Stories

KBR is committed to delivering world-class solutions for our customers while also making a meaningful difference in the communities where we operate. One place that exemplifies that commitment is KBR’s National Service Hub (NSH) located in Swindon, a large town in Wiltshire County in southwest England.

The 123-person NSH team provides operational support to UK government clients, such as the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and more recently the Department for Work and Pensions, and also runs a helpdesk and call center that are operational 24/7, 365 days a year.

In addition to their professionalism, the NSH team’s energy and passion for helping others shine through a program of activities that are making a positive social, environmental and economic impact in the local community.

For example, the NSH team dedicates roughly 32 hours every month to The Haven, a local day center and night shelter that provides emergency clothing, food, beds, life skills courses and access to support workers for those in need. KBR colleagues also help with a variety of tasks including painting and redecorating bedrooms, clearing and organizing the garden, and cooking meals.

As well as giving back to the local community, the NSH team is very supportive and encouraging of their own colleague’s charitable work and fundraising activities.

Michelle White, one of NSH call operators, is an avid long-distance runner and recently completed a 24-hour race that raised money for Children with Cancer, the UK’s leading pediatric cancer charity. Running has always been close to Michelle’s heart. Years ago, she worked as an end-of-life care worker and helped care for a woman who sadly passed away from lung cancer. The patient’s two young daughters wanted to honor their mother by running the “Race for Life” — an event that raises money for cancer charities across the UK. Since the daughters were too young to run the race on their own, Michelle volunteered to run with them, which is when she realized her love for the sport.

Michelle then started competing in marathons and ultramarathons, sometimes placing in the top 10 positions. When asked about her favorite part of competitive long-distance running, Michelle said, “Without a doubt the best part is the interesting people you meet at the competitions. A lot of the time you end up talking to the people you run alongside, and everyone always has their own fascinating stories as to how they got into the sport and what keeps them going. And when you’re running for up to 24 hours, a chat helps to pass the time.”

Next year, Michelle will be taking part in the Grand Union Canal Race, a 145-mile run from Birmingham to London. And if that isn’t enough, she has also secured herself a spot to compete in a World Champions 48-hour race.

Individuals like Michelle bring their passion for helping others to the NSH, helping create a culture of collaboration and philanthropy. The NSH Social Value Team is helping drive that passion by bringing the team together to do even more to help their community in the future, including supporting care homes for the elderly and continuing their admirable work with The Haven.