Connect – Spring 2025
Welcome to the extended version of Connect
As we shared in the paper leaflet we posted to you, we’ve slimmed Connect down and introduced a QR code to bring you to this extended update online.
Thanks to this change, we’ve been able to reduce the printing associated with Connect by more than half.
If you’ve recycled the paper leaflet but want to revisit the content, you can do so by clicking the image of its front page (below on mobile, or right on desktop).
REPPIR resources
Explore the digital version of the Radiation Emergency Preparedness and Public Information Regulations (REPPIR) to learn about how you would be alerted, actions to take, and view an online map of the emergency planning zones.
Public drop-in sessions feedback
Thank you once again to the 300+ local residents who took the time to attend one of our public drop-in sessions towards the end of last year.
We enjoyed meeting everyone who joined us, and thanks to those who also filled out our survey.
We’ve put together a summary of the events and the feedback you shared with us.
Let’s bust some myths…
During our community drop-in sessions late last year, we heard all kinds of weird and wonderful questions and assumptions about our sites and the work that goes on behind the fences. Find out if there really are underground tunnels from AWE Aldermaston to Tadley and beyond…
A responsible business
Through the critical work we do to protect national security, we also have a significant, positive and far-reaching impact on the world around us. In 2023, we reported and made commitments against our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) framework for the first time.
Outlined in our recently published 2023-24 ESG Report, we’re proud of the progress we have made. The headlines include:
• We diverted 99% of our controlled waste from landfill and reusing or recycling 72% of it.
• 6% of our colleagues are now members of our Wellbeing Champions network, contributing to a strong culture of care.
• We’re on course to reduce the size of our built estate by 25% by 2032, helping us achieve our energy efficiency goals.
Supporting our communities
Schools engagement
During the 2023-24 academic year, we reached over 60,000 young people across primary schools, secondary schools and colleges. Led by our Responsible Business team, who are supported by STEM Ambassadors from across the business, educational activities within our communities enable us to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.
According to STEM Learning, who run the national STEM Ambassador programme, AWE delivered over £3.4 million of social value through these activities in the 2023-24 reporting period, and a considerable number of applicants for our apprentice programme tell us they know about AWE due to activities like these.
West Berkshire Museum
You can now find an AWE exhibition in West Berkshire Museum, bringing our rich history to life in the heart of Newbury. This is a result of a collaboration with West Berkshire Council, allowing us to share our history as part of our 75th anniversary year.
The creation of the exhibition has involved the transfer of a number of artefacts from our Aldermaston site to a dedicated space within the museum, giving members of the public a visual insight like never before into AWE’s mission.
Our exhibition is available until December 2025. Entry to West Berkshire Museum is free, but donations are welcomed to support the addition of new items, maintain the historic buildings, and conserve collections.
New charity partner
We’re pleased to share that Parents and Children Together (PACT) became our new charity partner in 2024. The Reading-based adoption charity and family support provider helps hundreds of families every year through adoption, support services and community projects across London and the south of England.
Funds raised by AWE employees will be used to support Alana House and Bounce Back for Kids (BB4K). Alana House in Reading provides a safe space and support for victims of domestic abuse. BB4K is a support programme that uses therapeutic techniques to support children who have been affected by or witnessed domestic abuse.
Our people
Growing the AWE community
Recruitment has been a strong priority for us over the past year, and you may have seen opportunities at AWE advertised in local print and online media, as well as on buses and petrol pumps in the local area. We’ve welcomed over 500 new early careers colleagues as part of our apprenticeship, year-in-industry and graduate programmes, continuing our commitment to young people looking to kick-start their careers.
Fancy working for an award-winning employer in your area?
Golden support for Armed Forces
In 2024, we were proud to receive the Armed Forces Covenant, Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award. This recognises our support for our 500-strong veterans, reservists and cadet volunteers community, and for those in the Armed Forces looking to progress a career after serving in the military.
Opening new doors
With an increasing number of employees supporting our mission, along with the regeneration of our sites, we’re opening additional offices away from Aldermaston (A) and Burghfield (B) in 2025 and beyond.
As well as providing a state-of-the-art environment for many of our people who don’t need to be based on a nuclear-licensed site, this new capacity outside of our A & B sites will help reduce traffic within our local communities.
We’re also doing more to encourage colleagues to walk, cycle or join our car-sharing scheme if they can.
Leadership updates
In March 2024, we welcomed Nick Elliott CB MBE as our new Chief Executive Officer. Nick is an experienced senior business leader, having led major delivery organisations in defence, infrastructure, and government – including the UK Vaccine Taskforce, where he was Director General during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mark Hedges became our Executive Director, Estates & Liabilities in August 2024 after six successful months in the role on an interim basis. Mark joined AWE as an apprentice in 1985, and his 40 years of service to our mission are a great example of the endless opportunities ahead for the hundreds of young people who join our Early Careers programmes every year.
In February this year, Ian Rogers joined our Executive Committee as Chief Nuclear Officer and Executive Director, Corporate Assurance. Prior to rejoining AWE in 2024, Ian led AWE’s regulatory team at the Office for Nuclear Regulation, and he’ll be familiar to a number of local residents as the Chair of our Local Liaison Committee.
