West Midland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association

Regional Briefing
2021-02-23 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Reserves Day
2021-06-23 | Kings Heath
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.

Armed Forces Day
2021-06-26 | Kings Heath
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.

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.

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:

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:

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

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.

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/

Armed Forces Covenant Business Breakfast
2021-10-25 07:45 - 10:15 | 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.

Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards
2021-11-03 | Kings Heath
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.

Remembrance Day
2021-11-11 | Kings Heath

Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards
2021-11-17 | Kings Heath
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.

Value of Reservists in the workplace
2022-03-03 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom webinar
Have you ever wondered what employing a Reservist entails? Or how employing members of the military community can benefit your workforce? Maybe you have questions about the effects that mobilisation of Reservists could bring to your business.
Join our Association for an online forum as we explore all of these key questions, and share first-hand insights from those who have experienced being a Reservist themselves, or employ members of the Armed Forces community in their organisations.
On the agenda we’ll be covering three main topics:

The value of Reservists to your company
The Armed Forces Reservist mobilisation process.
Feedback from the 2021 Employer Attitude Survey.

To guide us through these questions our key speakers will include:
Mr Richard Toy – Chief Executive at Auctus Management Group Limited
Mr Darren Knight – HM Forces Liaison Manager at Pertemps Network Group Limited
Mr Philip Sinclair – West Midland RFCA
The event is free to attend and open to any employers in the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire regions, who may like to learn more about any of the above topics – a great opportunity to ask your questions!
To register your interest and book your place, visit our Eventbrite event page:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/value-of-reservists-in-the-workplace-tickets-259338838447

ABF The Soldiers' Charity present: The Band of the Mercian Regiment
2022-04-02 19:00 | Stoke Minster, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1JH
Join ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for an evening of music from The Band of the Mercian Regiment, at Stoke Minster.
Doors open at 7pm and the concert starts at 7:30pm.
You can purchase tickets from Music Mania in Hanley, or find out more via ABF The Soldiers’ Charity website.

210 (Staffordshire) Battery Open Day
2022-05-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Army Reserve Centre Fallings Park, Army Reserve Centre, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, WV10 9QR, United Kingdom
On Tuesday 17th May 210 (Staffordshire) Battery are giving you an opportunity to see what they do, how they do it, and how they can make a difference to both you and the United Kingdom.
Event information:
• Stands demonstrating capability and equipment.
• Networking opportunity with other employers and Reservists.
• Armed Forces Covenant, employer and recruiting support.
• Buffet dinner and refreshments provided.
• Dress Casual clothing.
To be held at The Army Reserve Centre, Falling’s Park, WV10 9QR
Arrival 19:00
Departure 21:00
RSVP here

West Midland RFCA AGM
2022-06-09 | Kings Heath
We are holding our Annual General Meeting in Herefordshire this year. (Please note attendance is by invitation only).

Armed Forces Week
2022-07-25 - 2022-07-30 | Kings Heath
For one week every June we join in with the national celebration of our Armed Forces and bring you stories from our across our Armed Forces family. Some of these stories will be shared on our website, but the majority of the campaign is across social media so make sure you are following us to stay up to date with the latest news.

Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club Military Match Day
2022-09-03 11:15 - 17:30 | Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club, Billesley Common, Yardley Wood Road, Billesley, Birmingham, B13 0HN, United Kingdom
Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club are holding a Military Match Day at their stadium on Saturday 3rd September 2022. The event will launch with the opening of the Military Village at 11:15, where members of the Armed Forces will be on hand with family friendly activities.
Units in attendance will include Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team, 202 Field Hospital, A Company 5th Royal Regiment Fusiliers, 159 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Royal Navy, Military Preparation College for Training, Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force and Unmanned Air Veterans.
At 11:45 the Colts team will play their game and then 15:00 will be Birmingham Moseley against Sale. During the main match the Red Devils Display Team are planning to parachute into the stadium, and the club will sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
To thank Armed Forces personnel for their service to the United Kingdom, Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club is giving members of the forces and their families free admission to the game (maximum of two adults and three children) – all you need to do is present your military ID card at the signposted ticket office on the day of the game in exchange for match tickets.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit their matchday webpage.

Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards Ceremony 2022
2022-09-21 | Kings Heath
The Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards Ceremony 2022 will celebrate all of our supportive employers who have been awarded with this prestigious accolade this year.
This is a closed event by invitation only.
You can find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme Awards process on our employer pages.

Greater Birmingham Business Expo 2022
2022-10-14 10:45 - 14:45 | Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham, B5 7QU, United Kingdom
The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce are aiming to welcome over 800 business contacts from across the Greater Birmingham region, to their 2022 Business Expo.
Our Employer Engagement team will have a stand at the Expo which is being held at Edgbaston Stadium. If you are planning to attend please pop along and say hello to them, and find out more about how your organisation can benefit from supporting the Armed Forces community in your workforce and local communities.
The team’s stand location will be TBC nearer the time.
More details about the Business Expo 2022 can be found here: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events/events-calendar/listing/autumn-expo-2022/details
Learn more about the work of our Employer Engagement team.

Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards Ceremony 2022
2022-11-02 | Kings Heath
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards Ceremony 2022 will celebrate all of our supportive employers who have been awarded with their Gold Award this year. The Gold level award is the highest level of recognition within the scheme, formally recognising the organisations who go the extra mile to support the wider forces community.
This is a closed event by invitation only.
You can find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme Awards process on our employer pages.
