West Midland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association

Armed Forces Covenant & Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance NHS partnering event
2021-03-31 10:30 - 11:30 (Europe/London) | 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

Webinar: History of the West Indies and the British Armed Forces (WAWI Project)
2020-10-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Online Webinar
Join us on the 14th October for our fascinating online event on Zoom entitled ‘History of the West Indies and the British Armed Forces’ hosted in association with ‘The Why Are West Indian Project’ (WAWI).
The presentation by Horace Barnes, Chairperson at WAWI Project and recent signee of the Armed Forces Covenant, will cover some of the history of the West India Regiments, including their involvement as an important part of the British Army in helping to expand the British Empire.
There will also be an opportunity to watch footage of the victory parade that took place on 8th July 1946, when soldiers from across the British Empire arrived in London to take part in the official commemoration at the end of war in Europe.
The principle aim of the WAWI Project is bring communities together by promoting Caribbean Military contribution within the British Armed Forces.
It will be a brilliant chance to celebrate the part our communities have played in our Armed Forces, and learn more about our shared history.
Please email wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk to confirm your attendance, or call Bobby on 07864957035 for further information.

Why the Armed Forces Covenant is #GoodforBusiness
2020-09-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Online Webinar
A joint online webinar with Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and West Midland RFCA.
Full details of the event are to be confirmed, and will be update here shortly.

Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub
2020-08-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub – a chance for members of the Armed Forces Community to get together online.

Citizens Advice Telford & The Wrekin are holding weekly virtual hubs for members of the Armed Forces community, serving, veterans or family members, all are welcome.

The hubs will take place every Tuesday at 11 am, on Zoom. The speakers confirmed for this week are from the NHS.
Register for the event here.

Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub
2020-08-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub – a chance for members of the Armed Forces Community to get together online.

Citizens Advice Telford & The Wrekin are holding weekly virtual hubs for members of the Armed Forces community, serving, veterans or family members, all are welcome.

The hubs will take place every Tuesday at 11 am, on Zoom. They have speakers confirmed for the next few weeks, which are detailed below:
Tuesday 11th August – Fire Service.
Tuesday 18th August – NHS.
Register for free here.

Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub
2020-07-28 11:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub – a chance for members of the Armed Forces Community to get together online.

Citizens Advice Telford & The Wrekin are holding weekly virtual hubs for members of the Armed Forces community, serving, veterans or family members, all are welcome.

The hubs will take place every Tuesday at 11 am, on Zoom. They have speakers confirmed for the next few weeks, which are detailed below:
Tuesday 28th – RAF Museum Cosford.
Tuesday 11th August – Fire Service.
Tuesday 18th August – NHS.
Register for free here.

Being a Stoic Pilgrim: Peak Performance through Leadership
2020-07-21 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Webinar
An Armed Forces Covenant sponsored mental well being webinar co-hosted by the Richard Maybery CE WM RFCA and Sara Williams CE of The Staffordshire Chamber.
As we all find ourselves in unprecedented and never before experienced circumstances that completely alters how we professionally and socially interact, what impact can we anticipate will emerge and how can we combat its effects? ‘Being a Stoic Pilgrim’ will explore how positive psychology can help develop personal leadership in challenging times.
Our guest speaker is a former soldier with a Special Forces background. Martin Murphy is an author, speaker, and advisor on the subjects of leadership, elite teams, peak performance and personal development. He has considerable experience of living in and dealing with the effects of a challenging environment and will introduce us to the ‘Stoic Pilgrim’, offering some insight how as business leaders you might best prepare yourselves and your teams to manage returning to ‘normal”.

Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub
2020-07-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub – a chance for members of the Armed Forces Community to get together online.

Citizens Advice Telford & The Wrekin are holding weekly virtual hubs for members of the Armed Forces community, serving, veterans or family members, all are welcome.

The hubs will take place every Tuesday at 11 am, on Zoom. They have speakers confirmed for the next few weeks, which are detailed below:
Tuesday 21st – Paradyme Consulting. Talk on Mental Health.
Tuesday 28th – RAF Museum Cosford.
Tuesday 11th August – Fire Service.
Tuesday 18th August – NHS.
Register for free here.

Armed Forces Day
2020-06-27
Armed Forces Day – Saturday 27th June
Armed Forces Week celebrations begin on Monday 22nd June when the Armed Forces Day flag is traditionally raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.
The National Event in 2020 was meant to be held in Scarborough, but unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic this has been cancelled.
Armed Forces Day on 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, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers and cadets.
Find out more about Armed Forces Day and how you can get involved on our webpage.

Army Engagement Team live virtual broadcast event with Q&A
2020-06-25 14:30 - 15:30
Join the Army Engagement Team for their virtual broadcast which will provide you with greater awareness and understanding of the British Army. Normally held as a physical event, the team will be taking this event online for the first time in line with social distancing.
Their presentation includes information to highlight how the Army serves the UK, as well as current information on how the Army is supporting the Government’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. With live questions, you can find out how the British Army is serving our nation. All are welcome to attend and find out more.
You can access and register for the live broadcast here at https://virtualbroadcast.yourarmy.co.uk

Joining the Reserves - a presentation by the Armed Forces (via Zoom)
2020-06-24 14:00 - 15:00
The West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadet Association would like to invite you to a free online zoom event to mark Armed Forces & Reserves Day 2020.
This webinar is aimed at those who are interested in finding out more about the Royal Navy Reserves, Army Reserves or Royal Air Force Reserves.
The Reserve Forces are a vital component of our Armed Forces and make an essential contribution to our security. Reservists contribute to society over and above most other citizens; balancing their military duties with their other work and family commitments.
The training, skills and experiences gained in the reserves can be used to improve performance in the workplace and can enhance skills in areas such as leadership, team work, communication and decision making often in challenging situations and environments.
This special event will feature presentations from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force – this is a great opportunity to learn more and ask questions about whether Reserve service is for you.
This event will be held on Wednesday 24th June between 2pm – 3pm through Zoom. Please can you confirm your attendance by replying to Bobby Birdi at wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk. Once we receive your confirmation, we will send you a calendar invite with joining instructions. For more information, please contact the WM RFCA engagement team on 0121 274 2225.
You can find a great overview of the Reserve Forces on the below link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/armed-forces-reserves-a-quick-guide/armed-forces-reserves-a-quick-guide
Thank you for your interest in Reserve service and we hope to see you at the webinar!

Reserves Day
2020-06-24
Reserves Day – Wednesday 24th June 2020
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.
Find out more about the day and how you can take part our our webpage.

Reservists & COVID-19 - Black Country Chambers of Commerce Event
2020-06-23 14:00 - 15:00
The Chamber Military Network is running a free webinar with guest speakers to explore more about the Armed Forces, and how our local Reserves units have stepped up in response to COVID-19 and more.
This event is being hosted online on Zoom by Sarah Walker, Project Lead for the Chamber Military Network. It will feature a number of guest speakers including the Commanding Officer of 37th Signal Regiment, who will speak about their role in supporting Op Rescript as part of the COVID-19 response. Our Regional Employer Engagement Director will also discuss the roles of our Engagement team and how they can help support Reservists and the wider Armed Forces community.
For more details please visit the Black Country Chambers of Commerce event page.

An introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant - Asian Business Chambers of Commerce
2020-06-17 14:00 - 14:30
Join us in partnership with the Asian Business Chambers of Commerce for a special free webinar to explore the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant represents a promise to those who serve, or who have served, that they shall be treated fairly and face no disadvantage as a result of their service to the nation. Over 5000 organisations have made this public declaration of support – this webinar is an opportunity to find out more about how you can get involved.
Reserves and veterans bring world class transferable training to a business, paid for by Defence. The Armed Forces community can contribute real value to an organisation, both as employees and as customers. This webinar will help you understand how your business can create a mutually beneficial partnership with Defence, and what the benefits are of signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
For more information and to details of how to attend, please visit their events page.

Partnering with Defence - Armed Forces Covenant Webinar
2020-06-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom webinar
You are invited to join our Association at a special online event to mark Reserves Day and Armed Forces Day, ahead of Armed Forces Week.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions we are unable to host our annual Armed Forces Covenant networking event in person. But this year we are partnering with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, to hold this event online for the first time.
The event will be able to provide you with further awareness of how your business can benefit from working with Defence.
We have an excellent range of speakers lined up for you, including:

Neil Jackson, Director of DRM at the Ministry of Defence, will provide an overview of current objectives and the work being done to support the armed forces community in the workplace
Steve Lees, Armed Forces Programme Manager at Jaguar Land Rover, will give an overview of the how JLR supports its military personnel and what employing military personnel can bring to an organisation
Bryan Alexander, Employer Relations Manager at Career Transition Partnership (CTP), will provide an overview of the benefits of working with CTP– a high quality, no cost recruitment service for organisations seeking motivated people who are leaving the Armed Forces.

You can join us on Tuesday 16th June between 2pm – 3pm through Zoom. Please can you confirm your attendance by emailing Bobby Birdi at wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk. We will then send you a calendar invite with the Zoom meeting link.
If you have any questions about this event, or about your Armed Forces Covenant, do get in touch. Our Employer Engagement are keen to support you as required with any questions you have related to Defence People issues.
You can find out more about partnering with Defence on our employers webpage.

Meet the Marines - Birmingham
2020-06-02 19:30 - 21:00 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
Royal Marines Reserve Birmingham will be hosting a “Meet The Marines” day on the first Tuesday of every month.
So come along and see the excellent facilities on offer to you as a potential Royal Marines Reservist. It is also a great way to meet serving reservists and also those who are currently undergoing training.
If you are interested in joining the RMR this is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and to make your first step to achieving the coveted Green Beret.
For more information and to book visit their Facebook event page.

Royal British Legion Poppy Ride 2020
2020-05-31 | Battle Back Centre, Lilleshall
This year’s Poppy Ride for the Royal British Legion will start and finish at the Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, Shropshire.
There are three distances you can choose to cycle; 35km, 70km or 136km.
The three distance options all wind through the picturesque countryside and provide an opportunity for first time riders and sportive enthusiasts to ride alongside veteran. It really is a ride not to be missed.
The Battle Back Centre is a specialist recovery facility that supports wounded, injured and sick service personnel to either return to active duty or make a smooth transition to life outside of the Armed Forces.
You can find out more about the event on their webpage here.
