Bumper awards for Dstl in the King's Birthday Honours List
A record 8 Dstl awards have been announced in the King's Birthday Honours List and VCDS Awards 2023.
Clockwise from top left : Sarah Knight OBE, David Oxenham, Sarah Strangleman OBE and Neil Redit OBE.
Included in the Civilian Honours were 3 Order of the British Empire (OBE) medals, as well as an individual Vice Chief of the Defence Staff (VCDS) commendation and 4 VCDS team commendations.
Dstl’s Sarah Strangleman has been recognised with an OBE for her commitment and expertise working with UK and international seniors across the defence and security sector. The lessons learnt from her work have been adopted in the UK’s approach in recent and ongoing conflicts.
Sarah said:
“I am truly shocked and delighted to receive this, it hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m so proud of what has been delivered, it was a true team effort. It is an honour to accept the recognition.”
As an inventor, Dstl’s Neil Redit is awarded an OBE for his services to defence. His scientific expertise has seen him work on a number of prototype warfare projects which have required fast pace timelines to deliver battle winning technology.
“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of not just myself, but also my team who have supported and believed in me along the way. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to defence and security and will continue to strive towards making a positive impact.”
Sarah Knight, a Dstl Fellow and Chartered Psychologist has been awarded an OBE for behavioural science insights which supported the detailed planning and safety of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“When I got the news I was completely overwhelmed, as it was very much unexpected. I am of course completely flattered, but it was absolutely a team effort and so I am truly grateful for the contribution of my colleagues.”
Dstl’s Chief Executive Paul Hollinshead said:
“The amount of awards given to Dstl and its people is a testament to the incredible work undertaken by so many. Their professionalism, continued contributions and the impact they make on the defence and security of the UK is something they should be extremely proud of. I am delighted that our people have been considered worthy of this high recognition and honour.”
There were also 5 VCDS commendations, with an individual award given to Dr David Oxenham, a Chief Systems Engineer at Dstl. David completed more than 4 decades of service to defence, before his recent retirement.
On hearing about the award he said:
“I am very honoured and humbled. It’s nice to feel I’ve made an impact but I’m very conscious that everything I’ve achieved has depended on teamwork and the efforts of colleagues. They deserve to be recognised too.”
VCDS commendation team awards included Dstl’s Assured Capabilities Team for the vital work of Ivan Huntington-Thresher and Edwin Grimshaw to develop science and technology to protect UK assets and focus on making it difficult for foreign industry and military to understand.
Dstl’s Operational Research Capability Team consists of 24 analytical scientists who have been providing analytical advice in support of MOD’s Security Policy and Operations by rapidly developing innovative approaches to analysis to inform government decision making and were also awarded a VCDS commendation.
Dstl’s Jaguar Team have been awarded a VCDS commendation for their international work, and are recognised for their ongoing and unswerving determination to create a positive collaboration with Japan - one of the UK’s priority Indo-Asia Pacific partners, which has already benefited both nations.
Dstl’s Jason Yarwood said:
“The team ensured that this opportunity, in the area of future radar and sensing, has been recognised and realised. This has generated great on-going impact and influence within Japan to support them in adapting to their new processes, and in working with new science and technology (S&T) partner nations.”
Another team of scientists and engineers have been recognised as a shining example of how their work has developed and deployed a world-class capability. Their work saves lives. It is testament to the team’s skill, professionalism and determination that this has been achieved despite the many challenges they have faced. The Voodoo Star team deserve recognition for the real world impact of their work and their significant technical, professional and personal achievements in delivering this capability to the front line.