West Midland RFCA

The Streetly Academy launches second Cadet Force section

A Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in the West Midlands has expanded on their success by opening a second section for their students. The Streetly Academy, located in Sutton Coldfield, launched its existing Royal Navy section in 2017/2018 with just 25 cadets and two Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Since its inception from the Cadet Expansion Programme, a new cohort of students from Year 8…

Building blocks of resilience, adaptability and leadership

Exploring and improving your leadership style, building resilience and adaptability were the key themes of Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s recent 21 in 21 webinar. Launched in March 2021, the 21 in 21 scheme is providing mentoring to 21 aspiring women in different business sectors and career stages, across the Coventry and Warwickshire region. With the support of individual mentors who have…

159 Regiment RLC on Op TOSCA deployment

In 2021 159 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps (RLC), a West Midlands based Army Reserve unit, deployed members of the regiment to Cyprus on Operation TOSCA. The Operation is the UK’s contribution to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) ensuring peace and stability whilst the political peace process continues. During Winter 20/21, 32 members of the Regiment and five members of 158…

University College Birmingham signs up to support forces

Discussing how veterans, Reservists and those in the military community can bring tangible skills to the civilian workforce was a key theme for an online event hosted in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Moving the annual event to the virtual sphere to allow for Covid-19 safety, employers from around the Greater Birmingham region were invited to listen to inspirational key…

Cadet Expansion Programme continues to thrive

The number of cadets and volunteers currently involved with the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and school units in the West Midlands and surrounding counties has successfully increased by over a third. Since the inception of the Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP) in 2012, an extra 2262 cadets and 137 new Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) are now located in over 42 units. This includes…

Armed Forces friendly employers take home Gold Award

Fifteen businesses from the West Midlands region have been presented with the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a special ceremony in Cardiff. The joint regional event held on 17th November at HMS CAMBRIA saw employers from Wales, West Midlands and Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets Associations’ (RFCA) recognised for the outstanding support they give to the Armed Forces community….

School gives thanks to those who serve

A Birmingham-based school is one of the latest education providers to formally pledge its support to the wider forces community. King Solomon International Business School in Aston teaches children from foundation year through to sixth form.  Offering a wide and vibrant curriculum, the school’s key visions and values are to promote diversity, peace, kindness and mutual respect – based on the virtues associated…

Black Country and West Birmingham NHS pledges support to Armed Forces community

On Monday 8th November we welcomed seven NHS organisations from the Black Country and West Birmingham Integrated Care System (ICS) to sign the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) at a virtual signing. This is the first ICS to sign up to the Covenant within the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association’s (RFCA) region. The Black Country and West Birmingham ICS comprises 15 local…

Record breaking fifty employers receive coveted Ministry of Defence Award

Fifty employers from the West Midlands region have received their Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Awards from West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (West Midland RFCA). The ERS was launched in 2014 to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant. The scheme encompasses bronze, silver and gold awards for the employers that pledge, demonstrate…

Employers recognised for long-term support to Armed Forces

Two organisations from the West Midlands have achieved the highest honour available for companies who support Defence – for the second time. Bureau Veritas UK and Pertemps Limited have both previously been awarded a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold in 2017 for their outstanding support towards the Armed Forces community. In the five years since they were originally awarded the accolades, their continued…