Like other large organisations, AWE has had to adapt during the pandemic – both as an employer and a responsible business. Throughout the last year, AWE’s sites at Aldermaston and Burghfield have remained operational, but responsive to an ever-changing situation while continuing to support the defence and security of the UK.
For our critical workers, the start of lockdown saw an immediate set of changes to comply with government guidance and to minimise operational risk. Resilience plans already existed, but the pandemic brought a renewed focus on working safely and securely. Adjusted working patterns saw critical workers grouped into cohorts and shifts, along with split work locations to minimise the potential for infection. Work arrival times were also staggered to prevent queuing at gates and extended building hours to help reduce peak-time demand on work terminals.
Across site, social distancing and one-way systems were introduced, with risk and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) assessments made where operations did not allow for the required distancing of workers. Over time, refinements were made with specialised COVID-secure guidance and an app developed to manage PPE requests. The requirement for essential hygiene measures saw the swift roll-out of self-clean and hand sanitiser stations and the on-site production of hand sanitiser.
In early 2020, a successful IT pilot project focusing on large-scale remote working helped establish effective IT capability. This proved fortuitous, with two-thirds of AWE’s employees and contractors able to work from home when the government announced this requirement.
Further rapid improvements to the IT infrastructure also saw those without work laptops able to remotely log-on securely from their own personal devices through an especially established service. AWE was recently recognised for its remote working solution when the company was announced as a finalist in the Global Sourcing Association (GSA) awards for best practice in strategic sourcing. The award is in the ‘Best Company Response to COVID-19’ category.
For many, the pandemic brought additional pressures for staff and as a responsible employer, additional help was made available for childcare during the national lockdown. All those employees caring for primary and secondary school children received an extra five days paid leave (in addition to the five days special leave currently available to all our employees on top of annual leave allowances). Enhanced support has continued for those with caring responsibilities throughout the pandemic. Additionally, to help employees look after themselves, a series of wellbeing packs were provided along with a toolkit offering access to additional support and guidance.
We have also provided support to the community. The start of the pandemic saw AWE working with the Ministry of Defence donating personal protective equipment (PPE), such as protective overshoes and respirator masks to local hospitals; whilst two of our on-site ambulances were loaned to South Central Ambulance Service to support care in the community. AWE donated £4,000 to the Hampshire Medical Fund’s ‘Dig Deep’ campaign to help buy intensive care equipment such as ventilators for use in the county’s hospitals. Donations were also made to local charities, including food banks and Citizens Advice to help others struggling during the pandemic.
This last year has been one of the most difficult for individuals, businesses and the entire country in a generation. AWE, along with other organisations, has had to adapt and change while continuing to operate safely and deliver its unique mission. However, the resilience, flexibility and innovation required will equip us well in meeting future challenges.
Picture: Respirators being boxed up