A WEAPONS company in Aldermaston has been praised with some award wins celebrating the diversity in the company.

The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) picked up two awards at the enei Awards 2019.

AWE took the individual Neurodiversity Award, plus a Bronze Award for its comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion programme.

Meg Hunt, AWE’s director of human resources, said: “As a company, we have a huge sense of pride in our achievements in creating a truly inclusive culture, enabling everyone to grow and contribute.”

AWE’s entry for the Neurodiversity Award highlighted some of the work being done within AWE itself and supporting external organisations.

This included awareness-raising sessions on autism and obsessive compulsive disorder, plus working with students with learning disabilities at local school Dove House School Academy.

Two students who came for a work placement at AWE now have permanent roles within the company.

AWE supports any employee, who believes they may be on the autism spectrum, to receive assessment and diagnoses.

Its Skills Academy provides every new apprentice with an assessment of their learning ability, ensuring that each is supported appropriately throughout their apprenticeship.

Tony Mather, AWE’s chief information officer and executive lead for diversity and inclusion, added: “I’m delighted that we have received external recognition for our approach to Diversity and Inclusion with the Bronze Award.

"It demonstrates that we’re doing the right things to ensure we are an inclusive employer.

“I am especially proud of the recognition of our employees who achieved the Neurodiversity Award.

“They go out of their way to provide education and support to others covering all aspects of Neurodiversity, from dyslexia to autism and I thank them for their contribution.”