DIGEST

DIGEST
The magazine of the Defence Support Group
October/November
2008

contents
Editor’s
intro
Welcome to the
October edition of
Digest and as we
settle into autumn, why not
enjoy a short break with a hot
drink and a copy of the
magazine, as we take a look at
the top stories from across
the business.
On pages 4 and 5, we
report on recent awards
presented to DSG, while on
page 6, we bring news from
the Farnborough Air show.
On pages 8 and 9, you can
read about the transfer of
DE&S staff at Sapphire House
into the DSG business, and we
also introduce you to DSG’s
Local Information Officers in a
special feature on pages 12
and 13. On page 17, we look at
Supplier Relationship
Management in more detail,
and pages 18 and 19 focus on
what’s been happening around
the sites in our regular ‘across
the country’ item. Thank you
once again to everyone who
has contributed to this edition.
Pictured on front cover:
© Copyright MoD
Archie Hughes and General Tyler
Contents
3 Talking point / Bovington visit for new DGLE
4 Recognising a wealth of talent / Quality mark for DSG
6 Flying the DSG flag / Key contract for DSG
8 DE&S staff transfer to DSG
10 Poster
12 Do you know your LIO?
14 5 Minutes with... / Fundraising off to a flying start
15 MoD matters
16 A winning idea / New servicing facility at DSG Colchester
17 Supplier Relationship Management and the bottom line
18 Across the country
20 Competition time
DIGEST points of contact
Editor: Sheryl Harries
Phone: 96500 5203/01446 755203
Email: Sheryl.Harries@dsg.mod.uk
Post: DSG Corporate Communications, PP2, St Athan, Barry,
Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 4AD
Editorial Board
Ceri Jones St Athan 96500 5319
Geraint Roberts St Athan 96500 5761
Matt Stealey Sealand 95541 7720
Alexandra Morris Sealand 95541 7203
Venus Tingzon Andover 94391 3217
Roz Cronin Bovington 94374 3909
Lorna Morris Catterick/York 94731 2062
Angela Staff Colchester/Aldershot 94651 2593
Julie Perrins Donnington/Bicester 94480 2578
Rosemary O’Hare Kinnegar 94914 3752
Arlene Hamilton Stirling/Edinburgh 94741 8373
Teresa Evans Stafford 95551 5173
Kathy Tuck Warminster/Sennybridge 94381 3233
Designed by: Isabel Butcher www.designis.co.uk
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DIGEST October/November 2008 www.dsg.mod.uk

usiness
Talking
point
“
Last month we were
able to welcome our
colleagues at Sapphire
House in Telford as an
important part of DSG.
They bring with them
many years experience and
expertise in the fields of
provisioning and procurement.
The actual Vesting Day was an
enormous success and we were delighted to host Major
General Tim Tyler who spoke with great enthusiasm and
pride about the staff at Sapphire House. As this was one
of his last engagements prior to his retiral, we were able
to persuade him to drop in at Donnington where two of
our most promising apprentices presented the General
with a handcrafted miniature cannon as a memento and
token of appreciation for the support he has given to the
business during his tenure as Director General, Land
Equipment in DE&S.
Now that we have a clear remit to focus our
attention on supporting the UK’s Armed Forces it is vital
we cement our role at operational levels. We must
demonstrate our commitment to our customers by
engaging with them to support troops and deploy our
skilled teams to the Front Line. It is by showing our
customers the capabilities and adaptability that are
evident throughout our organisation that we will secure
our longer- term success. There is a growing recognition
at the very highest level in MoD of the invaluable support
offered by DSG staff to their service colleagues. It is
important we do not waste opportunities to further
enhance and reinforce our position within MoD.
Later next month we will begin the mid-year
performance briefings to all our staff across the various
sites. Remember I am happy to have any questions you
may want answered posted in advance. You should
contact your Local Information Officer who will arrange
to have your questions passed on to me or alternatively
send an e-mail directly to Allan Robertson in our
Corporate Head Office. The times and dates of the
briefings for your sites will be issued locally.
I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible
”
at these events.
Best wishes
Bovington visit
for new Land
Equipment
Director General
Major General Ian Dale recently replaced Major General
Tim Tyler as DGLE (Director General Land Equipment)
and in his new role will oversee the various Land IPTs
(Integrated Project Teams) who deal with DSG, as well as
having additional responsibility for MoD’s Future Rapid
Equipment Support (FRES) programme.
Prior to taking up his new appointment on promotion,
the former Brigadier asked for an informal tour of one of
the DSG workshops, and on 7 August, visited Bovington
where he was hosted by DSG’s Chief Executive, Archie
Hughes. During the visit, he was able to see at first hand,
not only the regular programme vehicles such as
Challenger 2 and the FV430 Bulldog, but also the current
UORs such as Bushmaster and Viking.
In what proved to be an informative and successful
visit, he also toured the main workshop where he chatted
with the various DSG teams on the shopfloor. This was
followed by a trip to the nearby Bovington detachment
workshop within the Armour Centre, where he was
shown around the Land District Load side of the business.
Commenting after the visit, Archie Hughes said, “This
was a valuable opportunity for DSG to promote itself and
the vital work we do in supporting the front line. I am
sure he left with a clear understanding of our capabilities
and what we have to offer as a key service provider to the
Armed Forces. We all wish Major General Dale every
success on his recent appointment and hope we can
continue to develop our relationship for the mutual
benefit of both our organisations.”
Archie Hughes
Chief Executive
The visiting party on their tour of the workshops
www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2008 DIGEST
3

awards
Recognising a wealth of talent
DSG Warminster was
nominated recently by
Wiltshire College for the
Medium Employer of the
Year 2008 category at the
South West Skills Awards.
These awards are held
annually by the Learning
and Skills Council (LSC) to
recognise the achievements
of both apprentices and
their employers.
Warminster was selected as one of
three finalists in the Medium Employer of
the Year category of the Awards, based on
our level of commitment and additional
training offered to apprentices. The award
ceremony was held earlier this year in
Exeter and DSG’s Apprenticeship
programme came second in its category.
Although 250 individuals and
companies were nominated, coming in as
runner up was well deserved recognition
for all the hard work put in by everyone
involved in the DSG apprentice scheme.
L-R: Andy Bowley, Mat Havery and Steve Weston receiving their award from Amanda Holden
Further recognition came when it was
announced that DSG Warminster was
through to the National Finals, which
were held at the Royal Horticultural Halls
in London on 10 July 2008. The event was
attended by DSG’s Chief Executive,
Archie Hughes who joined
Warminster’s Apprentice Training
Manager, Mat Havery, Andy Bowley,
Warminster Apprentice of the Year
and Steve Weston, DSG Apprentice
Master.
DSG Warminster had a
successful evening, receiving
the Highly Commended
Award, trophy and plaque,
presented by TV actress and
personality Amanda Holden.
Speaking about this
achievement and coming up
against the best in the country,
Archie Hughes said, “This
award is testament to a great
team at Warminster who
are all fully committed
to the apprentices and
continue to raise the
bar in training
excellence. DSG has a
wealth of homegrown
talent coming
up through our apprentice schemes and
this award justifies the investment we are
“
DSG has a wealth of
home-grown talent
coming up through our
apprentice schemes and
this award justifies the
investment we are
making in our engineers
”
of tomorrow.
making in our engineers of tomorrow.”
Both Wiltshire College and the
Learning and Skills Council recognised
that DSG offers apprentices the
opportunity to work in a diverse and
stimulating environment, developing the
specific skills needed for a specialist
workforce, which if necessary, can be
deployed worldwide to support the
Armed Forces in theatre.
Mat, Andy and Steve with
Chief Executive Archie Hughes
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DIGEST October/November 2008 www.dsg.mod.uk

awards
Quality
mark for
DSG
DSG has been recognised as an
organisation committed to charitable
giving, by the award of a Bronze Quality
Mark in the 2008 Payroll Giving awards.
The Awards are an Institute of
Fundraising initiative, funded by HM
Government, and administered by the
Payroll Giving Centre. The Payroll
Giving Quality Mark Awards are issued
annually to celebrate the efforts of
employers, charities and professional
partnerships in promoting Payroll Giving
in the work place.
Launched in January 2006, the Payroll
Giving Quality Mark recognises and
rewards organisations for making Payroll
Giving available to their staff.
The Awards symbolise excellence,
recognising those employers that are
making a difference through Payroll
Giving whilst benefiting good causes and
employees. Contributions from salary to
charities such as the Civil Service
Benevolent Fund and the Fire Services
National Benevolent Fund are prime
examples of worthy causes benefiting
from the scheme.
Comprising a certificate and logo, as
well as Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards,
the Quality Mark aims to provide UK
charities with sustainable income
streams by increasing participation in
Payroll Giving.
Commenting on the award, DSG’s
Human Resources Director, Derek Owen
said, “I am delighted that DSG has been
recognised with this award which
celebrates our commitment to
supporting good causes and the local
community. As an organisation, we will
now be working towards exceeding our
bronze status for the 2009 round of
awards.”
Any DSG employees who wish to
consider contributing to a charity
through Payroll Giving, should first of all
contact their local Pay Reporting Point.
L-R: Graham Sargent, Phil Leech and Archie Hughes looking at the
CVR(T) rebuild line with General Tyler
A parting gift
Major General Tim Tyler recently
handed over the mantle of Director
General Land Equipment to Major
General Ian Dale. Prior to leaving his
post, General Tyler visited DSG
Donnington where he was given a tour
of the workshops, accompanied by
DSG’s Chief Executive, Archie Hughes,
Head of DSG Donnington, Graham
Sargent and Senior Production
Manager, Phil Leech. During his visit,
the General talked openly with DSG
employees on the shop floor, and was
later presented with a special gift to
mark the end of his tenure as DGLE.
Donnington apprentices designed and
made the gift of a mounted brass
cannon, which was presented to the
General by Tom Barrett, a bronze
award winner in this year’s MoD
Apprentice of the Year Competition.
Paying tribute to the Donnington
workforce, the General said, “It was
really encouraging to see how well
DSG responds to our current
operational demands, supporting our
Forces where it matters the most.”
General Tyler receives his parting gift from apprentice Tom Barrett
www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2008 DIGEST
5

news
Flying the DSG flag
DSG recently exhibited at the
Farnborough International
Airshow, to raise its profile
and take advantage of the
opportunities presented by
the global aerospace market
to create and build future
business.
The show is the biggest, most
internationally attended aerospace event
in the world with a globally renowned
showcase of aerospace equipment and
technology. 2008 heralded the 60th
anniversary of the show at Farnborough,
although the seeds of the Airshow were
first planted way back in 1918 when it was
first held at Olympia.
Representing DSG, Geraint Spearing,
Head of Electronics & Components, Ian
Cole, Head of Business Development and
Dave Edmunds, Head of Large Aircraft,
attended the exhibition with their
respective teams. The show attracted
some 140,000 business visitors, 1,500
exhibitors and a 5% increase in
attendance compared to 2006.
L-R: Michael Riley, Venus Tingzon, Geraint Spearing and Brian Griffiths manning the DSG stand
DSG had its stand located in Hall 4 at
the show, which included industry
exhibitors such as SELEX Galileo, EADS,
GE Aviation, QinetiQ and Vector
Aerospace. The event provided a shop
window for DSG to communicate its new
brand within the Aerospace Sector, and to
enhance its network of relationships with
both MoD and industry partners,
customers and suppliers.
The DSG teams attending the show
took the opportunity to meet a large
number of our aerospace partners and
customers including key members of
DE&S, BAE SYSTEMS, GE Aviation,
Lockheed Martin and EADS UK as well as
fellow Total Support Services (TSS)
partners Thales and SELEX-Galileo. The
show also provided us with an
opportunity to meet with customers who
attended Farnborough from our Land and
Maritime environment, to further develop
our relationships with key industry
stakeholders.
Commenting on the success of the
show, Geraint Spearing said, “Our
attendance at Farnborough was a timely
“
It was encouraging
to see the level of
interest and support
at the DSG stand, and the
meetings I personally
attended with our
partners and customers
re-iterated their
support toward our
”
business ...
opportunity to promote DSG and further
communicate our strategic role in
supporting the UK Armed Forces. It was
encouraging to see the level of interest
and support at the DSG stand, and the
meetings I personally attended with our
partners and customers re-iterated their
support toward our business, and offered
potential business opportunities that are
now being followed up by the teams.”
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DIGEST October/November 2008 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
Key contract for DSG
As a newly merged organisation, DSG recently secured its first major MoD contract.
Awarded for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of military vehicles and land equipments,
the contract runs for five years through to 31 March 2013 and is valued at around £875M.
The work will see DSG carry out scheduled maintenance and base overhaul of vehicles and
equipments through programme load activities. It will also cover unscheduled maintenance
through the Land, Strike and Fleet district load activities.
This key contract will provide the
basis of DSG’s land activities and
support the majority of work over
the next five years. This will involve
working closely with IPT customers in
MoD’s Land Equipment directorate as
well as continuing to develop
partnering links with industry in
support of major maintenance, repair,
overhaul and upgrade programmes
for the UK Armed Forces. The
contract allows for an initial,
provisional pricing regime, which will
be validated following work now
taking place by the Joint Price
Validation Pricing Group. The Group
comprises officials from Director
General Land Equipment’s (DGLE)
area and DSG. It is anticipated that
results from the Group
validation will also help establish an
agreed pricing regime for the
remaining period of the contract
through to 2013.
On being awarded the contract,
DSG’s Chief Executive, Archie Hughes
said, “With our focus very firmly on
the support of the Armed Forces, our
role as MoD’s in-house provider of
maintenance, repair, overhaul and
upgrade services for key land and air
systems and equipment is one that
must continue to deliver best value
for defence. We have a proud heritage
with all the right skills and expertise
at our many locations throughout the
UK. But we must look for continuous
improvements and innovative
support solutions that
will drive down costs
and improve availability of critical
equipment for our Armed Forces.”
DSG’s Commercial Director, Alan
Lewis added, “We have a unique
opportunity now in DSG to
demonstrate the value we can bring
to MoD and our industry partners.
Securing this important contract is
just the first step on our road, which
allows us to help support existing and
new land and air systems and
equipment. We are under no illusions
that work will be gifted to us. We
must demonstrate and deliver
benefits to our customers that
vindicate the decisions made to
create DSG.”
L-R: Brian Dewdney, DGLE
Commercial Director and Alan
Lewis, DSG Commercial Director
www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2008 DIGEST
7

news
DE&S staff
transfer to DSG
Chief Executive Archie Hughes with General Tim Tyler
On 1 September, Defence
Equipment and Support
(DE&S) staff, based at
Sapphire House in Telford,
transferred to the DSG
organisation following
formal approval by DE&S
Minister Baroness Ann
Taylor. The internal transfer
of some 217 jobs means that
the Sapphire House staff will
remain in Telford rather than
relocating to the DE&S
headquarters in Bristol.
Among the critical jobs undertaken by
the Telford team is the ordering of spares,
from tank engines to tyres, and the
onward despatch of such items to the
military units requiring them. DSG
recognises the capabilities of the Sapphire
House staff as complementary to DSG’s
wider support to the UK Armed Forces.
DSG will now employ almost 3,800 staff
and have an annual turnover in excess of
£200M.
Welcoming the Telford-based staff to
the business, DSG’s Chief Executive
Archie Hughes said, “There has been a
great deal of planning to get us to this
major milestone and it has succeeded
because of the professionalism and focus
of all the staff at Sapphire House. They
join DSG just a few months after its
creation so they will play an integral role
in shaping our organisation for the future.
Getting vital equipment to our Armed
Forces is our primary objective and
capturing the provisioning and
procurement activities undertaken at
Sapphire House within our business
portfolio of activities will help us achieve
this key aim.”
In August 07, the former ABRO
organisation approached DE&S with a
proposal to take on the provisioning work
undertaken by DE&S staff at Sapphire
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DIGEST October/November 2008 www.dsg.mod.uk

news
“
There has been a
great deal of planning
to get us to this major
milestone and it has
succeeded because of
the professionalism and
focus of all the staff at
Sapphire House.
Enjoying a game of skittles
”
House, which would widen ABRO’s
portfolio of defence-related activities.
Their proposal recognised the potential
synergies to be achieved by integrating
this work with their existing maintenance
and repair activities. The proposal was
subject to a robust investigation and full
investment appraisal, which showed it to
represent best economic advantage to
MoD and following ABRO’s merger with
DARA, plans were made for the Telford
staff to join DSG under Project Demeter.
DE&S buys and supports all the
equipment used by the Armed Forces and
supports all current operations including
Iraq and Afghanistan – a hugely important
task. Continued support for operations
now and in the future remains paramount.
In July this year, Baroness Taylor
announced her approval in principle for
acquisition related functions in DE&S to
be collocated at MOD Abbey Wood, as
part of the DE&S Co-location Project. The
Project is now in a period of formal
consultation with the Trades Unions.
Vesting Day
To mark the transfer of the Telford staff to
DSG, a formal Vesting Day was held on
1 September at the Sapphire House site.
Over 300 people attended the event,
including Sapphire House staff, guests
from Land IPTs and those who worked on
Project Demeter. Major General Tim Tyler
took the opportunity to thank the teams,
staff and Trades Unions who had worked
hard together to achieve this innovative
solution. DSG’s Chief Executive, Archie
Hughes echoed these sentiments and
added he looked forward to meeting and
speaking with as many Sapphire House
staff as possible during the event.
Staff and guests on Vesting Day
As the transfer was seen as something
to celebrate, a host of activities were held
on the day, including skittles and team
games. Music was provided by a brass
quintet from the Blues and Royals.
The day’s events, which included a
prize raffle drawn by Archie Hughes and
General Tyler, were also designed to raise
money for charity. A grand total of
£609.52 was raised on the day and has
been donated to Help For Heroes, the
Civil Service Benevolent Fund and the
Army Benevolent Fund.
News in brief
Employees at DSG Colchester
recently gathered to see Trevor
Cattermole receive his Imperial
Service Medal for long and
meritorious service to the MoD.
Trevor worked as a telecommunications
mechanic from
1972 until his recent retirement.
Andy Hursey, Head of DSG
Colchester, presented Trevor with
his medal at a ceremony attended
by friends and colleagues.
Trevor pictured receiving his
ISM from Andy Hursey
www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2008 DIGEST
9

Puma

11
© Crown Copyright images from www.defenceimages.mod.uk

feature
Do you know
your LIO?
Most DSG employees should already be aware that Local Information Officers (LIOs) are in
place at key DSG sites and act as a vital link in DSG’s communication process. But just in case
you didn’t know, read on to find out more about who the LIOs are and what their roles entail.
Effective communication is integral to
the success of any business and within
DSG all employees are encouraged to
involve themselves in the
communication process, fostering open
working relationships across the
business. LIOs have been nominated
to act as conduits for information, and
also as focal points for magazine
articles and for any newsworthy stories
of local and community interest. LIOs
will also handle questions from
employees, answering them locally
where possible, or forwarding them to
the Chief Executive or board members
to answer.
Site LIOs are involved with the
arrangements for Corporate Briefings,
monthly Team briefings, site visits, the
issue of notices and for ensuring that
site-based communications are
monitored as part of the continuous
improvement process.
There are currently nine key LIOs
spread across the DSG sites and in this
article, we take a closer look at the
personalities filling these key roles.
Roz Cronin,
DSG Bovington
(94374 3909)
Roz’s official title
is Business Coordinator,
which
includes wearing
the additional hats of LIO and Learning
and Development Adviser (LDA) for
the Bovington site. Roz has been with
MoD for 16 years and was previously a
secondary school maths teacher. Since
becoming the LDA, Roz has gradually
accrued lots of extra roles such as LIO,
IIP Internal Reviewer, managing the
registry and performing the duties of
‘PA’ to the General Manager.
As Roz’s job is so diverse, some
days will be exclusive to the LIO role,
where she will be involved with
organising visits and meetings, other
days however, can be entirely focussed
on training matters.
?
Roz told Digest, “I am genuinely
proud of what the guys and girls do
here. The heart of any business is its
people, rather than its name.”
Roz describes herself as friendly,
feisty and high maintenance with
interests that include Suduko puzzles,
PS platform games and lying on beaches
in Menorca (when she’s not being a
multi-hatted DSG employee of
course!).
Lorna Morris,
DSG Catterick
(94731 2062)
Lorna joined the
Catterick staff in
January 2007 and
in her current
post, splits her working day between
the roles of administrator to
Catterick’s managers and LIO. In a
typical day, Lorna might find herself
making arrangements for meetings and
visits, booking travel and
accommodation and any other LIO
tasks that might crop up as the day
progresses. Lorna says, “I enjoy my role
because of the variety of work, and one
of the best aspects of my job is the
people I work with.” Outside of DSG,
Lorna likes to keep fit by swimming and
has a keen interest in local history.
Angela Staff,
DSG Colchester
and Aldershot
(94651 2593)
Angela works in
the Compliance
Support team at
Colchester and was recently appointed
as the LIO for Colchester and
Aldershot. Angela first started working
at Colchester in 1997 and has had a
varied career so far, with previous roles
in logistics, facilities and finance. Angela
spends the majority of her time on
compliance
?
tasks, but now also has the
added responsibility of LIO for two
sites.
Although every day is different for
Angela, one thing remains constant and
that is her position as chief tea-maker
for the boys in the team. Describing
herself as honest, hardworking and
kind-hearted, not to mention friendly,
funky and flirty, Angela says she too
enjoys the variety of her working day
and rates the people she works with as
one of the best aspects of the job.
On working for DSG, Angela told
Digest, “ DSG is the start of a new era
for both ABRO and DARA, and we can
now move forward together as one
united organisation”.
Julie Perrins,
DSG
Donnington
and Bicester
(94480 2578)
Julie’s role is
unique compared
to the other LIOs, as she is the only
dedicated LIO, covering two DSG sites
at Donnington and Bicester. Julie
joined MoD in 1996, working in various
posts at HQ 5th Division, Shrewsbury
before moving to Donnington in 2003.
As a full-time LIO, Julie is
responsible for managing and
controlling public relations, marketing
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DIGEST October/November 2008 www.dsg.mod.uk

equirements, corporate clothing,
internal communications and arranging
site visits. Speaking about her LIO role,
Julie said, “My role in DSG provides me
with a variety of tasks and challenges to
get stuck into. There is no such thing as
a typical day because every day is
different and all the planning in the
world goes out of the window as
priorities change. No two days are ever
the same and I never quite know what
the day will throw at me.”
Julie’s enthusiasm for her job is also
matched by her enthusiasm for jumping
out of planes and abseiling over the
side of a dam, all in the name of charity.
Alexandra
Morris,
DSG Sealand
(95541 7203)
Alexandra was
recently
appointed as the
Executive Assistant to Geraint Spearing,
DSG Sealand’s Head of Business, also
taking over the role of LIO at the same
time. After leaving university, Alexandra
initially worked for the Department of
Work and Pensions, before joining
MoD in 2005. Alexandra transferred
from DE&S to DSG in June this year, so
is still learning and developing in her
new role.
A typical day for Alexandra involves
‘anything and everything’ at the
moment, from arranging meetings to
collating information for presentations.
Alexandra told Digest, “I’ve only been
in this post a couple of months so
everything is new and different, but
everyone I’ve met here has made
settling in to my new job much easier.
They have all been really friendly,
helpful and supportive, which has made
a big difference.”
Teresa Evans,
DSG Stafford
(95551 5173)
?
Teresa’s role as
administrative
support at DSG
Stafford, includes
acting as Clockwise Administrator,
Procurement of PPE and stationery for
the Stafford site, focal point for
Facilities Management issues and
maintenance and control of
publications. The role of LIO was a
recent addition to Teresa’s portfolio.
As with the other LIOs, Teresa
enjoys a varied and busy role, acting as
secretary to meetings and processing
facilities issues are some of Teresa’s
daily tasks.
Teresa describes herself as cheerful
and optimistic, skills necessary for her
challenging and rewarding ancillary role
as assistant Cub Scout leader to a
group of 20 boys aged 8 to 11.
Teresa says, “It was interesting being
at Stafford for the formation of DSG.
It is challenging and I am learning a lot
of new procedures. I look forward
to witnessing and being part of its
future success.”
Andy Johnson,
DSG St Athan
(96500 5243)
Andy’s role as
the Human
Resources and
Training
Manager for DSG’s Large Aircraft
Business at St Athan has now been
developed further with the recent
addition of the LIO responsibilities.
Andy joined MoD in 1991, following a
career as an Airframe Technician in the
RAF. Andy’s current role sees him
providing HR advice to Line Managers,
working closely with the welfare
service and Occupational Health, and
liaising with Trades Unions
representatives.
Speaking about his role, Andy said,
“The HR side of the job definitely
allows me a great deal of contact with
our personnel. You can plan your day to
the best of your ability, but you can’t
plan for peoples’ personal issues.”
Arlene
Hamilton,
DSG Stirling
and Edinburgh
(94741 8373)
Arlene has held
the post of
Learning and Development Advisor
(LDA) and LIO for the last 2½ years,
having joined MoD back in 1990. Prior
?
feature
to taking up her current role in the HR
department, Arlene held a variety of
positions across the business. Arlene’s
job involves organising and providing
advice and guidance on all aspects of
training for the staff at DSG Stirling.
She also manages the Apprentice
Training programme and is the focal
point for Investors In People, Data
Protection and Freedom Of
Information.
Arlene told Digest, “Working in HR,
no two days are ever the same and just
when you think you’ve seen it all,
something else comes up and bites you
on the you know what!” That said,
Arlene enjoys dealing with people
issues and the diversity that working in
HR brings.
Outside of DSG, Arlene enjoys
reading crime novels and thrillers,
socialising with friends and retail
therapy.
Kathy Tuck,
DSG
Warminster
and
Sennybridge
(94381 3233)
Kathy has been
in her current role as Senior
Management Support and LIO for the
last three years. In a typical day, Kathy
might be doing anything from preparing
material and co-ordinating questions
for the Local Team Brief, to arranging
hotel accommodation, hire cars and
flights for senior managers. Kathy is
also proactive in supplying articles for
the Digest Magazine.
After a busy day at work, Kathy
enjoys gardening and “reading a good
book accompanied by a large glass of
wine!” Kathy is also a keen member of
the National Trust.
On working for DSG, Kathy told
Digest, “It was very different joining the
MoD after so many years in the private
sector and it took a while to settle in
and understand the MoD way of
working. Once I accepted and
understood the many procedures, I
found it very interesting and there is
never a dull moment or time to be
bored. Hopefully the merger of ABRO
and DARA will bring out the best
characteristics from both agencies as
we move forward.”
www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2008 DIGEST
13

news
5 minutes with…
Nick Chaffey, Unite Workshop Convenor and
Continuous Improvement Practitioner
who is based at DSG Bovington.
Nick has been at Bovington now for 23 years and spent most of those as a
Leading Charge hand, but was always involved with the Trades Unions. After
several years as a deputy convenor, he took on the full position earlier this
year. Nick has also been a key member of the Continuous Improvement Team
since its inception in 2001 and continues to carry out that role.
If I weren't talking to you... I would be
trawling through consultation documents to
help speed up the merger process so we can
move on as one.
A phrase I use far too often is... “Alright
mush”. A term of endearment and not to be
taken as anything nasty!
The most surprising thing that's ever
happened to me was... I spent a day with
the Toyota World Rally team during Rally GB
and met all the stars; sadly some of those stars
have now fallen.
A common misperception of me is...
That I’m Mr Negative, but I’m not all the time!
I'm good at... Teamwork and working with
people. As a Lean practitioner you have to
have some good people skills and be able to
communicate at all levels, right up to
government ministers.
I'm very bad at... Keeping cars clean,
I hate it.
My biggest influence is… People and what
you learn from them. I have been lucky enough
to work and interact with everyone from
company Board Members, Station
Commanders and members of the Defence
Select Committee, to IPTs and at all levels
within DSG. All have had an influence on me in
one way or another and long may it continue.
“
If it’s not
broken don’t
waste time
trying to fix it
”
In moments of weakness... I order a
king-size Doner kebab with chips and have
it delivered.
My biggest regret is… Not making better
use of my public school education and at the
same time, thinking I’d have preferred to go to
the local school with all my mates from
Lulworth.
I am not a politician but if I were...
I am sure I wouldn’t make quite so many
mistakes as they have.
If I could change anything about myself
I’d… Lengthen my legs and reduce my
waist size.
In a nutshell, my philosophy is... If it’s not
broken don’t waste time trying to fix it. Keep
it simple and just get on with it.
Fundraising off to a flying start
DSG Warminster recently raised £285
at a charity raffle, held during a staff
barbecue at Warminster Football Club.
The money will go towards the annual
cost of maintaining the Wiltshire Air
Ambulance service. The helicopter is
manned by a police pilot and crewed
with a further policeman and a
paramedic. Three quarters of the
annual running costs are met by the
police budget, while the other quarter
is dependent on donations received
from charitable events within Wiltshire.
DSG’s donation was handed over
by Sam Buchanan and Emma Adamson
who helped organise and arrange the
staff barbecue. Jo, the paramedic on
duty was kind enough to show Sam,
Emma and colleague Mark around the
aircraft, while explaining what it is like
to provide this life-saving service for
those residing in or visiting Wiltshire.
Sam Buchanan, Emma Adamson and Mark Fisher pictured with
Paramedic Jo and the Air Ambulance
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news
MOD matters
National award
The Armed Forces Memorial, situated at the
National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire
recently scooped a prestigious award for “Best
Heritage Project” as part of the 2008 National
Lottery Awards. The memorial pays tribute to
those service men and women who have given
their lives since the end of the Second World
War. Initially funded by the National Lottery,
the memorial was one of 21 such projects,
taken to the finals by a public vote. Winners for
each of the seven categories were announced at
a star-studded ceremony, which was televised
on the Saturday night BBC One Lottery show
recently. TV personality Anne Robinson
presented the Best Heritage Project award.
Photo by John Brinkley, copyright Driftwoodimages.net
DE&S relocation
In a phased programme of
moves, almost 2,800 posts will
move from Ministry of Defence
sites in Bath, Hampshire and
Cambridgeshire to Bristol,
bringing the population of the
Abbey Wood site up to about
10,000. The reshaping of DE&S
is being carried out under the
PACE (Performance, Agility,
Confidence, Efficiency) business
improvement programme, which was launched internally on 7 March 2008.
Plans for a major new defence centre in North Wiltshire have also been given
the green light. The project, known as 'Corsham09', will accommodate some 2,200
Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) personnel and their industry partners on
the Basil Hill site in Corsham. By collocating MoD staff on one site with industry
partners, there will be greater support and delivery to the front line.
DE&S Collocation is part of a wider departmental programme of estate
rationalisation. Of the sites to be vacated, RAF Wyton is to become home for the
Defence Intelligence Service; Andover North will house the Army’s HQ Land
Forces and Ensleigh and Foxhill will be considered for alternative defence or other
Government department uses.
News in brief
DSG Catterick’s Peter Price recently received
his Imperial Service Medal at a presentation
ceremony, held in recognition of his 30 years
meritorious service. Peter joined 31
Command Workshop REME at Catterick as a
Stores Labourer in 1977 and progressed to
Senior Stores Keeper in 1995 before finally
retiring in November last year. Ian Robinson
presented the ISM to Peter, who was
accompanied by his wife Hilda.
MoD Abbey Wood
Peter proudly shows off
his medal and certificate
Prince’s Trust
Programme
The Prince’s Trust scheme is a
12-week programme of personal
development for teams of 12-15
people to take part in a challenging
and action-packed programme
involving teamwork in the community.
Employees join as team
members for 20 days during the
course of the programme. The
Prince’s Trust programme has now
been extended to include the
opportunity for staff to participate as
a Development Coach. The role of a
Development Coach on a Prince’s
Trust Team provides an unparalleled
opportunity to gain experience
because it offers the chance to
develop leadership and management
skills through implementing real
projects within a real team. Working
alongside a Team Leader, the
Development Coach supports Team
members with their personal skills
development.
The opportunity is open to all
MoD non-industrial and industrial
employees, irrespective of gender, age,
race, sexual orientation, marital status,
ethnic origin, disability, grade,
seniority or whether they are
employed full or part-time. Further
details can be found on the defence
intranet under people services,
announcements or through viewing
the Defence Instructions and notices
2008 DIN01-136.
www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2008 DIGEST
15

news
A winning
idea ...
L-R: Mark Fisher, Mike Hawkins, Kevin Tharby and
Sam Buchanan at the GEMS award ceremony
Digest is pleased to report that DSG Warminster has
been recognised and duly rewarded at the annual
GEMS Awards Ceremony, held at the Imperial War
Museum recently. The GEMS Scheme encourages all
MoD civilian and Armed Forces personnel, exemployees,
MoD contractors and their staffs to
contribute constructive ideas for improving efficiency
and organisation anywhere within the Department,
which are then recognised through the awards
system.
Each year the GEMS Scheme receives over 2,000
suggestions, the best of which are selected to receive
awards covering a number of categories from “most
environmentally friendly” to “best example of
modernisation”.
Over 125 award winners, VIPs and guests from
across the department, attended the 2008 GEMS
Annual Awards Ceremony. Representing DSG, Mark
Fisher, Sam Buchanan and Mike Hawkins from the
GEMS Local Award Group (LAG) at DSG Warminster
attended the event, which recognised successful
suggestions received through some 220 Local Award
Groups within the MoD in 2007. Also in attendance
and representing the Army Service Award Group was
Lin Perrett from DSG Andover. The Awards were
presented by PUS, Sir Bill Jeffrey KCB and Chief of
Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup GCB
AFC ADC.
WO2 Kevin Tharby MBE provided a suggestion to
the Warminster LAG, which won the category ‘Best
Example of Modernisation.’ Kevin’s suggestion was
entitled Bowman on a Trolley (Boat). It cleverly made
use of existing Bowman equipment, saving the
expense of developing and procuring emulated voice
and data systems for four training sites.
In addition, Kevin’s suggestion was so well
received by the MoD that he has been honoured with
an MBE and his idea has now been put forward for
consideration to the Ideas UK Suggestion Scheme.
New central
servicing facility
for DSG
Colchester
DSG recently opened a new and long awaited IBES
(In-Barracks Equipment Support) Central Servicing
Facility at Colchester. The new facility forms part of the
Garrison PFI (Private Finance Initiative) project.
DSG employees operate from three lanes and pits within the
new complex, which splits into six bays and can house any type
of vehicle from a Landrover up to flat-bed lorries, and can even
accommodate fuel tankers. The DSG team comprises of five
senior craft vehicle mechanics, plus a team leader.
DSG Colchester was one of the first sites to promote IBES
with the customer and since November 2004, the service we
provide has continued to grow. Colchester currently has
approximately 35 staff supporting the customer on IBES
locations at Wattisham, Woolwich, Longmoor, Bordon, and
Colchester satellites and this number is set to increase.
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news
Supplier relationship
management and the
bottom line
“
This will in turn
drive the achievement
of real tangible
business improvements
for both DSG
”
and its key suppliers.
DSG’s former Head of Procurement, Kevin Bartlett (Centre) pictured with
Hayley Group Directors Lee Willitts and Bernie Noakes
As part of the DSG Supplier
Relationship Management
(SRM) initiative,
representatives from DSG’s
Procurement Group and
Hayley Group PLC recently
signed a Key Supplier
Relationship Charter. This
outlines a number of
objectives that will provide
mutual benefit, improve part
availability and contribute to
the achievement of the
Critical Success Factors
against which our
performance is measured.
The original contract was negotiated
and placed following a competitive
tendering process, which included the use
of an E-Auction as part of the pricing
element. Hayley Group had no previous
experience of the defence sector, but a
commitment between both parties to
work closely together has resulted in
improved quality of service whilst
providing substantial cost reductions.
Over the Financial Year 2007/08, DSG
achieved £395,000 worth of savings
against the original baseline, representing
a 33% saving. For 2008/09 onwards, DSG
has now agreed the inclusion of a rebate
scheme within the contract, which will
see DSG credited back a percentage of its
spend based on the achievement of preagreed
“trigger points”.
A combination of the contractor’s
performance, together with their status
as DSG’s “supplier of choice” for bearings
and associated product, led to their
inclusion in the SRM Initiative.
So what is SRM?
SRM is simply a proactive approach to
longer-term management and
development of a business relationship.
The focus is on the development of the
relationship itself and not necessarily
upon the harder performance aspects of
any underpinning contract. The idea being
that the investment in building the
relationship by measuring soft behavioural
issues such as continuous improvement
and communication will lead to an
improved understanding of each others’
objectives and business processes. This
will in turn drive the achievement of real
tangible business improvements for both
DSG and its key suppliers. SRM is about
securing a competitive advantage. It is
about DSG becoming a “customer of
choice” to its key suppliers.
Prior to taking up a new role in
industry, DSG’s former Head of
Procurement, Kevin Bartlett said, “The
signing of this first charter with Hayley
Group PLC signifies a commitment to the
development of relationships between
DSG and its key suppliers, which will
contribute both tangible benefits and will
also be more conducive to a better
working relationship based on trust and
recognition of each others’ key
objectives.”
As DSG looks to further improve its
procurement and provisioning capability
with the integration of the DE&S Land
Procurement and Provisioning role at
Sapphire House, further benefits in the
direction of increased partnering
arrangements with key suppliers are
anticipated.
Once fully embedded, SRM can
genuinely start to realise increased
benefits back to the business and some of
the early savings realised already in the
Hayley and DSG relationship can be built
upon further, and we will begin to see
these benefits demonstrated back on to
the bottom line of DSG’s financial
performance.
If you want to find out
more about SRM, please
contact Craig Flynn
on 01985 223530
or internally on
94381 3530
www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2008 DIGEST
17

across the country
Across the c
China in
their hands
Keen readers of
Digest might recall
that back in April, we
introduced DSG St
Athan’s Ed Tucker who
was planning to walk
the Great Wall of
China to help raise
funds for the Meningitis
Trust. Ed and his wife
Jo achieved their
ambition in August, so
read on to find out how
it all went.
On 1 August Ed and Jo, along with 70 other hardy souls set
off on a 6-day trek along various sections of the Great Wall,
all in the name of various charities. On approaching the startpoint,
Ed realised that they were not in for an easy stroll,
telling Digest, “Once you see the wall up close you appreciate
that in fact, it’s a climb rather than a walk.” Apparently,
Chairman Mao was once quoted as saying, “He who has not
climbed the great wall is not a true man”!
A truly awe-inspiring construction that rises and falls for over
6000km through some of the most inhospitable and beautiful
terrain in the world, Ed and Jo walked different sections of
the Wall each day. The conditions made the trek even harder,
as it was very hot, very humid and there was lots of rain,
which meant they were wet for most of the time. Everyone
walked at their own pace with frequent regrouping stops, so
that those taking part got to walk and meet with different
people, all with different reasons for doing the walk. Many
people had touching and some heartbreaking stories to tell,
which inspired and motivated the group even more.
Ed and Jo raised around £7,500 for the Meningitis Trust, and
along with another 19 participants walking for the charity,
managed to break the £100,000 mark. Ed would like to thank
everyone at St Athan who helped them to achieve this
fantastic amount.
On completing their own gruelling challenge, Ed and Jo
continued their adventure by travelling on to Beijing to watch
their daughter Helen compete in the Olympic games. Helen
is the current World Champion at Triathlon and went into the
event with high hopes of a good finish, but sadly it wasn’t to
be. After a competitive swim and bike event, she faltered on
the run section to finish in 21st place. Commenting after the
event, Ed said, “We are still very proud of her and to watch
her competing in the Olympics was a terrific end to our stay
in China.”
Well done all.
Ed and his wife Jo on their charity trek in China
Peak
Performance
The Three Peaks annual challenge, a charity event
organised by the Fire Fighters Charity is now in its
27th year, and sees participants endeavouring to climb
the summits of the three highest peaks in Scotland,
England and Wales in under 24 hours.
Considered as a veteran
of the event, DSG
Warminster’s Russ Cane
was asked to lead this
year’s team because of
his previous experience
in completing the event
with teams from the
Warminster workshop,
and raising money for
the Wiltshire Air
Ambulance service. After
several planning meetings and practice outings, Russ and the
team were ready for this year’s challenge.
Russ (on the left) and the Three Peaks team
On a wet and windy June day in Glen Nevis, Russ and the team
stood ready with 70 other teams to begin their ascent of the
UK’s highest mountain. With a piper playing in the background,
the team were given their marching orders and set off with the
weather getting worse, the higher they climbed.
Three-quarters of the way up, the rain turned to snow, with
the wind also gusting up to 70 miles an hour as they reached
the first summit of Ben Nevis. The weather didn’t improve on
the way down, and with half an hour to go, one of the team
tripped and strained her foot, which unfortunately slowed the
team down but intent on finishing together, the team
persevered and managed the descent in good time.
Off to the Lake District and the peak of Scafell Pike, the
weather began to improve, lifting the team’s spirits, but not for
long as the earlier wet weather had made the climb wet, cold
and hazardous. Undefeated, the team managed to scale the
peak and negotiate the descent safely, ready for a five-hour
trip to Wales for the delights of Snowdon. In glorious
sunshine, the team ended their challenge on 23 June in a
respectable 23.14 hours.
The team members had not only risen to a huge personal
challenge, but as “Ted’s Team”, they also achieved a sub-24hr
bronze medal for their efforts, and raised money for the Bath
Royal United Hospital “Forever Friends” Appeal.
The Forever Friends Appeal is raising funds for state of the art
medical equipment and facilities, over and above that provided
by the NHS for the Royal United Hospital. Anyone wishing to
donate or find out more can visit the Forever Friends website
at www.foreverfriendsappeal.co.uk
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across the country
untry
High five for
Ironman Andy
Level-headed
Linsey
Following her attendance
at a “Developing
Customer Relationships”
course, DSG
Warminster’s Linsey
Jones took up the
opportunity to study for
an NVQ and recently
achieved a Level 2
qualification in
Customer Services.
With full backing and
encouragement from the
management team at DSG Linsey proudly shows
Warminster, Linsey began off her NVQ certificate
studying in October last year
under the guidance of a tutor from Warminster
College. Linsey completed seven units in total, five of
her own choice and two mandatory, achieving the final
qualification in June this year.
On Sunday 7 September, whilst most of us were
waking to severe weather warnings, DSG St Athan’s
Andy Pearce was taking part in the 2008 Ironman
UK Triathlon.
Held in the grounds of Sherborne Castle in Dorset, the race
started at 6am with a 400-metre lake swim to the start line.
Representing 48 countries, the 1600 competitors then
completed two laps of the lake to make up the 2.4-mile swim,
with Andy’s recorded time of just 1hour and 10 minutes.
Moving on to the cycle leg, Andy battled against the high
winds, rain and hills to ride through 112 miles of Dorset
countryside, which took a demanding 6 hours and 21 minutes
to complete.
Back in Sherborne, Andy changed into his club colours with
26.2 miles of marathon running left to do. Three laps made
up the course, half cross-country and half through the town
centre.
Having competed in the event for the last five successive
years, Andy finished his 5th Ironman UK challenge in a total
time of 12 hours and 19 minutes.
Andy told Digest, "It was quite emotional to come into the
finish shoot with hundreds of people cheering and shouting.
It was a great feeling and a massive sense of achievement to
run down to the finish line, to complete what I think is one of
the toughest races to be held in the UK.”
After taking a short break to recover, Andy plans to kick of
the Welsh League cyclo-cross season, by competing in the
National Championships event at Abergavenny.
Linsey told Digest, “Working in the Customer Services
department at DSG Warminster, I was more than keen
to look in to studying for the NVQ, as I always enjoy a
challenge and it seemed a great opportunity to follow
up. I really enjoyed studying for this qualification and
feel a real sense of achievement.”
Linsey would like to thank her managers for their
backing and support, and is now considering advanced
study for the NVQ Level 3 in Customer Services.
News in brief
Two of DSG
Colchester's Senior
Management Team
recently celebrated
milestone
birthdays. Paul
Lawrence, a
Production
Manager turned 50
while Pete Watts
who is a Customer
Service Manager
Auditioning for “Life on Mars”?!
reached 60.
Between them, they
have worked for MoD for some 78 Years and are still
going strong. Proud of their once flowing locks, Paul
and Pete decided to share this picture of themselves
in their younger years.
www.dsg.mod.uk October/November 2008 DIGEST
19

competition
COMPETITION
This month, you have the opportunity to win a JVC digital
camcorder, courtesy of Orb International, sponsors of this
edition’s competition. To be in with a chance of winning
this great prize, you will need to cast your minds back to
answer the questions in our film quiz which is based on
some of the top releases from 2007.
The closing date for the competition is
Friday 7 November 2008.
1. Which Springfield family finally starred in their own movie?
2. In which animated movie was a Paris kitchen invaded by rodents?
3. Which film, based on the novel by Ian McEwan, starred Kiera
Knightley and James McAvoy?
4. Which trilogy finished at World’s End?
5. Optimus Prime reappeared from the 80s in which 2007 box office hit?
6. Johnny Depp featured in the 2007 film version of Sweeney Todd, but
who wrote the original musical?
The winner of the August/September competition prize of the
DAB radio was Gareth Morgan from DSG Donnington.
The correct answers to the summer competition were:
1 - A Midsummer Night’s Dream
2 - Cruel Summer
3 - Summer Pudding
4 - I Know What You Did Last Summer
5 - Summer Nights
6 - Last of the Summer Wine
Orb International is one of
the country’s leading experts
in corporate gifts and
promotional sourcing. With
years of experience in the
industry the company has
built up an enviable
reputation for quality,
reliability, service and pride.
For many of their clients,
their promotional
merchandise requirements
involve more than a few ad
hoc orders.
By using their extensive
experience, Orb International is
able to structure a full
corporate programme to
include a creative and coordinated
product range. Orb’s
warehouse facility allows them
to hold and ship stock to
appropriate destinations and
deliver a fully managed stock
service.
Orb International worked
closely with DSG to provide
launch packs, which included a
bag, pen, mug, lanyard, badge
holder, mouse mat and coaster,
produced and shipped to DSG
ready for launch day.
Please send all your entries in to the Editor by Friday 7 November 2008
E-mail: Sheryl.Harries@dsg.mod.uk
Intranet: Click on the link on the dsg.net homepage
Fax: 96500 5746/01446 755746
Post: DSG Corporate Communications Office, PP2, St Athan, Barry,
Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 4AD
Name:
Business Unit/Department:
Telephone Number:
ENTRY FORM
RULES OF ENTRY
The competition is restricted to
DSG employees only.
Only one entry per person will be accepted.
Orb International has an
impressive portfolio of
individual products, which can
be branded to your own
specifications.
For further information
contact Orb at:
Unit 6 Claremont Centre
Durham Street
Glasgow
G41 1BS
Tel: 0141 427 7272
Fax: 0141 427 7100
Website: www.orbkms.com
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DIGEST October/November 2008 www.dsg.mod.uk