West Midland RFCA

193 organisations awarded gold for support to the Armed Forces

Nearly 200 organisations have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community, as they are announced as this year’s Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holders. A record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013. The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting…

Silver West Midlands employers announced

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are very pleased to announce that 26 organisations in their region are confirmed as Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award winners for 2023. This Ministry of Defence award recognises companies for their support to the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, Veterans, spouses, Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and Cadets. Silver award holders must demonstrate a number…

Midlands Reserve unit trains with Canadian Army

In March 2023 nine British Army personnel from 37 Signal Regiment were deployed on a two week training exercise to Labrador in Canada as part of a Canadian 5 Division annual Arctic Company Response Group (ARCG) validation activity. Giving them the opportunity to operate in cold weather conditions and practice battle task standards such as offensive patrolling and urban operations. The initial journey…

Reservists successfully reach Everest Base Camp

Fourteen members of 37th Signal Regiment set off on an expedition of a lifetime to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. After pre-deployment training to focus on mountain fitness, first aid and navigation in Wales at Capel Curig, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdonia) and Moel Siabod, the group flew into Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Packing three weeks of expedition kit into 15kg duffel bags and…

‘Going For Gold’ event launches in the West Midlands

On 2nd March 2023, West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association held its first-ever ‘Going for Gold’ event at DRPG’s studios in Worcestershire. Emphasising the importance of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, the event aimed to encourage and recognise over 90 corporate organisations, from across their region, that support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families. Creative…

Summit Learning Trust pledges their support to the Armed Forces community

On the 7th March Summit Learning Trust hosted a collective Armed Forces Covenant signing event at Solihull Sixth Form College. A total of 10 Armed Forces Covenants were signed by Summit Learning Trust and all eight of their member academies, and South Birmingham SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training).  The event was organised by Summit Learning Trust in collaboration with our Association.  The Summit…

West Midland RFCA welcomes 1000th Armed Forces Covenant signee

West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA) are pleased to welcome City of Birmingham Rockets as the 1000th company, within the West Midland RFCA region, to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and pledge their support to the Armed Forces community. The Armed Forces Covenant was introduced by the Ministry of Defence in 2014 and is used across the country for businesses to…

Army Cadets enjoy adventure-packed week in Cyprus

Over the October half term 24 cadets from Shropshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) travelled to Cyprus for a week of challenging outdoor adventure training. Mountain biking, diving, paddle boarding, mini-golf and trips to cultural sites filled their action-packed week designed to build confidence and courage, and increase their knowledge, teamwork and leadership skills. One of the highlights of the trip proved to be…

Armed Forces friendly employers win Gold

Five businesses from the West Midlands RFCA region have been presented with the prestigious Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award at a special ceremony in Staffordshire. The joint regional event held on 2nd November at The National Memorial Arboretum saw twenty-three employers from East and West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Associations’ regions recognised for the outstanding support they give to the…