ADS is a not for profit trade organisation and operates as a Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a share capital. The Articles of Association for ADS Group Ltd provide further information regarding its mandate of operation.
Board
The Board is the formal governing body of ADS which is responsible for overseeing the operational and financial decision making on behalf of Members. It consists of a mix of elected and appointed Members to ensure there is balance from across the sectors and Primes, Mid-tiers and SMEs.
David Lockwood OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Babcock International Group was elected President of the ADS Board in January 2024, succeeding Julian Whitehead. He has worked at Babcock since 2020, with his earlier career including roles with ADS members BAE Systems and Thales. David will serve as President and Chair of the Board during his two year tenure. Read the full press release here.
Four Vice Presidents also serve on the Board representing each of the sectors. All other Members of the Board represent a specific role as defined by the Board or the membership and set out in the Articles of Association.
CEO & executive team
ADS is managed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), currently Kevin Craven, who reports to the Board on the business ADS conducts on behalf of its Members. The CEO and the Executive Team are responsible for contributing to the strategic development of ADS, including developing and implementing the annual business plan, setting objectives and achieving financial targets.
Boards & committees
There are numerous Boards and Committees across all our sectors, providing members with the opportunity to engage in the thinking and shaping of topics and agenda’s that are important to the sectors and wider industry. These cover everything from strategic issues, the political and policy environment, to engagement with many key stakeholders across government, such as the Ministry of Defence, Home Office and Department for International Trade.
Special interest groups
ADS has more than 30 Special Interest Groups which are set up around specific functional and capability areas of activity that represent members interests. They provide a forum designed to enable members to network, seek out business development opportunities, learn, influence markets and stakeholders and keep up to date with current, related developments specific to the group.
Modern Slavery Act 2015
The ADS Board is committed to the principles behind the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and to achieving absolute compliance.
ADS Governance Structure
The SME Spotlight is a member only benefit. For more information contact adam.doyle@adsgroup.org.uk
Knowledge
Our aims are to expand this unique workforce capability and national advantage by delivering sector investment and knowledge to the frontiers of advanced manufacturing.
Ten Years on for the ATI…
Ten Years on for the ATI…
ADS was delighted to attend a reception at the House of Lords on 10 April to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the […]
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DPRTE: Tackling key issues to delivering sustainability on the Defence Estate
DPRTE: Tackling key issues to delivering sustainability on the Defence Estate
The ADS Infrastructure Group will be hosting a panel discussion at DPRTE this week entitled “From ambition to reality: Tackling key issues […]
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SME Spotlight – March 2024
SME Spotlight – March 2024
Welcome to ADS’ monthly SME spotlight. We have combined our March and April spotlight to showcase even more of our member’s fantastic […]
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My space career – Hear from Space Wales’ Dr Rosie Cane for British Science Week
My space career – Hear from Space Wales’ Dr Rosie Cane for British Science Week
British Science Week marks its 30th anniversary this week! It’s a national celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths; fields that leverage […]
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ADS Security & Resilience Outlook 2024
ADS Security & Resilience Outlook 2024
The UK’s security and resilience sector faces a dynamic year ahead in 2024, shaped by a shifting domestic policy agenda, rapid technological […]
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New Professionals Forum reveals a new Chairperson and vision for 2024 on International Women’s Day 2024
New Professionals Forum reveals a new Chairperson and vision for 2024 on International Women’s Day 2024
Friday 8 March is International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This year’s theme is […]
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Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024
Happy International Women’s Day! Each year, this day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality and highlights […]
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Security & Resilience – insight into current and future skills
Security & Resilience – insight into current and future skills
It’s National Careers Week and with Security & Policing 2024 only a week away, we have invited Ruby Buxton, Innovation and Skills […]
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The UK’s Defence Drone Strategy: A Game Changer for National Security?
The UK’s Defence Drone Strategy: A Game Changer for National Security?
The UK Ministry of Defence recently published a new strategy that establishes an ambition for the UK to be “world-leading” in uncrewed […]
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Charting a course on regulating AI
Charting a course on regulating AI
Back in June last year, ADS made a submission to the Government setting out our sectors’ views on the hot topic of […]
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SME Spotlight – February 2024
SME Spotlight – February 2024
Welcome to ADS’ monthly SME spotlight. As we enter February we have these eight great companies that excel in everything from education […]
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Aerospace and Automotive STEM Returners Project: Enginuity funds new partnership to improve industry diversity with career returners
Aerospace and Automotive STEM Returners Project: Enginuity funds new partnership to improve industry diversity with career returners
Landmark partnership will support career returners with placements in underrepresented sectors Previous programme has a 96% success rate in converting returnerships to […]
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The UK stands at a crossroads: ADS CEO addresses Annual Dinner
The UK stands at a crossroads: ADS CEO addresses Annual Dinner
Good evening, and thank you for joining us. I would particularly like to welcome our ADS members, Lords, Ladies, Ministers of the […]
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The US Department of Defense Publishes its first National Defense Industrial Strategy
The US Department of Defense Publishes its first National Defense Industrial Strategy
The US Department of Defense has published its inaugural National Defense Industrial Strategy (NDIS), calling for “generational change” to fortify the US […]
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SME Spotlight – January 2024
SME Spotlight – January 2024
Welcome to ADS’ monthly SME spotlight. We’re kicking off the year with these nine fantastic companies that specialise in everything from manufacturing […]
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