{"id":8605,"date":"2026-09-01T16:49:17","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:49:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/8605\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T16:49:17","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:49:17","slug":"outstanding-talent-recognised-as-finalists-revealed-for-2026-lgbtq-defence-awards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/8605\/","title":{"rendered":"Outstanding talent recognised as finalists revealed for 2026 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ColonelColonel Grace Sangster-Wall (second from right) pictured with other guests at the 2025 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards (Picture: LGBTQ+ Defence Awards)<\/p>\n

The shortlist for the 2026 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards has been officially revealed, celebrating the inspiring individuals, teams and organisations strengthening UK defence and security through achievement, leadership and inclusion.<\/p>\n

Now in their fourth year, the awards recognise outstanding LGBTQ+ talent alongside allies and organisations working to build a more representative defence workforce where people can contribute, lead and succeed irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.<\/p>\n

The awards were established following the UK government’s historic apology in 2023 to LGBT veterans affected by the pre-2000 Armed Forces ban<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What began as a response to calls for recognition and reparation has grown into the world’s largest celebration of LGBTQ+ contributions to our security forces and the sectors that support them.<\/p>\n

Against an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards provide an important platform to champion the values of fairness, respect and equality within modern British defence.<\/p>\n

By elevating role models and showcasing examples of inclusive leadership, they demonstrate how widening opportunity and enabling people to perform at their best can strengthen talent, capability and ultimately national security.<\/p>\n

\"SqnSqn Ldr Edward Bindloss-Gibb (centre) won Team Leader of the Year at the 2025 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards (Picture: LGBTQ+ Defence Awards)<\/p>\n

Hundreds of nominations were submitted for this year’s awards, of which BFBS is media partner, highlighting achievements at every level of the defence and security community.<\/p>\n

The finalists are drawn from every branch of the military, government and industry \u2013 from prominent leaders and advocates to individuals whose ability to be themselves at work has enabled them to thrive, contribute fully and create lasting change.<\/p>\n

Peter Gibson, chief executive of Fighting With Pride<\/a>, said: “The LGBTQ+ Defence Awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase and celebrate the exceptional achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals, teams and inclusive employers.<\/p>\n

“We are proud that the UK hosts the world’s leading platform recognising LGBTQ+ people in the defence community, demonstrating that diverse talent only strengthens our national security.<\/p>\n

“Fighting With Pride are delighted to be partnering with this prestigious event for the fourth year.<\/p>\n

“Congratulations to all shortlisted finalists, and our thanks go to the amazing people who submitted nominations, helping to champion those driving diversity, inclusion and equity across the UK’s defence, aerospace and security landscape.”<\/p>\n

\"010926The 2026 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards will be held in the Grand Hall of the Grand Connaught Rooms in London (Picture: LGBTQ+ Defence Awards)<\/p>\n

The 2026 ceremony will be held on 8 October in the magnificent Grand Hall of the Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London.<\/p>\n

Comedian and author Shappi Khorsandi will host the evening, with live entertainment and special guest speakers including 14-time Paralympic gold medalist Sir Lee Pearson \u2013 Britain’s most decorated LGBTQ+ athlete \u2013 and Polly Perkins CBE, the UK’s first Armed Forces Commissioner.<\/p>\n

Bringing together senior military leaders, defence industry executives, civil servants, politicians and members of the wider defence community, the ceremony has become known for its warm, fun and welcoming atmosphere.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Beyond recognising exceptional achievement, the evening provides a rare opportunity to bring together people from across the defence ecosystem around a shared commitment to ensuring talent can thrive.<\/p>\n

The awards are proudly supported by a roster of leading employers, including BAE Systems, Thales, AirTanker, Amazon, Babcock, MBDA and PA Consulting.<\/p>\n

Winners are chosen by an independent judging panel comprising senior figures from the Ministry of Defence, British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, DE&S, Defence Infrastructure Organisation, Imperial College London, Royal College of Emergency Medicine and Scottish Prison Service.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Amanda Wood, Group Social Sustainability Director at BAE Systems, headline sponsor of the LGBTQ+ Defence Awards, said: “These awards recognise real focus in our sector to create workplaces where everyone feels valued and can bring their whole self to work.<\/p>\n

“At BAE Systems we are working hard to build an inclusive culture that allows all employees to perform at their best, enabling our business to innovate, to grow and to thrive.<\/p>\n

“I’m incredibly proud of our 3,000-strong LGBTQ+ employee connection group, OutLink.<\/p>\n

“Their work, together with many others across the business and the insight they bring is vital in helping us maintain momentum on this important company journey.”<\/p>\n

THE FINALISTS<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Advocate of the Year<\/p>\n

Cdr Mandy McBain OBE, Royal Navy \u00a0<\/p>\n

Cdre Daniel Thomas, Royal Navy \u00a0<\/p>\n

Denis Twomey, Babcock<\/p>\n

Jamie White, Defence Infrastructure Organisation \u00a0<\/p>\n

Major Phill Birkett, British Army<\/p>\n

Sam Stewart, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

Tekhe Greenwood, Babcock<\/p>\n

Wg Cdr Becky Taylor, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ally of the Year<\/p>\n

AVM Anthony Lyle, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

Darren Shepherd, Thales UK<\/p>\n

Karen Saunders, L3Harris<\/p>\n

Leigh Wakefield, Babcock<\/p>\n

LGBT Restorative Action Team, Ministry of Defence<\/p>\n

Lt Col Jason Wright, Adjutant General’s Corps, British Army<\/p>\n

Sgt Dean Anderson, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

Sue Hall, Capita<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Armed Forces Leader of the Year<\/p>\n

Capt Edmund Rogers, British Army<\/p>\n

Capt Sam Kinsey-Briggs, Royal Navy<\/p>\n

Col Grace Sangster-Wall, British Army<\/p>\n

Flt Lt Chris Smale, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

Lt Cdr Helena Fox, Ministry of Defence<\/p>\n

Lt Col Matthew Clarke, Defence Strategy Directorate<\/p>\n

Sqn Ldr Fiona McWilliam-Free, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

WO1 Dean Nelson, British Army<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Inspiration of the Year<\/p>\n

Amanda Dobson, Ministry of Defence \/ National Armaments Director Group<\/p>\n

Cpl Em Ferguson, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

Katy Goodyer, Thales UK<\/p>\n

LCpl Santosh Magar, 22 Signal Regiment, British Army<\/p>\n

Lucy Moore, L3Harris<\/p>\n

Mark Cartwright, Ministry of Defence<\/p>\n

Samuel Southern, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

Sara Hayes, Defence Infrastructure Organisation<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

LGBTQ+ Network or Initiative of the Year (Public Sector \/ Non-Profit)<\/p>\n

Army Recruiting Group LGBTQ+ Network, Capita \/ British Army<\/p>\n

City of London Police LGBTQ+ Network<\/p>\n

Fighting with Pride<\/p>\n

Intelligence Corps LGBTQ+ Network, British Army<\/p>\n

LGBTQ+ Armed Forces Community Memorial<\/p>\n

MOD LGBTQ+ Allies Programme, Ministry of Defence<\/p>\n

RAF LGBTQ+ Network, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

RN LGBTQ+ Network, Royal Navy<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

LGBTQ+ Network or Initiative of the Year (Industry)<\/p>\n

PA Pride Network, PA Consulting \u00a0<\/p>\n

Pride in Babcock, Babcock<\/p>\n

Thales LGBTQ+ Network, Thales UK<\/p>\n

The DXC Pride Employee Resource Group, DXC Technology<\/p>\n

The Lavender Group<\/p>\n

The Plus Network, Sopra Steria<\/p>\n

Trans Champions, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

UK Pride ERG, L3Harris\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

LGBTQ+ Trailblazer of the Year<\/p>\n

Alex Meyrick, Op RESTORE, The Veterans Physical Health and Wellbeing Service, NHS<\/p>\n

Amber Webb, MBDA UK<\/p>\n

Chaplain Jacob Caldwell, 12 Armoured Brigade, British Army<\/p>\n

Charlie Bennett, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

Cpl Benjamin Machin, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

Defence Animal Training Regiment, British Army<\/p>\n

Rev’d James Bell-Winfrow, Royal Navy<\/p>\n

Sarah Rabin, King’s College London \u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Outstanding Achiever of the Year<\/p>\n

Dr H, Ministry of Defence \/ National Armaments Director Group (Name redaction is for security reasons)<\/p>\n

Joshua Fawcett, Ministry of Defence \u00a0<\/p>\n

Laura Nielsen, Thales UK<\/p>\n

Lt Cdr Chris Lead, Royal Navy<\/p>\n

Maj Stephanie Hayward, Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, British Army<\/p>\n

Paul Kellett, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

Rebecca Burnett, Babcock<\/p>\n

Sgt Antony Stafford-Boutwood, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rising Star of the Year<\/p>\n

Cpl Liam Williams, 12th Armoured Brigade, British Army<\/p>\n

Daniel Aviss-Harvey, Babcock<\/p>\n

Gdsm Jack Pollard, Grenadier Guards, British Army<\/p>\n

LCpl Liam Cole, RG Outreach Team Woolwich (AAC), British Army<\/p>\n

Lilith Cunningham, Thales UK<\/p>\n

Lt Grace Norman-Penn, Royal Navy<\/p>\n

Maya Sivanandan, L3Harris<\/p>\n

Samuel Whaley, Airtanker\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Role Model of the Year<\/p>\n

Bex Page, Babcock<\/p>\n

Fraser Pike, Ministry of Defence<\/p>\n

Jenna Powell, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

Mia Chatterton and James Hallam, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

Paul Brewer, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

Rev’d (Sqn Ldr) Andi Chapman, Royal Air Force<\/p>\n

SSgt Hannah Barron, 3rd Regiment Royal Military Police, British Army<\/p>\n

WO1 Michelle Williamson, 215 (Scottish) Multirole Medical Regiment, British Army<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Team Leader of the Year<\/p>\n

AB1 Cole Scahill, Royal Navy<\/p>\n

Becky Bennett, DSTL<\/p>\n

Dan Cornell, PA Consulting \u00a0<\/p>\n

Grant Walker, Airtanker<\/p>\n

Justin Beattie, BMT<\/p>\n

Maj Holly Turner, 3rd Regiment Royal Military Police, British Army<\/p>\n

Mark Owen, L3Harris<\/p>\n

LCpl Zelah Yuill, Royal Logistic Corps, British Army<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tech Leader of the Year<\/p>\n

Ashleigh Barron, Thales UK<\/p>\n

Caitlin Stanley, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

Elaine Fraser, Thales UK<\/p>\n

Jacob Noble, PA Consulting \u00a0<\/p>\n

Joshua Tyers, L3Harris<\/p>\n

Ryan Rankin, BAE Systems<\/p>\n

Vincent Walker, Northrop Grumman\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Veteran of the Year<\/p>\n

Charlotte Davies, AWE<\/p>\n

Deb Mills-Burns, Momentum Personal Solutions<\/p>\n

Jayne King, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust<\/p>\n

Laura Blair, Centrica \u00a0<\/p>\n

Marli Norman-Penn, Alten<\/p>\n

Sharon Pickering, Fighting With Pride\u00a0<\/p>\n

Join Our Newsletter<\/p>\n

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Robot serves aces for military table tennis stars\ud83c\udfd3<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Colonel Grace Sangster-Wall (second from right) pictured with other guests at the 2025 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards (Picture: LGBTQ+…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8606,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[14],"class_list":["post-8605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","tag-defence-industry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8605","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8605"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8605\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8605"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8605"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/defence\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}