West Midland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association

Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards
2021-11-17
Today we recognise all our supportive employers who have been awarded their Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards in 2021.
This event is currently planned to be held in person and will be by invitation only.

Remembrance Day
2021-11-11

Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards
2021-11-03
Today we recognise all our supportive employers who have been awarded their Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards in 2021.
This event is currently planned to be held in person and will be by invitation only.

Armed Forces Covenant Business Breakfast
2021-10-25 07:45 - 10:15 (Europe/London) | E Company 8 Rifles (Shrewsbury Army Reserve Centre), Copthorne Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 8LZ, United Kingdom
Join our Armed Forces Covenant Business Breakfast hosted in partnership with Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council.
We will introduce the Armed Forces Covenant and its support activity throughout the county, and you can also learn more about Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Awards which recognise the support that organisations provide to the wider Armed Forces community, both in your workplace and your local area.
Hear from two of this year’s organisations who were recognised with ERS Gold and Silver Awards; Landau Ltd and Brightstar Boxing Academy. Both inspirational organisations are also recipients of the Queen’s Awards, and will talk about their Armed Forces Covenant commitments and the benefits of ‘Partnering with Defence’.
For those interested in learning more about the Armed Forces Covenant and its activity around the county it’s an ideal opportunity to ask questions and meet other like-minded businesses, with breakfast and networking time included.
Hosted at E Company 8 Rifles’ Army Reserve Centre in Shrewsbury, it’s also an excellent chance for you to connect with your local Army Reserve unit.
If you would like to find out more about the event, please contact our Employer Engagement team on wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk
To book your free place at the event at the Armed Forces Covenant Business Breakfast, visit our Eventbrite page.

Stepway Veteran Community Day
2021-10-15 10:00 - 15:30 | Millennium Point, B4 7XG
Stepway are holding a free veteran community day at Millennium Point in Birmingham on 15th October.
Over 50 organisations will be attending to highlight the services, job opportunities and support that they can offer the veteran community.
An ideal event for any veterans in our local region who may be seeking advice, or are interested in finding out what resources could be available to access from the education, welfare, healthcare and legal sectors, and training and employment opportunities.
Our employer engagement team will also be there on the day, ready to help provide guidance and information to organisations who help to support the veteran and Armed Forces Community. They can also explain how your support lends itself well to the Armed Forces Covenant – and how you could be formally recognised by Defence for your help.
Find out more about the event on Stepway’s website: https://www.stepway.org/veteran-community-day/

Black Country Business Festival: How our Armed Forces Reservists can be good for business
2021-10-07 08:00 - 22:30 | Carters Green Army Reserve Centre, United Kingdom
Join us as part of the Black Country Business Festival to discover all you need to know about the Armed Forces Covenant, the role of the Armed Forces Reserves, and how their skills and qualifications can be transferred into your business.
With the Reserve Forces making up nearly one third of the UK’s Armed Forces, they receive the same world-class training as their Regular counterparts. Not only do they learn military skills, but they gain strong leadership, communication, teamwork, organisation and problem solving skills; all highly desirable skills to have in the civilian workplace.
Join us for a special networking event and hear from:

Captain Andy Johnstone from the Army Reserves – 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
Reservist stories
West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
Secure Pro (ERS Silver 2021 award winner)

You will better understand the process of employing Reservists and also learn about the Employer Recognition Scheme, which publicly recognises employers’ efforts to support Defence and the Armed Forces Community.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
When?
Thursday 7 October from 08:00am – 10:30am. In person event.
Where?
Army Reserve Centre (237 Supply Squadron – 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps), Normandy House, Carters Green, West Bromwich, B70 9LP
Book your tickets online at the Black Country Business Festival’s website: https://bcbf-2021.ticketleap.com/how-our-armed-forces-reservists-can-be-good-for-business/
Find out more about how employing Reservists in your workforce could be beneficial to your business.

The DRIVE Initiative
2021-09-17 10:00 - 2021-09-18 17:00 | BCU The Pavilion, Birmingham City University, Moor Lane, Birmingham, West Midlands, B6 7AA, United Kingdom
West Midland RFCA are pleased to be sponsoring The DRIVE Initiative. A unique event for schools and colleges designed to develop confidence, demonstrate practical use of STEM and to highlight the opportunities that are available across the military and Blue Light Services for a diverse range of talents and backgrounds.
Event dates and times
17th September 2021 from 10:00 to 16:00
18th September 2021 from 10:00 to 17:00
Host
Kul Mahay, former Police Superintendent and Cofounder of Tripotential CIC
Speakers
– Lord-Lieutenant John Crabtree OBEVice Lord-Lieutenant
– Professor Helen Higson OBE
– Gavin Williamson CBE MP, Secretary of State for Education
– Andy Street CBE, Metro Mayor for the West Midlands
– Samuel Reddy, Former British Army and Cofounder of Tripotential CIC
What you can expect
– Opportunity for young people between 15 and 25 years old to engage with members of the military and blue light services.
– Exercises to test and build leadership capability.
– Conference for educators and community influencers to understand the values and diverse opportunities within the uniformed services.
– Each young person who attends will receive a Lord-Lieutenant’s ‘Community Engagement’ certificate.
– Refreshments and meals will be provided.
Attendance is limited and there are only 20 places per day available per school/college, so to book your places visit this link – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wm-drive-initiative-supporting-wm-regions-8-gatsby-benchmark-tickets-162671445673

451 (Stourbridge) Squadron Air Training Corps Open Evening
2021-08-23 19:30 - 20:30 | Stourbridge Army Reserve Centre
Do you know any young people in or around the Stourbridge area, who may like to join the Royal Air Force Air Cadets?

451 Stourbridge Squadron Air Training Corps are holding an open evening on the 23rd August – an ideal chance see the unit, meet current cadets, staff and parents, and have a taster of the activities they take part in!

More details below:

Landau Remembrance Garden Project
2021-08-21 | ST3 3NW
Landau Ltd are launching a new Remembrance Garden Project in Stoke-on-Trent, and are inviting veterans and their families to be part of the creation process. Join them from 10am on the 21st August to help shape the development of the garden.
More details can be found on the flyer below:

Military to Business Showcase
2021-07-29 13:00 - 16:00 | Hereford Racecourse, Roman Road, Hereford, HR4 9QU, United Kingdom
One of West Midland RFCA’s supportive employers, NMITE, is again holding their Military to Business Showcase, sponsored by Kinetic6.
The aim of the event is to promote:
– Support available to Veteran community, Military leavers, spouses and children.
– Showcase successful businesses set up by Veterans
– Showcase career pathways available in local businesses to Military leavers
– Networking
Representatives from West Midland RFCA will also be in attendance as a number of businesses pledge their support to the Military community and sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
For more details and to register for the event.

Armed Forces Day
2021-06-26
Armed Forces Week celebrations begin on Monday 21st June when the Armed Forces Day flag is traditionally raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.
The National Event in 2021 was meant to be held in Scarborough, but unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic this has been postponed until 2022.
Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, including serving troops to service families, Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and cadets.

Reserves Day
2021-06-23
Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the regular military.
The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and are key to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. However, the contribution they make to our Armed Forces often goes unrecognised. Reserves Day was created to highlight and recognise the valuable contribution Reservists make to our Armed Forces.
Employers are being asked to thank our Reservists across the UK for their dedication, professionalism and commitment to serving our country. Whether you are a large organisation, small business, charity or self-employed, show your support on 23rd June by holding a workplace talk, organising an event or just publicly showing your support to celebrate Reserves Day. Look at the toolkits for more suggestions.

A Rich Source of Talent: Recruiting from the Armed Forces
2021-06-22 13:00 - 14:30 | Online webinar
Every year, over 14,000 individuals leave the Armed Forces. They are of widely different ages, have a range of qualifications and experience and offer a rich source of talent. Everyone who leaves will have different personal circumstances and aspirations, but the adjustment from the military environment to the civilian world is an issue common to all.
Veterans and service leavers are a highly sought-after talent pool of skilled and adaptable individuals, ready to bring their wealth of experience to the civilian job market.
Military Service fosters leadership, organisational skills, resilience and many other brilliant qualities which are a great asset to any business. Members of the forces community have a positive mindset, are able to get things done and aren’t afraid of responsibility. Military people are flexible, as they’re used to being thrown blind into situations anywhere in the world and getting on with it.
This is a well-trained, work-ready talent pool.
Join us for our free webinar and find out how working with the Armed Forces community can benefit your business. Attendees will gain an appreciation of the rich source of talent and skills within the Armed Forces community and the associated advantages of signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The event will include presentations from:

Career Transition Partnership
Forces Families Jobs
Officers Association
The Poppy Factory
BuildForce

You can find out more from contacting our Employer Engagement team on email at wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk or booking your place for our webinar via our EventBrite page.
Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant.

Armed Forces Week - Flag Raisings
2021-06-21
Today is the start of Armed Forces Week and to mark this flag raising events will take place across the country.

West Midland RFCA Annual General Meeting 2021
2021-06-10 11:00 - 12:30 | Virtual event
This year’s Annual General Meeting will be a virtual event running from 11:00 – 12:15. This event is being held by invitation only.

Online Workshop: An Introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant
2021-05-06 13:00 - 13:45 | Zoom
Join our Employer Engagement team for our Introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant online workshop to find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and partnering with Defence.
The aim of the event is to provide a concise overview on the value of signing the AFC and building mutually beneficial partnerships with Defence.
We will also provide some best practice ideas for how you can help to support the Armed Forces community (which includes the Regular and Reserve Forces, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military spouses).
It is an ideal event for any employers or organisations who are relatively new to the concept of the AFC and would like to learn more about the benefits it can bring.
The covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve or have served, and their families, which says we will do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives. Whether you are an SME or large international organisation, education provider, charity or local authority provider, you can play a part in helping to support those who serve.
How can I book my place?
Please email Bobby Birdi at wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk to register your interest for our Introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant workshop.
Find out more about how your organisation can support Defence.
View a list of organisations who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.

Armed Forces Covenant & Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance NHS partnering event
2021-03-31 10:30 - 11:30 | Zoom webinar
Join us for our online event as we explore how the NHS and Defence can work together to support the wider forces family, and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
This event is designed for senior leaders within the NHS and will provide an overview of the Armed Forces Covenant, Employer Recognition Scheme and Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance in the Midlands.
The aim is to support activity for the benefit of the Armed Forces community, including the Regular and Reserve Forces, veterans, cadet forces and military families.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve or who have served, and their families, which says we will do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives. 27 NHS Trusts in the Midlands are still to sign the Covenant and this event is designed to raise awareness and support this endeavour.
‘Veterans Aware’ accredited trusts demonstrate their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant in their support for the Armed Forces community as an employer and in the treatment, care and services they provide. This event will give an overview of the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance and how this supports the ‘Getting It Right First Time’ programme.
There will also be an opportunity to hear about the work of 202 (Midlands) Field Hospital, an Army Reserve unit based in the West Midlands. Supporting our Reserve Forces has great benefits for employers, staff and the nation.
How can I book my place?
To book your place please sign up via Eventbrite.
For more information please contact our Regional Employer Engagement Director, Bobby Birdi,via email wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk
Find out more about the covenant or supporting the Armed Forces community.

Army Engagement Team Live Virtual Broadcast
2021-03-16 13:55 - 15:00 | Virtual event
Join Colonel David Marshall, Deputy Commander of HQ 11 Signal & West Midlands Brigade and the Army Engagement Team for a live virtual broadcast event and Q&A. This is the Army Engagement Team’s West Midlands event and will providing a greater awareness and understanding of the British Army in the West Midlands.
This event is open to all who may be interested in finding out more about the Army in our region!
Please register via their broadcast form.
You can find out more about the Presentation Team.

Virtual Conference: Partnering with Defence 2021
2021-03-11 10:00 - 13:05 | Online Conference
This year the 2021 Partnering with Defence Conference (PWD) will be an all virtual event.
Organised by Defence Relationship Management, the Partnering with Defence conference brings together hundreds of employers and Defence representatives to discuss topics which impact both Defence and industry. This conference has run annually for 6 years with the aim is to inform delegates about the mutual benefit of organisations partnering with Defence.
The Theme this year is Ministry of Defence’s Response to Future Crises.
UK Ministry of Defence’s Response to Future Crises: an opportunity to discuss the potential response to future crises out to 2030. Our conference will examine the challenges of the next decade and how the UK might achieve greater resilience. The Partnering with Defence conference will look at how an integrated force of regulars and reserves can provide a network that extends across defence, government, industry, academia and into the heart of society itself.
For more information, or to book your place, visit the PWD Conference website.

Online Workshop: An Introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant
2021-03-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom webinar
Join our Employer Engagement team for an online workshop to find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) and partnering with Defence.
The aim of the event is to provide a concise overview on the value of signing the AFC and building mutually beneficial partnerships with Defence. We will also provide some best practice ideas for how you can help to support the Armed Forces community (which includes the Regular and Reserve Forces, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and military spouses).
It is an ideal event for any employers or organisations who are relatively new to the concept of the AFC and would like to learn more about the benefits it can bring.
The covenant is a promise from the nation to those who serve or have served, and their families, which says we will do all we can to ensure they are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their day-to-day lives. Whether you are an SME or large international organisation, education provider, charity or local authority provider, you can play a part in helping to support those who serve.
How can I book my place?
Please register via Eventbrite or email Bobby Birdi at wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk for a calendar invite.
Find out more about how your organisation can support Defence.

Regional Briefing
2021-02-23 14:00 - 15:30 | Online Webinar
We are holding our virtual Regional Briefing for all Association Members and selected guests. The briefing will provide an update on Association and Armed Forces Covenant activity followed by an update from the Royal Navy Presentation Team.
Invitations were sent out week commencing 25th January 2021, if you have not received an invitation and are interested in attending please contact our Head of Communications, Jacqui Taylor, on wm-comms@rfca.mod.uk

Webinar: Empowering our Youth
2021-02-09 11:00 - 12:15 | Online webinar
Investing in our young people now is vital to developing the next generation of adults, and to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully navigate careers and adult life.
There’s a huge range of opportunities available to do this – many of which can be found in the local community or by partnering with different organisations.
Defence and the Armed Forces is just one of those sectors who have successfully worked with community and youth groups to inspire and develop the next generation.
By offering mentoring, coaching, sports sessions and practical activities, they have engaged with young people from a variety of backgrounds.
But what are the benefits of this to our community and youth groups, and what can they offer you? Join us for our Empowering our Youth webinar to hear from members of the Armed Forces as they share how they have worked with young people and how it can bring a positive impact to your group.
It’s an excellent opportunity to ask questions, hear inspiring stories and find out more – ideal for any youth or community groups who are looking to develop their young people or try new activities during 2021!
For more information or to book your place, please email our team – wm-eeao1@rfca.mod.uk

International Women's Day
2021-02-08 | Social Media
This week we are joining in the celebrations for International Women’s Day and will be sharing videos from inspiring women across the Armed Forces and Cadets on our social media platforms.

Gold ERS Workshop
2021-01-27 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Conference
Our Regional Employer Engagement Team are hosting a virtual workshop for any Armed Forces Covenant signatories who would like to progress from the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award to the Gold ERS Award this year.
Discussions will be around the requirements to achieve Silver, the submission of interest deadline and the application deadline.

Silver ERS Workshop
2021-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 | Online Conference
Our Regional Employer Engagement Team are hosting a virtual workshop for any Armed Forces Covenant signatories who would like to progress from the Bronze Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award to the Silver ERS Award this year.
Discussions will be around the requirements to achieve Silver, the submission of interest deadline and the application deadline.

Webinar: Conquering the Abyss
2021-01-21 14:00 - 15:30 | Online webinar
Careers and business paths can sometimes be filled with challenges and uncertainties, which often requires venturing into the unknown.
Join us at our event in partnership with Future Finest in Staffordshire, to hear from our three military guest speakers who will share their experiences of dealing with the unknown, and how they have overcome the challenges that have faced them by drawing on the skills they have developed.
One of our guest speakers, Major Sandy Hennis, was one of six women known as the ‘Ice Maidens’ who faced the blistering cold as they embarked on a British Army expedition to become the first all-female group to ski across the Antarctic using muscle power alone.
The team battled their way across perilous terrain, enduring extreme winds and gruelling temperatures to face their fears and conquer the abyss. Major Sandy Hennis’ career has also seen her serve across the globe including tours in Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan.
We also welcome guest speaker Andy Johnstone – a close combat soldier for 26 years in many areas with global conflict. Andy has held several leadership roles ranging from command of a four-man team in Northern Ireland to a unit 170 strong in Afghanistan. From 2012-2014 Andy was appointed senior non-clinical soldier, helping injured soldiers rebuild their lives, and is now a full-time Army Reservist.
Captain D Gibson will share insights into his time serving in the Falkland Islands, Middle East and Afghanistan. In 2013 he completed a Master’s Degree in Pharmacy (MPharm) and in the same year attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Prior to his current position serving as the Adjutant of the 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, he was commissioned as a Regular Officer into the Royal Logistic Corps and was deployed to Cyprus, Iraq, Syria and Kuwait with a combination of NATO, UN and US SOCOM forces. Aged 33, David is a keen skier and long-distance runner.
Please join us for these inspirational talks – don’t miss out! You can find out more and book your free tickets on the event link below:
https://staffordshirechambers.co.uk/events-calendar/conquering-the-abyss/

Online event: Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards ceremony (West Midlands)
2020-11-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Zoom
As we are unable to hold this year’s Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards ceremony in person, we are pleased to announce that for the first time ever, we will be taking this event online!
We will be celebrating our twenty-two incredible employers who have achieved their Silver Awards, hearing about their success and recognising their dedication.
Not only will we be hearing from our winning organisations, but we are delighted to have several distinguished guest speakers from the military and our Association joining us on the day.
We’re really looking forward to joining you all.
Please note this is a closed invitation only event – if you have not received your invitation, please contact our employer engagement team on wm-reed2@rfca.mod.uk
You can follow our Silver Awards news via our social media platforms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Youtube.

Zoom Talk: Remembrance Day
2020-11-11 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
To mark Remembrance Day this year, our Association would like to invite you to a insightful online talk by military historian Robert Palmer, founder of www.britishmilitaryhistory.co.uk

Join us on the 11th November as we pay tribute to the men and women of previous generations, and of today’s generation, who served and sacrificed to defend our nation.
We will honour the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died in the First and Second World Wars, ensuring they will never be forgotten.
Rob Palmer will be putting together a special presentation to bring home the importance of Remembrance Day. The presentation will contain stories from his visits to memorial sites across the world, sharing the experiences of people from the UK, India and Myanmar.
We would love to ‘see’ as many of you virtually, for what will be a fitting opportunity to mark this day together and share a two minute silence in honour to those who have sacrificed themselves to secure and protect our freedom.
Please can you confirm your attendance by emailing our Employer Engagement team at wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk
Image: Crown Copyright

Webinar: Good Mental Health is Good for Business
2020-11-05 14:00 - 15:15 | Zoom webinar
Join us for a special mental wellbeing webinar on the 5th November co-hosted by our Association and the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce.
During the Covid-19 pandemic we have found ourselves in unprecedented and never before experienced circumstances that has completely altered how we professionally and socially interact. For many of us, this in turn has led to considerable uncertainty, anxiety and fear of what the future holds.
What impact can we anticipate will emerge and how can we combat its effects? This Webinar will offer a short overview of how those with military experience could help in that fight and offer an insight into the current military approach to mental health, which will help to develop personal leadership in challenging times.
We have some fantastic guest speakers lined up to talk to you, including:

Pete White – Pete White Consulting, veteran (RAF), mental health trainer, speaker, consultant and author who works closely with the NHS Veteran’s Mental Health Complex Treatment Service.
Anne Segalini – Occupational Therapist lead for Defence Medical Rehabiliation Centre (DRMC), will discuss the DMRC’s experience around mental health and its approach to rehabilitation.
WO1 Andy Johnstone 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps – formerly the Regimental Sergeant Major and Assurance Officer for the Army’s Personnel Recovery Capability, will provide an overview of a holistic tool used by the Army in order to assist individuals with Transition, Individual Life Planning and Personnel Development.
Andy Sloan from Walking with the Wounded, will talk a little about their work with veterans to raise awareness of some of the challenges they and those they seek to support face

When?
The webinar will take place from 14:00 – 15:15 on Thursday 5th November via Zoom.
How can I book my place?
Please visit the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce’s event webpage here to book your place. Or email wm-reed2@rfca.mod.uk
We look forward to ‘seeing’ you virtually!

National Muslim Service of Commemoration
2020-11-04 18:30 - 19:45 | Zoom
This year’s National Muslim Service of Commemoration which will take place on 4th November from 18:30 – 19:45.
The Service is a way to commemorate Armed Forces personnel who have and continue to display selfless commitment for the safety of others, whether deployed overseas or fighting the current pandemic at home. The event provides an opportunity to learn more about the significant contribution by Muslims for Britain during WW2 as well as about the current UK Armed Forces support being provided to the NHS in the battle against coronavirus.
The guest speakers will be:

Baroness Goldie DL, Minister of State for Defence
Major General David Eastman MBE, General Officer Commanding HQ Regional Command
Dr Ghee Bowman, Historian – Exeter University
Mr Maqsood Ahmad OBE, CEO British Muslim Heritage Centre
Imam Asim Hafiz OBE, Islamic Advisor to MOD

Zoom details will be provided on 3rd Nov to those who register.
Please register here: https://forms.gle/XfJMemWi7TZJmvLEA
