Space for Everyone: Celebrating Inclusivity Across UK Defence
- Soldiering On Awards
- 23 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The strength of UK Defence lies in its people. In their diversity of background, experience and perspective, the Armed Forces community reflects the society it serves. Inclusion doesn’t happen by chance. It’s shaped by individuals, teams and organisations who challenge barriers, champion fairness, and create environments where everyone can belong and succeed.
The Defence Inclusivity Award exists to honour those commitments and achievements.
Recognising Leadership in Diversity and Inclusion
This award celebrates an individual, team, or organisation that has demonstrated meaningful progress in delivering greater diversity and inclusion within UK Defence and the wider Armed Forces community. This may include work that improves representation, removes structural barriers, supports under-represented groups, or fosters cultures where people feel respected, valued and heard. What matters most is impact, being able to see real change that improves experiences and outcomes for others. Inclusivity strengthens operational effectiveness, builds trust, and ensures that talent is recognised in all its forms.
Inclusion as a Daily Commitment
True inclusion is not a policy alone; it is lived experience. It is seen in leadership behaviours, workplace cultures, and the everyday actions that make people feel safe, supported and empowered.
Those driving inclusion often do so with persistence and courage. They listen, educate, advocate and sometimes challenge long-standing norms because they believe Defence should work for everyone. Their efforts create pathways for others to contribute fully and authentically.
Why a Nomination Matters
For those leading inclusivity work, recognition can be deeply affirming. A nomination acknowledges that progress has been made and that effort matters. It reinforces the importance of inclusive leadership and can help sustain momentum, inspire others, and amplify best practice across Defence.
Importantly, it also sends a message to those who benefit from this work: you belong.
Who Has Made Defence More Inclusive?
Take a moment to reflect.
Who have you seen champion diversity and inclusion with integrity and impact?
Who has challenged assumptions, supported others, or created safer, fairer spaces?
Who is helping UK Defence better reflect the people it serves?
Often, those making the biggest difference do so quietly and consistently. Your nomination could help ensure their contribution is recognised and celebrated.
In Partnership with Babcock International
The Defence Inclusivity Award is proudly delivered in partnership with Babcock International, a global defence company with a deep and enduring relationship with the Armed Forces community.
Babcock plays a vital role in supporting UK Defence through engineering, training and support services, and is a major employer of veterans, reservists and military families. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Babcock is committed to inclusive employment practices, flexible working for reservists, and creating environments where people from all backgrounds can thrive.
“Babcock is deeply committed to supporting our Armed Forces community, and the Defence Inclusivity Award represents the heart of that commitment, ensuring every person, regardless of background or circumstance, feels seen, heard and supported. We are proud to celebrate those who champion true inclusion across Defence.”
Through its ongoing investment in diversity, inclusion and community engagement, Babcock demonstrates leadership in building a Defence sector that values fairness, opportunity and belonging.
Recognising Those Who Lead Change
Inclusivity strengthens Defence and the communities that support it.
By nominating an individual, team or organisation for the Armed Forces Community Awards Defence Inclusivity Award, you are helping to recognise leadership that creates opportunity, dignity and respect for all. You are celebrating those who are shaping a more inclusive future for UK Defence.
Now is the time to honour the people and organisations making inclusion a reality, so, who will you nominate?
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