Inspirational NAD Group colleagues commended at LGBTQ+ Defence Awards
Published 19 October 2026
More than 500 attendees gathered at the Grand Hall in London's Covent Garden, to celebrate the people who are enhancing inclusion, visibility and allyship across defence.
Now in their fourth year, the awards recognise outstanding LGBTQ+ talent alongside the allies and organisations working to build a more representative defence workforce. A workforce where people can contribute, lead and succeed irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
From thousands of nominations submitted across UK Defence, seven colleagues from the NAD Group were named as finalists in this year's awards.
Among those recognised was Fraser Pike, a Senior Commercial Officer. Alongside his day-to-day role, Fraser co-facilitates the MOD LGBTQ+ Allies Programme, serves as an LGBTQ+ Mental Health First Aider and co-chairs the Disability Network.
Through active advocacy, support for inclusive initiatives, and a willingness to challenge inappropriate behaviour, Fraser has helped to create an environment where colleagues feel valued, respected and able to succeed. This tireless effort saw Fraser reach the finals in both the Role Model of the Year and LGBTQ+ Network or Initiative of the Year categories.
Another celebrated NAD colleague was Amanda Dobson, who was a finalist in the Inspiration of the Year category. Alongside her role as a People Coach, Amanda is Chair of the MOD LGBTQ+ Forum.
Reflecting on her achievement, Amanda said:
“Being shortlisted is a real privilege, not just personally but as recognition of the work of the MOD LGBT+ Forum and the many colleagues, allies and leaders who continue to champion inclusion across Defence.
“For me, inclusion starts with dignity and respect. It is about creating a workplace where everyone is treated fairly, feels valued for who they are and can contribute with confidence.
“This recognition reinforces the importance of fostering environments where people feel safe, respected and able to bring their whole selves to work, enabling Defence to benefit from the diverse experiences, perspectives and talents of all our people.
“I see this recognition not as an end point, but as encouragement to continue building a culture where dignity, respect and belonging are everyday realities for everyone who serves and works in Defence."
Mark Cartwright, who is a People Coach and Chair of the NAD Group LGBTQ+ Network, was also a finalist in the Inspiration of the Year category. Mark said:
“The LGBTQ+ Defence Awards is a visible celebration of success across the Defence sector, and being part of this as a finalist was a real honour. Meeting individuals who are passionate about helping others was truly inspiring.
“Being able to be my authentic self is so important. Helping others to do the same promotes positive mental health, supports better decision-making and creates a working environment where we can all thrive.”
This year’s awards ceremony featured a keynote speech from Wes Streeting, the UK's first openly gay Defence Secretary. Addressing the attendees and finalists, he said:
“In the space of a single generation, we have gone from a Britain where gay people could be dismissed from the Armed Forces simply for being who they were, to a Britain where a gay man can lead the Ministry of Defence… Because of you, generations yet to come will never have to ask whether they belong. They will simply know.”
The other NAD Group finalists at the 2026 LGBTQ+ Defence Awards were:
Jamie White (Defence Infrastructure Organisation) - Advocate of the Year
Sara Hayes (Defence Infrastructure Organisation) - Inspiration of the Year
Dr H - Outstanding Achiever of the Year
Becky Bennett (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) - Team Leader of the Year
