Outstanding women recognised for achievements
Women in Nuclear UK (WiN UK) has awarded Baroness Verma and Olivia Thompson its inaugural Champion of the Year and Mission Possible Awards at its Conference, Wednesday 1 February 2017.
The Awards, launched in 2017, recognise people from across the sector who have supported WiN UK and helped it reach its aims and objectives.
In future years the Awards will be decided via a nomination and voting process. For the inaugural Award, the WiN UK Executive Board unanimously decided each of the recipients.
Baroness Verma, formerly Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DECC was awarded Champion of the Year in recognition of the support she gave to the organisation as it set up in 2014.
Guest speaker at the conference, Commercial Secretary to the Treasury Baroness Neville-Rolfe said:
“We must all come together to help more women shape a bright future for British nuclear
energy.
“Groups like Women in Nuclear make an invaluable contribution - whether it’s through events like this, mentoring, or their industry charter.
“I am delighted to see these two women receive awards for the brilliant contribution they have made to help attract more women into this exciting industry.”
Jack Gritt, President of Women in Nuclear UK said:
“Simply put, WiN UK wouldn’t be the success it is today without the help and support Baroness Verma gave so generously. It is for these reasons she is the clear choice to be the recipient of our Champion of the Year Award.”
The Mission Possible Award was presented to Olivia Thompson of the UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory. A founding member of WiN UK, she was chair of the Attraction committee until early 2016, she was recognised for the dedication and commitment she showed to raising the profile of the nuclear sector and the careers available to young people.
Jack Gritt continued:
“The WiN UK Executive Committee voted unanimously for Olivia to be recognised with the Mission Possible Award. She showed great determination in getting the word out to schools and colleges about the fantastic careers available in the nuclear sector and made sure all the young people she spoke to understand the nuclear industry isn’t just for boys. I’m delighted we have been able to recognise her achievements in this way.”
WiN UK is led by a group of women and men from across the nuclear sector. Its aims are to increase the number of girls studying science, engineering, technology or maths subjects and attract them towards a career the nuclear sector, support retention and progression of women already working in the sector and to promote dialogue with the public about the nuclear industry.
