Three NDA group employees have been awarded honours in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list, for services to the nuclear industry and the local community.
Dr Rebecca Weston FREng has been appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) for services to defence while on secondment from the NDA group.
As Director General at the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Nuclear Organisation, she led a complex, highly regulated programme critical to the UK’s long-term strategic resilience and nuclear deterrent.
Becky Ruddy, Senior Programme Director at NRS Dounreay has been awarded an MBE in recognition for her services to women in the nuclear industry, acting as a strong role model by championing opportunities and supporting women, while promoting the industry on both national and international stages.
Becky has worked across the NDA group, initially joining Sellafield as a scientific apprentice, progressing through a wide range of operational and management roles into senior leadership positions across the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) group.
Thelma MacKenzie, an administrator at Dounreay, has also been made an MBE. A Special Police Constable since 1980, thought to make her one of the country’s longest serving special constables, Thelma received the honour for voluntary and public service to the community in Caithness.
NDA Group CEO, David Peattie, said
I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Rebecca, Becky and Thelma on this well-deserved recognition.
Whether it’s for services to the industry, or to their local community, it shows the dedication of our people in the NDA group is second to none.
I am extremely proud to work alongside people who go above and beyond for their colleagues and their community, while also continuing to deliver our mission safely, securely and sustainably.
