A Cumbria-based nuclear body has received national recognition for its support for the UK’s defence and armed forces community.

International Nuclear Services (INS) is one of 16 organisations from across the North West to be awarded silver under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.

The scheme was launched to reward employers who support Defence People objectives and encourage others to do the same.

This includes employing serving and former members of the armed forces community, and demonstrating flexibility towards training and mobilisation commitments for reservists and Cadet Force adult volunteers.

INS is a subsidiary of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, a public body responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient clean-up of the UK’s nuclear legacy.

Based in Barrow and West Cumbria, it provides specialist nuclear transport, design and licensing services in the UK and internationally.

INS employs a number of former service personnel and is an advocate of reservist schemes, allowing employees to take leave for training and deployment.

The organisation also plays an active role in communities and has a longstanding relationship with the Barrow Sea Cadets near its marine terminal in Barrow in Furness.

Seth Kybird, INS managing director, said: “We’re delighted our support for current and former service personnel has been recognised with a Silver Award.

“INS employs a number of reservists and former service personnel and it has been amazing to see just how far those skills transfer into the business environment.

"It really is a win-win situation.”

The award winners will be presented with certificates signed by the Secretary of State for Defence and the Chief of the Defence Staff during a ceremony in November.

Tobias Ellwood, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, said: “ A silver award recognises the fantastic efforts of employers throughout the UK who have both elevated their commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant and provided actual benefit to the Armed Forces Community.

The winners should all be proud of the life-changing impact and fresh opportunities they are providing to our Reservists, veterans, wounded injured and sick and their families.

We’ve seen a record number of winners this year, which shows that the armed forces family talent pool is also providing tangible business benefit.”