Congratulations to Ebi Cole, Chief of Staff in the Remotely Piloted Air Systems / Uncrewed Air Systems and Denene Burton, Operations Manager in CBRN, at Defence, Equipment and Support (DE&S), who each received a notable diversity and inclusion Recognition Award during this year’s Bristol City Council Stepping Up programme graduation ceremony.

During the ceremony held at the BBC Studios in Bristol on 27 June, Ebi and Denene, along with 80 individuals from organisations across the city including DE&S and our sister organisation, the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), represented the latest cohort to have their efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the workplace recognised.

Launched by Bristol City Council in January 2018, the Stepping Up initiative develops leadership skills and provides learning opportunities for people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, those with a protected characteristic such as sexual orientation, neurodiversity or a disability, and all women who work in businesses in the city.

The programme plays an important role in increasing diversity in leadership at DE&S – a major employer in Bristol – and has helped to identify the region’s potential leaders from under-represented groups. Each year-long scheme offers core leadership modules in career management, mentoring, learning and stretch-assignments to help build participants’ leadership skills and enhance their career prospects

Ebi received her award in recognition of her commitment to diversity and inclusion as a member of a team responsible for organising the DE&S and SDA Race and Culture Conference, and for her recent career progression having been promoted to her current role after taking part in the initiative.

Ebi said:

“I’m thrilled to have received this award and surprised too, since my cohort was quite large. It is immensely affirming to be recognised for my commitment to inclusivity and making a meaningful impact in Defence and the local community. Having taken part in our leadership development programme for women, The Becoming Programme, just two years earlier, I felt more confident in taking part in activities such as group discussions and sharing tips picked up from my experience on that programme and I hope my Stepping Up team found this useful.”

Denene received her award because of her remarkable achievements since joining the programme. As the first participant to attend Stepping Up with a visual impairment, she has helped the programme team adjust their learning delivery to meet those needing tailored support.

Denene said:

“I was delighted to be accepted onto Cohort nine of the Stepping Up programme and was completely surprised when I was nominated for a special Recognition Award at the end. Our stretch-assignment group had to work closely together sharing tips and ideas. I am pleased I was able to use my diversity and inclusion skills to influence and educate not just the team, but the cohort, and I learnt a lot from the programme.”

Professor Christine Bamford, the Architect and Director of the Stepping Up programme, added:

“Denene is a role model, demonstrating motivation to overcome obstacles and excel in everything she does. We applaud Denene’s commitment to be an ambassador for those with a disability and especially those who are visually impaired. She is a powerful example of truly inclusive leadership improving workplace practices.

“We are delighted to recognise the talents of Denene and Ebi. Since she commenced Stepping Up, Ebi has grown in confidence, displayed a passion for creating an inclusive workforce, been promoted and continued to study for a managerial qualification. Ebi, along with other Stepping Up participants, also delivered the successful Race and Culture work as a team and led when required.”

As well as reflecting our commitment to diversity and inclusion through a host of ongoing activities across our organisations, DE&S and the SDA have collaborated with Bristol City Council since the Stepping Up scheme began six years ago. Both DE&S and the SDA have provided mentors for the programme, hosted the running of leadership modules and offered short-term project placements for participants.

DE&S also received a Certificate of Excellence in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Jo Osburn-Hughes, DE&S Director HR and Diversity Co-champion and John Dalgleish, DE&S Space Programme Manager, were named on a Roll of Honour for demonstrating inclusive leadership and allyship.

Jo said:

“Huge congratulations to Ebi and Denene on their Stepping Up Recognition Awards and a huge well done to all our Stepping Up graduates for their excellent achievements. The graduation ceremony served as both a celebration of our collective commitment to diversity and inclusion, and as an example for future programme participants, demonstrating what is possible when it comes to fulfilling your leadership potential when you are equipped with new skills and confidence through programmes like these.”

A special mention was also given to the SDA’s Abishek Ravindran, Engineering Manager, and Vimbai Fedrick, Submarine Delivery Enterprise Engineering, Quality and Standards Programme Head, for their work as part of our Race and Culture Network and in supporting the Stepping Up programme. Congratulations to all.