving and maritime safety efforts.
Andrew also volunteers with the Armed Forces Major Engagement Team (AFMET) in Cleethorpes, helping to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant across Northeast Lincolnshire. As part of this work, he supports the organisation of one of the largest Armed Forces weekends in the region and provides year-round support to the armed forces community.
Andrew Burden
The achievements of Mo and Andrew demonstrate how service outside the day-to-day role can make a meaningful difference across Defence. Their recognition highlights the value of going above and beyond.
