AI Issue 6 2017

34 Acquisition International - June 2017 Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) plays a crucial role in the UK’s national defence. They have been at the forefront of the UK nuclear deterrence programme for more than 60 years. Supporting the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrence programme and national nuclear security is at the heart of what they do. As part of our popular Prominent Women in Business series, we interviewed Director of Capital Projects at AWE, Alison Atkinson to reveal more about her own interesting role in the company. lison Atkinson, Director of Capital Projects is responsible for AWE’s sizeable capital projects portfolio, focused on modernising and upgrading infrastructure and facilities. The capital projects programme is designed to provide AWE with the long-term future capability required to maintain its engineering, scientific and technical programme. She is a civil engineer with more than 25 years’ experience in establishing, leading and managing business organisations across a range of sectors, including infrastructure, defence, nuclear and maritime, both in the UK and overseas. Alison joined AWE in 2005. She begins the interview by revealing about what AWE does, how it is perceived and the need for ongoing efficiencies in all aspects of their work. “Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) is a unique national asset, which has played a central role in the defence of the United Kingdom for more than 60 years. Its primary purpose to support the UK’s nuclear deterrent programme, although the range of expertise at AWE has also been used in support of broader national security needs. “AWE is recognised internationally as a centre of scientific, engineering and technological excellence, equipped with some of the most advanced research, design and production facilities in the world – it’s an amazing place to work! “Effective delivery of the programme, in today’s challenging economic climate, drives the need for ongoing efficiencies in all aspects of our work. This is a fundamental principle for us, which is reflected in one of our strategic goals – to enhance value for the nation and build on the Government Owned Contractor Operated (GoCo) model to optimise the value of AWE as a national asset.” The company has one of the largest and most complex capital projects programme in the UK defence industry. It manages an enormous number of supply chain and procurement relationships, including commissioning and contract management. Alison is keen to serve up her views on the extent to which an ever-increasing number of women are joining boardrooms in the UK every year. Company: Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Name: Alison Atkinson, Director of Capital Projects, AWE Email: [email protected] Web: www.awe.co.uk Address: Aldermaston Reading, RG7 4PR UK Phone: +44 (0)118 981 4111 Be Direct and Know YourWorth A 1706AI12 “I believe there are more women joining board rooms in our area of specialism. We have always been represented in enabling and supporting functions, such as HR and health and safety, but rarely in a senior operational role. There are several factors linked to this I believe. In science and tech companies, it is difficult to retain talent and norms require positive action to enable women to undertake such roles. “In addition, the custom of many working practices, such as evening dinners and networking events, mean that if something’s not essential many women may choose not to go. Balancing networking with home and supporting children and family is a real challenge.” Following on from this, Alison explains her views on if many businesses today are seeing the benefit of having a more balanced workforce, plus what exactly this means for businesses, the economy and women themselves. “Businesses today are absolutely seeing the benefit of having a more balanced workforce, because businesses are seeing real benefits. It is recognised that a balanced team drives discussion and analysis, has a broader mix of skill-sets, different points of view and there tends to be less tolerance for egos dominating the room. This allows more people to be included in the decision-making process and supports a wider perspective when it comes to thinking about risks and how to deal with them. “In addition, I believe that better decision-making drives innovation and creativity which can only be for the benefit of the economy. In practice, this way of working gets results and drives fulfilment, whatever gender you are, that you did a good job today.” Alison then tells us about her own role as an influential and successful woman and the niche career path she has carved out for herself. “I am a chartered civil engineer - and I am very proud of that fact. There are not that many of us over 40 and I think that’s because the role of a civil engineer, especially if construction site based, is just too difficult to juggle.