NSIST Launch Event

On a windy February evening, the inaugural launch event for NSIST was held at MX Cheltenham. Over 75 distinguished guests attended including former employees, trustees, supporters and industry partners.

After the introductory video had played, the Executive Director of NSIST, Dr Dave Abrutat, welcomed the guests and explained the rationale behind the establishment of NSIST, the journey so far to get established as a charity in November 2024, some of the current projects already underway and the vision for the future.

Finally, Gaven Smith spoke about the challenges ahead

• NSIST exists to collect and preserve the stories of those who have worked in UK signals intelligence and security.

• The history of this field is characterized by people coming together to solve seemingly impossible problems and make the world safer.

• There is urgency in collecting these stories, as the World War II generation is nearly gone, and the Cold War generation is aging.

• The importance of learning from past experiences, the lessons from 1925 are still relevant in 2025.

• A call to contribute ideas, time, skills, experience, and financial support to preserve this history.

• Preserving this history can inspire future generations, reconnect people, and remind them of what made their work special.

• The initiative aims to support those who gave more of themselves than expected in their service.

• Thanks to the audience for their past contributions and future support in preserving this important history.