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…
On Thursday 16th September 2021 The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO officially launched Youth Organisations in Uniform West Midlands (YOU West Midlands) at a special event during his visit to Birmingham YOU West Midlands is a collaboration of the 11 Youth Organisations in Uniform across Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton, who currently comprise some 20,000 young people The 11 Youth…
Over the summer more than 20 members of 4 MERCIAN HQ Company took part in adventure training at the Pioneer Centre near Wolverhampton. This opportunity was partially funded by West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association and provided a great opportunity for team building, especially for the new recruits. Private James Cooling tells us more about the day: “The day started with the…
A drive to promote career opportunities for young people in the military and blue light services is being supported and promoted by West Midlands Lieutenancy as part of a ‘first-time ever’ programme to encourage young people to use their skills within the uniformed services. The DRIVE initiative is designed to demonstrate that the uniformed services offer significant opportunities for young people to use…
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…
This question has a multitude of different answers depending on the author and so instead of attempting to define what strong leadership looks like I would like to pose some thought provoking questions. A standard definition of leadership is defined as ‘the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal’. Therefore, this short article will look to…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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