J Taylor

Birmingham based CCF attend annual camp

At the end of June cadets from Rockwood Academy Combined Cadet Force (CCF), located in Birmingham, attended their annual camp at Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force (ACF) Cadet Training Centre in Bramcote, Warwickshire. In order to meet with the required COVID-19 guidelines the camp was split into two parts, with two separate groups of cadets involved. The start of…

West Midlands employers recognised by Ministry of Defence Awards for support to Armed Forces community

After what has been a challenging 18 months for all businesses, West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are very pleased to announce that 41 organisations in their region are confirmed as Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award winners for 2021. In addition a further nine employers have had their ERS Silver Awards from 2016 revalidated for their continued commitment. This Ministry…

Warwickshire appoints new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets

Three cadets from Warwickshire have been appointed as the county’s new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets.  Drawn from across the uniformed Cadet Forces, they are selected for their individual merits and commitment to their respective units and local community. The appointment is often the highlight of the cadet’s career and the role involves accompanying the Lord-Lieutenant at Royal visits, high-profile civic and military occasions, and acting…

IT company announces paid leave for Reservists

Further to signing the Armed Forces Covenant earlier this year, Superfast IT has pledged its support by offering paid leave to employees serving with the Armed Forces Reserves. The announcement coincided with Armed Forces Week celebrations, taking place between the 21-26 June, and is part of the Birmingham IT company’s continued commitment to veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces and their families….

My journey from Reservist to Cadet Force Adult Volunteer

Petty Officer (SCC) Lisa Wood MA is the Officer in Charge of Redditch & Bromsgrove Sea Cadets. As a volunteer, Lisa has embraced the opportunity to help develop the lives of young people in her community; here she shares her journey to becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV). I served in the Royal Naval Reserves in Birmingham, at HMS Forward, for over…

Why military experience is great in your workplace?

Approximately 79% of working age Military veterans are employed in the UK. Many veterans have high quality transferable skills which they have gained through their Defence training. All of these skills are extremely desirable to civilian employers. We spoke to Barry Lewis a veteran and Director of Commercial Banking for NatWest in the West Midlands to find out more. “The world of work…

Shropshire Council, proud supporters of the Armed Forces

Shropshire Council are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and were immensely proud to receive the Military of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in 2017. To further their commitment they have re-signed their Armed Forces Covenant this week, during Armed Forces Week. Since they last re-signed in 2016 they have done much more in terms of their support, policies and advocating…

Sandwell Council support the Armed Forces

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council (SMBC) is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and works with the Armed Forces to help and support current and former service personnel and their families in the local area. They are an organisation that supports their Reservists, veterans and cadets. The council encourages Sandwell businesses, community groups and individuals to work with them to pledge their…