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RAF awarded Company of the Year 2021

15 Jul 2021

Rising Star 2021 logo.
The RAF has been recognised as the 2021 Company of the Year.

The RAF has been awarded the Rising Star Award 2021 Company of the Year, in recognition of its active support and training of female talent and its work to develop the next generation to fulfil their full potential, during a virtual ceremony this evening.

The Rising Star Awards are now in their 70th year, recognising and praising remarkable women below management level across different UK industries and professions. Nominees are submitted by over 1,000 individuals, to a panel of 51 independent judges. Two hundred nominations from across 115 countries were shortlisted into different categories, and over 40,000 members of the public voted for the winners. 

Since becoming Chief of the Air Staff, I have used my position as leader to champion the value and operational effectiveness of a diverse and fully inclusive RAF. It has been my priority from day one, and it remains a most personal endeavour as we shape the RAF of the future, attracting and retaining talented people from every part of the UK workforce.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston
Chief of the Air Staff

In addition to the Company of the Year Award, Sergeant Davies earned the Rising Star in Defence award, celebrating the achievements of women below Senior Management level. The award recognised her mentoring and leadership achievements throughout a varied career.

Sergeant Davies smiling.
Sergeant Davies was recognised as the Rising Star in Defence for her work in mentoring and leadership throughout a varied career, and role model as part of the LGBT+ community. 

Sergeant Davies’ greatest passion to develop and encourage others along with the opportunities provided by the RAF to support female talent has allowed her to grow both professionally and personally. She joined the RAF in 2001, as a Weapons Technician before moving on to instruct recruits and develop an armament training package for the Puma Helicopter Force.

Also the Co-Chair of the RAF LGBT+ Freedom Network, Sergeant Davies champions equality, supports those in the minority and widens awareness within the majority. Her work exemplifies the diverse and positive culture promoted by the RAF.

Moreover, Sergeant Davies is a ‘reverse mentor’ to several executive managers at RAF Benson and within the RAF Senior Leadership Team, as well as member of the RAF Executive Shadow Board.  These roles allow her to assist leaders when making informed decisions and offer her perspective on key policies in the workplace. 

Congratulations go to Sergeant Davies for her award, as well as to the RAF and its diverse Whole Force, working as one cohesive and united team.