The ERS Gold award recognises employers who champion the Armed Forces community and turn that commitment into practical support. From enabling Reservists to train and serve, to supporting veterans, military families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, these organisations are making a difference in their workplaces and encouraging others to follow.

It was a real pleasure to bring together employers from across the West Midlands and Greater London, recognise their achievements and hear about the commitment behind their awards.

A huge congratulations to our ten West Midlands recipients:

• Dodd Group
• Jones Site Services & Installation
• MTC – Manufacturing Technology Centre
• Minerva Elite Performance
• North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust
• Rider Levett Bucknall RLB
• Sanctuary
• SPECIALIST COMPUTER CENTRES PLC
• Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service
• Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council

And to the ten Greater London recipients who celebrated alongside them:

• CMS Strategic
• First Response Facilities Management Ltd
• Radiocoms Systems Ltd
• SATOS Media
• The Not Forgotten
• Bromley FC Community Trust
• Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
• Gartner
• London Borough of Bromley
• Rackspace Technology

Thank you to Air Vice-Marshal Jo Lincoln MBE FCIPD, Colonel Steve Lowe and Commodore Paul Hill KVRM RD helping us mark this special occasion, alongside our Chair, Colonel Francis Acton, and Greater London RFCA Chief Executive Peter Germain.

Our thanks also go to our colleagues at Greater London RFCA, Defence Relationship Management, the Royal Air Force Club and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the evening a success.

To all our recipients: thank you for everything you do for the Armed Forces community. We look forward to seeing how you build on this achievement and inspire more employers to get involved.

To view the photos from the event, click here.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme recognises those exemplar employers who go the extra mile to show their support for the Armed Forces community.

There are three tiers of award – Bronze, Silver and Gold – for employers who first pledge, then demonstrate, then advocate support to the Armed Forces Community in alignment with the Armed Forces Covenant.

Before the employer is able to apply for an award they must first pledge their commitment by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Covenant templates are available online. If you would like to speak to someone about adding your own pledges, or other queries please contact wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk.

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Following the devastating loss of colleagues to suicide during his military service, including his best friend, Ed Mackenzie felt that something needed to be done to remember them at the National Memorial Arboretum. The memorial would provide a place where anyone who had lost a loved one, colleague or friend to suicide could come to remember them, either alone or alongside others who understood their loss. It was also hoped that creating a permanent memorial would bring conversations about suicide out of the shadows, encouraging greater openness and helping to prevent further loss of life.

Sgt Ed Mackenzie, who served with 1st Bn The Highlanders and 4 SCOTS and now serves as a reservist with 37 Royal Signals Regiment, established the charity alongside Cpl Stevie Nicol and Ed’s father, following the loss of another friend with whom they had served. Stevie served for 15 years with 4 SCOTS before being medically discharged.

Over the following five years, the charity’s mission expanded to include veterans and serving personnel from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, past and present. However, its founding principles have remained the same: veteran-to-veteran support and building the memorial.

Fundraising and Awareness Campaign

The first fundraising and awareness campaign saw three friends who had served together in 4 SCOTS kayak approximately 300 miles from near Liverpool to Putney Bridge in London. They raised an incredible £18,000, a remarkable achievement for a newly established, small charity.

A couple of years later, they undertook another kayaking challenge, travelling from Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester to East London and raising further much-needed funds. An auction evening in Fife also proved successful, while the charity received mentions in the Houses of Parliament from an MP with a military background. An ultramarathon was also completed to raise funds.

The Foundation has received tremendous support over the years, including from a serving General, now Field Marshal. Through fundraising, grant applications, the generosity of supporters and recognition through awards such as the Veterans Awards, the charity has finally reached the stage where the memorial can be built.

Bringing the Memorial to Life

In June this year, the stonework, designed and crafted just outside Catterick Garrison, was transported to the National Memorial Arboretum. A motorcycle escort involving members of the Armed Forces community and supporters accompanied the journey, attracting national media coverage from BFBS, GB News, the BBC, The Telegraph and local news outlets.

This coverage provided a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of the memorial and the charity’s work. Building the memorial is only part of the mission; it is equally important that those affected know it exists and have a place to remember their loved ones.

Although the National Memorial Arboretum does not permit individual names to be added to the memorial, the Foundation is exploring ways to record and remember those lost, including through a book of remembrance and a digital memorial.

The Official Memorial

The memorial was officially opened on 13 September ’26 at 1100 hrs during a dedication ceremony attended by far more people than anticipated. Families and friends who had lost loved ones, serving personnel and 475 bikers came together, including veterans organised through Wheels for Wishes.

Wreaths were laid, speeches were delivered and beautiful music accompanied the ceremony, creating a moving tribute to those who had been lost and the people who continue to remember them.

The turnout was fantastic, and the media coverage was equally impressive, providing exactly the kind of awareness the Foundation had hoped to achieve.

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With around 137,000 cadets and 28,000 Adult Volunteers across the five Ministry of Defence-sponsored Cadet Forces, the week provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase the opportunities available, share personal stories and highlight the positive impact cadets have on young people, families and communities.

What are Cadets?

The Cadet Force is an MoD sponsored youth organisation with no operational role or commitment to join the military. They’re shaped by the traditions of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, but the purpose is youth development. Across the UK, that includes the Sea Cadets, Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Royal Marine Cadets, Volunteer Cadet Corps and Combined Cadet Force.

Cadets take part in everything including First Air, field craft and sport to flying, sailing, music, camps and community events. But the real story is what those experiences build:

• Confidence
• Resilience 
• Teamwork
• Independence

Cadets Change Lives

Throughout Cadets Week, we heard stories from cadets all over the UK expressing how the cadets changed their lives in many different ways. 

Georgina went from struggling with confidence to making new friends, pushing herself outside her comfort zone and building a confidence she may never have found without that sense of community. Ellis was a young person heading down a dangerous path – stealing, fighting, etc. But through Cadets, he found a different direction – a community that believed in him, opportunities to grow and the confidence to build a better future. Georgina and Ellis’ stories were originally commissioned and funded by the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner to promote the benefits of the Cadet Force. You can watch these videos on our social media channels.

We also had the opportunity to visit a local unit and hear from 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron cadets.

Sergeant Gordon, SNCO, looks after the JNCO’s and explains it’s a great experience. He’s been at the squadron for a year and ten months, was promoted to Corporal just thirteen months in and promoted to Sergeant in eighteen months.

“It’s good fun being in this new role. As an SNCO, I look after the Corporals. I’m currently mentoring two of these Corporals. I send them all the duties and responsibilities within the SNCO, for example registration, cleaning up, etc.

“When I started I didn’t really like it, but then about two months in I really enjoyed it. Got my hands dirty, did everything I’ve wanted to. I’ve been flying twice.”

Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Celebration

We can’t celebrate the Cadet Force without mentioning the fantastic work of the Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV). We are incredibly lucky to have determined, passionate and hard-working volunteers across the West Midlands. 

We had the pleasure of speaking to four fantastic CFAV’s about their experience and below are some snippets of our conversations:

“To see kids that are struggling in other areas of their life grow into roles here and then go and have successful careers. It’s a fantastic feeling.” – Lieutenant Commander Andy Rose: Executive Officer, Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets

“It’s just fun. I’ve got personal qualifications out of it. And the most important bit is seeing the students progress individually and as a whole group.” – Acting Lieutenant Connor Scott – Royal Navy Commander, The Phoenix Collegiate

“The older you get as a cadet, the more you realise it’s the volunteers that make those opportunities possible. It was time for me to make that happen for the next generation.” – Diana Edwards, Wing Staff Officer, RAFAC Birmingham & Warwickshire Wing

“You definitely don’t need military experience to volunteer. You just need to be enthusiastic and willing. You can offer so much to the young people that join us.” – Flight Lieutenant Saffron Ferrera, Officer Commanding, 888 Oldbury Squadron

If we didn’t have Adult Volunteers, we wouldn’t have a Cadet Force.

Cadets Save Lives

A key part of cadet training is learning life-saving skills, including first aid and CPR – skills that can make a real difference when it matters most. By now, you’ve probably heard stories of cadets from across the country who have found themselves in unexpected situations where their training has enabled them to step forward, provide first aid, perform CPR and, in some cases, help save a life.

While travelling with her family, Cadet LCpl Davies witnessed a young man at Keele Services administering CPR to his mother. Recognising signs of fatigue in his technique, Brianna didn’t hesitate to step in. 

Using the First Aid training she had received through cadets, Brianna confidently took over and continued administering CPR for a further 15 minutes. Her actions helped provide vital time for the air ambulance to arrive. The patient was then taken to hospital, where she thankfully survived the medical emergency.

In August 2025, Brianna was awarded the Distinguished Community Service Medal for Cadets by the League of Mercy in recognition of her actions. Speaking after receiving the medal alongside others who had given back to their communities, Brianna shared a message for her fellow cadets:

“I stepped in because I believed I could help. I had been trained in First Aid, and my immediate instinct was to get involved. I didn’t give it a second thought. To any cadets that find themselves in a similar situation, I would simply say: have confidence in yourself and remember you can make a difference.” 

Earlier this year, Brianna also received the Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate for her ability to remain calm and confident during the crisis.

During our recent visit to 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron, we had the opportunity to see this training happening first-hand. Cadets were getting stuck in, practising CPR, learning how to apply bandages and developing the confidence to respond when someone needs help. The training was delivered by one of the squadron’s dedicated volunteers, who also works as a doctor in his civilian career, bringing valuable experience and knowledge.

Through First Aid training, cadets learn skills that can make a critical difference when someone is injured or in an emergency. But it’s not just about knowing what to do; it’s about having the confidence to step forward when it matters most. Across the Cadet Forces, young people are developing the skills, confidence and courage to help others, and sometimes, those skills can be the difference between life and death.

The King pays Tribute to the Cadet Force

In a letter to the Cadet Forces, His Majesty The King said:

“For more than a century, the Cadet Forces have helped generations of young people discover their strengths, broaden their horizons and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges.

“In every part of our country, from our cities and towns to our rural and coastal communities, cadets come together to learn new skills, build lasting friendships and contribute positively to the communities in which they live.”

Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MP said:

“Our Cadet Forces give young people the chance to discover what they’re capable of, have fun, build friendships and develop skills that will stay with them for life.

“National Cadets Week is a chance for us to celebrate the young people who make our Cadet Forces so special, and the volunteers who give their time to help them thrive. Together, we can ensure these opportunities remain for generations to come.”

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said:

“Being a cadet is about so much more than learning military skills. It’s about working as a team, stepping outside your comfort zone and having the confidence to take on new challenges.

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference that these experiences can make, and the contribution cadets and volunteers make to communities across the UK. It’s fantastic to see that dedication celebrated through National Cadets Week.”

Beyond National Cadets Week, the government is committed to growing Cadet Forces by 10% by 2030 and 30% by 2035, working with industry, local communities and the third sector to expand opportunities to young people across the UK. A Cadets Action Plan will develop and launch a new Cadet Partnership Hub, bringing together partners to support the growth and sustainability of cadet units nationwide. 

The Cadet Forces’ role in preserving culture and heritage will remain a defining theme of this expansion, ensuring that the traditions and values that have shaped the movement for more than a century continue to inspire future generations.

If you are looking to become a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, find more information here:

If you’re looking to join the Cadets, find more information here:

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With around 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer, Macmillan Cancer Support provides essential medical, practical and emotional support to people affected by cancer and their families, from diagnosis and throughout their journey.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended and donated, we have raised an incredible £2,685.26so far. This fantastic amount is enough to fund a Macmillan Nurse for two weeks, helping ensure that people living with cancer and their loved ones receive the specialist care, guidance and support they need when they need it most.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making our Coffee Morning such a success. Your generosity will help make a real difference to people affected by cancer and their families.

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Thousands of young people across the UK will take part in the first-ever National Cadets Week from 5 to 11 October 2026, a national celebration of the Cadet Forces.

The Cadet Forces are one of the largest youth movements in the United Kingdom. Just over 137,000 young people take part in fun, rewarding and life-changing cadet experiences, supported by around 28,000 adult volunteers, in more than 3,000 locations across all four nations.

National Cadets Week will celebrate opportunities for young people to enjoy a variety of incredible experiences, build relationships in their community and prepare themselves for future success.

His Majesty The King has praised members of the cadet forces and the adult volunteers who lead cadet groups across the country. 

The King paid tribute to the five military Cadet Forces and the National Fire Cadets, Volunteer Police Cadets and St John Ambulance Cadets.

In a letter to the Cadet Forces, His Majesty The King said:

“For more than a century, the Cadet Forces have helped generations of young people discover their strengths, broaden their horizons and develop the confidence to face life’s challenges.

“In every part of our country, from our cities and towns to our rural and coastal communities, cadets come together to learn new skills, build lasting friendships and contribute positively to the communities in which they live.”

Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MP appeared at the opening of a new Joint Cadet Centre in Hastings, Sussex today (5 October). 

The new space will enable the sharing of resources and skills in the town, allowing the Army Cadet Force and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets to both make use of the incredible new facilities and return to training in Hastings.

Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MP said:

“Our Cadet Forces give young people the chance to discover what they’re capable of, have fun, build friendships and develop skills that will stay with them for life.

“National Cadets Week is a chance for us to celebrate the young people who make our Cadet Forces so special, and the volunteers who give their time to help them thrive. Together, we can ensure these opportunities remain for generations to come.”

Led by the Ministry of Defence, National Cadets Week will see cadets visit schools, government departments and businesses to spread awareness of the lifelong skills gained from being a cadet.

Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton said:

“Being a cadet is about so much more than learning military skills. It’s about working as a team, stepping outside your comfort zone and having the confidence to take on new challenges.

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference that these experiences can make, and the contribution cadets and volunteers make to communities across the UK. It’s fantastic to see that dedication celebrated through National Cadets Week.”

Beyond National Cadets Week, the government is committed to growing Cadet Forces by 10% by 2030 and 30% by 2035, working with industry, local communities and the third sector to expand opportunities to young people across the UK. 

A Cadets Action Plan will develop and launch a new Cadet Partnership Hub, bringing together partners to support the growth and sustainability of cadet units nationwide. 

The Cadet Forces’ role in preserving culture and heritage will remain a defining theme of this expansion, ensuring that the traditions and values that have shaped the movement for more than a century continue to inspire future generations.

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Hosted by the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (WM RFCA), the event celebrated forces-friendly employers from across the region for demonstrating exceptional support for members of the Armed Forces community.

The ERS Silver Award recognises organisations that have implemented forces-friendly policies and positive measures within their workforce, and proactively support members of the Armed Forces and the wider forces family. This includes Reservists, Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, veterans and military families.

This year’s 31 awardees represent a diverse range of sectors, including law enforcement, education, charity, sport, business and local government. They come from across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and the West Midlands.

2026 regional Silver Award recipients:

Herefordshire: CS Comms, Micross Electronics and Ross-on-Wye Town Council.

Shropshire: Beaverfit Ltd, McPhiilips (Wellington) Limited, Shropshire Community Foundation, Shropshire Community Leisure Trust and The Association of Vehicle Installers.

Staffordshire: ESCO Maritime Solutions Ltd, Housing Plus Group and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Warwickshire: Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, Kenilworth Rugby Club and Triple AAA Renovations Limited.

West Midlands: Baily Garner, Birmingham City FC Foundation, BMET, Invictus UK 2027 Ltd, Keys Group, One Thousand Trades Group, Probation Delivery Unit Black Country, Quick Mortgages, RG Wilbrey, SLC Rail (Sable Leigh), The Entrepreneurs Circle Ltd, University College Birmingham, Walsall Community Association, Walsall Football Club and West Midlands Police.

Worcestershire: Steatite Ltd, Tallis Amos Group

The ceremony was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Jane Shepherd, with the awards presented on behalf of Defence by Air Commodore Adam Sansom.

Guests were also joined by representatives from the local Royal Naval Reserve, Army Reserve and Royal Auxiliary Air Force. The Catterick Band provided a bugle performance, before the event concluded with a short Act of Remembrance at the Armed Forces Memorial.

We would like to congratulate all 31 Silver Award recipients and thank everyone involved in supporting and delivering this year’s event.

Find out more

If your organisation is interested in finding out more about the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, visit www.wmrfca.org/employers or contact the WM RFCA Employer Engagement Team at wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk.

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Employers Toolkit: National Cadets Week 2026 – Get Involved

Toolkit Resources: National Cadet Week Resources

National Cadets Week (NCW) is the national celebration dedicated to showcasing the impact of the UK’s MOD sponsored cadet forces. The week is designed to inspire, recruit and celebrate, highlighting how cadets develop young people, strengthen communities and develop young people into leaders of the future.

Across the UK, more than 137,000 cadets and 28,000 adult volunteers from the five MOD-sponsored cadet forces will participate in activities that demonstrate the value of cadet service, youth development and volunteering.

Inspire: Showcase the opportunities available through the cadet experience, including leadership, teamwork, first aid, resilience, STEM, communication and citizenship.

Recruit: Increase awareness among young people, parents, employers and communities, culminating in a national network of Open Days on Saturday 10 October

Celebrate: Recognise the contribution of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), acknowledge community partnerships and highlight positive social impact of cadet forces nationwide.

Key Messaging:

• Cadets contribute directly to local communities through volunteering and civic action.
• MOD Sponsored Cadet forces provide young people with skills, confidence, discipline and opportunities regardless of background.
• Cadet training develops practical life skills including leadership, first aid, teamwork and resilience.
• Adult volunteers are the heart of the MOD Sponsored Cadet Forces delivering approximately 11.6 million hours of volunteering service annually.

A summary of the week’s main activities:

Monday 5^th October: National Launch of the future ambitions to bring the cadet forces to the areas of greatest need across the UK, and to give greater support to our volunteers.

Tuesday 6^th October: 25 Cadets will tour No10 and visit key government departments. Cadets to share their stories of cadets with their peers at schools to invite them to open days taking place on Saturday across the country.

Wednesday 7^th October: Adult Volunteers Recognition Dinner to launch Annual Awards Night.

Thursday 8^th October: Thousands of cadets will take part in first aid lessons at units to show the huge community impact. Sharing stories of cadets performing Lifesaving First Aid in their local communities.

Friday 9^th October: Celebrate the skills and values cadets of today bring to the workforce with an industry event aimed at gathering support of industry for the leaders of the future.

Saturday 10^th October: A chance for interested youth and volunteers to get a taster into what cadets is like and if it would be suitable for them. The largest event is happening at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, hosted by the Royal Navy.

Employers Get Involved

Supporting the cadet movement is not just good citizenship. It’s good for business.

CFAVs are practicing leadership and people management every week, often at a level well beyond what their day job requires. Running a parade night, planning a residential event or complex activity, managing safeguarding responsibilities, and mentoring young people through difficult moments all build skills that transfer directly into the workplace: leadership under pressure, structured decision-making, coaching, risk management and team communication.

Former cadets entering the workforce often bring recognised qualifications gained through their time with the Cadet Forces, including Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, first aid certificates, BTECs and other vocational qualifications. These are qualifications employers can trust and build upon. Equally important are the non-formal skills developed through cadet service, such as teamwork, leadership, resilience, communication and self-confidence, all of which are directly transferable to the workplace and support long-term career success.

Our CFAVs are the absolute backbone of our cadet organisations and retention is one of the biggest challenges facing the cadet forces.

Many volunteers balance full-time employment with weekly parade nights, weekend training and annual camps. Too often, they step back from volunteering not through lack of commitment, but because the demands on their time becomes unsustainable. Employer support, particularly through formal volunteering leave, is one of the most effective ways to remove that pressure and keep experienced, skilled volunteers in post and in their jobs.

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One of those professionals is Lauren Robinson, whose career progression at West Midland RFCA demonstrates the opportunities available for those looking to develop their skills and take on new challenges.

Starting a Career with West Midland RFCA

Lauren joined West Midland RFCA in June 2023 as a Placement Surveyor while completing her Building Surveying degree at the University of Wolverhampton, where she graduated with First Class Honours. At the time, she was also working part-time as a Technical Resourcer for a recruitment agency.

She was looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience that complemented her studies and saw the placement as the perfect way to work alongside experienced professionals, apply the knowledge she had gained at university, and develop her skills in a real working environment.

“During my placement I was able to gain hands-on experience across a wide range of surveying and estate management activities. As my confidence and experience grew, I was entrusted with managing smaller refurbishment projects, allowing me to take ownership of projects from inception through to completion.”

Rapid Career Progression

Lauren’s placement quickly became a permanent position after just three months. In June 2024, she was promoted to Estates Officer, taking on greater responsibility across the estate. Following her continued development and success, she was promoted to Estates Manager just two years later.

Her rapid progression reflects both her commitment and the opportunities available within West Midland RFCA.

Estate Management

As Estates Manager, Lauren is responsible for overseeing the successful delivery of the new Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) contract across the South region and RAF Air Cadets estate. A key part of her role is ensuring the estate remains safe, compliant, and operating effectively.

“As with any new contract, there have been challenges during the transition. A key part of my role is to monitor performance, raise concerns where standards have not been met, and work closely with VIVO to ensure these issues are resolved promptly.”

For Lauren, applying for the Estates Manager role was a natural next step in her career. She wanted a position where she could have a greater influence on how the estate is managed and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Today, she leads on contract assurance, supports compliance across the estate, and helps ensure facilities remain fit for purpose for Reserve and Cadet users.

“No two days are the same, and I enjoy the balance between being out on site, engaging with stakeholders, and working in the office to resolve issues. Whether it’s delivering refurbishment works, resolving compliance issues, or helping reopen a building for its users, it’s rewarding to see the positive impact the work has on the estate.”

Lauren has contributed to a wide range of projects during her time at West Midland RFCA. Some of her favourite projects include:

• Refurbishment of the Caretaker’s Flat.
• Refurbishment of the Council Building.
• The development of a new DCCT range at Canley Army Reserve Centre, a project she particularly enjoys because it has introduced her to something completely new.

Continuing Professional Development

In just three years, Lauren has achieved an impressive amount. She completed her Building Surveying degree while working as a placement student, secured a permanent role, progressed to Estates Officer, and now serves as Estates Manager.

“That progression reflects the trust that has been placed in me and the experience I’ve gained over a relatively short period.”

“Alongside formal learning, I believe a lot of development comes from experience. I actively seek opportunities to take on new challenges, manage increasingly complex projects, and learn from colleagues with different areas of expertise.”

Why Choose a Career with West Midland RFCA?

Looking back on her journey, Lauren believes West Midland RFCA offers an excellent environment for professional growth, with opportunities to develop a wide range of skills while making a tangible difference.

“I would definitely recommend a career with the RFCA, particularly to someone who enjoys variety and wants to make a real difference. It’s a great place to develop professionally because there are plenty of opportunities to take on new challenges and build your skills. You are exposed to a broad range of work.”

If you would like to learn more about our Estate or explore current career opportunities with West Midland RFCA, please visit our website.

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This month, we spoke to West Midlands Police (WMP), the second largest police force in England and Wales by population served. The force protects more than 2.9 million people across the seven local authority areas of Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell, Dudley and Solihull.

WMP Employer Recognition Scheme Journey

West Midlands Police first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2012, and their recent Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award reinforces their longstanding commitment to supporting colleagues who are veterans, Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Impressively, the force currently employs 63 active Reservists.

Achieving the Silver ERS Award recognises the steps WMP have taken to create an inclusive workplace for the Armed Forces community. Their recruitment practices and workplace policies help make the transition from military service into policing as smooth as possible, enabling former service personnel to bring valuable leadership, professionalism and specialist skills that benefit both the organisation and the communities it serves.

The force has also strengthened its support for Reservists by ensuring its special leave policy enables them to meet their annual training commitments. Reservists are entitled to up to ten additional days of paid leave each training year, helping them balance their policing career with their military responsibilities while contributing to the resilience of the UK’s Armed Forces.

Matt, Response Officer and Military Liaison Officer

These policies have enabled many colleagues to successfully combine their civilian careers with Reserve service, including Matt, a Response Officer and Military Liaison Officer.

Matt joined the Army Reserve at the age of 19 and has now served for 16 years. He joined West Midlands Police in November 2023 and currently works as a Response Officer.

“I’m fully aware of how cliché it sounds, but being a Reservist really does give you the best of both worlds. It allows you to maintain your civilian career while receiving military training and deploying on operations. The Reserves will allow you to do as much as you can commit to.”

Reflecting on his personal journey, Matt said:

“From a personal perspective, you just never know where the Reserves might lead you. I met my wife through the Army Reserve, and ten years later we’re married with a 15-month-old daughter. It’s not something I could ever have predicted when I first walked through the doors of a Reserve centre sixteen years ago.”

Matt explained that he initially considered joining the Regular Army but was encouraged to explore the Reserve Forces first.

“I was in two minds about joining the Regular Army, and somebody I knew who was serving in the Reserves suggested I join them instead. It gave me a great insight into military life and helped me decide whether it was the right path for me.”

Alongside his policing role, Matt serves as a Military Liaison Officer, supporting Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) operations. This includes coordinating military support for major events and emergencies, such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Depending on the operation, he may deploy on the ground as the liaison between military and civilian agencies or provide support from a military or civilian operations room.

“I really enjoyed the balance of having my civilian career while being able to do the Reserve bit in my spare time, so I carried on. Sixteen years later, despite several civilian career changes, the Reserves have remained a constant throughout.”

The Reserve Forces make up around one-sixth of the British Army’s trained strength and play a vital role in protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. Reservists dedicate their spare time to serving their country, making employer support essential.

West Midlands Police are a fantastic example of an organisation that recognises the value Reservists bring to the workplace. By supporting them through flexible policies and a positive workplace culture, they also demonstrate their wider commitment to members of the Armed Forces community.

Matt also wants to encourage others to consider joining the Reserve Forces.

“People often think you need specialist skills to join, but that’s absolutely not the case. You’ll receive all the role-specific training you need. All that’s required is enthusiasm, commitment and the ability to work as part of a team, and there will be a role for you in the Reserves.”

Congratulations to West Midlands Police on achieving their Silver Employer Recognition Scheme Award, and thank you for your continued commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

If you’re thinking about signing the Armed Forces Covenant, or you’re ready to take the next step towards achieving a Silver or Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award, we’d love to help. Click here to find out more.

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Following the long journey, the Squadron’s first stop was the Hooge Crater Museum, located on the site of one of the 13 mines detonated beneath German lines in July 1915. The visit provided a fascinating introduction to the history of the Ypres Salient and the battles that shaped it.

On Monday, the cadets visited Tyne Cot Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. With almost 12,000 graves and the names of more than 35,000 missing soldiers commemorated on the memorial walls, the scale of the site left a lasting impression. Many of the headstones bear no name, carrying only the poignant inscription, “Known unto God.” The sheer number of graves was overwhelming.

Tuesday began at Essex Farm CWGC Cemetery, where the preserved Regimental Aid Post is dug into the former railway embankment. It was here that Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae served as a medical officer and wrote the now-famous poem In Flanders Fields. The cemetery also contains the grave of Victoria Cross recipient Private Leonard Barratt of the South Staffordshire Regiment, as well as that of Private Valentine Joe Strudwick of the 8th Rifle Brigade, who was just 15 years old when he was killed. One cadet commented,

“Private Strudwick was the same age as me, and younger than some of us,”

The Squadron then visited Talbot House (Toc H) in Poperinge, affectionately known as “Every Man’s Club”. Founded by Reverend Philip “Tubby” Clayton, it offered soldiers a place of rest and refuge away from the front line. The attic, converted into a small chapel, remains largely unchanged. Climbing the narrow wooden staircase to the peaceful sanctuary provided a powerful contrast between the horrors experienced by those who sought comfort there over a century ago and the tranquillity visitors experience today.

The tour concluded with the honour of taking part in the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate. Situated on the eastern edge of Ypres, the Menin Gate marks the route taken by thousands of British and Commonwealth soldiers as they marched to the front. Today it bears the names of more than 54,000 soldiers who have no known grave, while a further 35,000 are commemorated at Tyne Cot. Together, these memorials stand as a powerful reminder of the immense human cost of the fighting around Ypres.

124 (Hereford) Squadron was privileged to play an active role in the ceremony. Flying Officer Andy Taylor delivered the Exhortation, while wreaths were laid on behalf of both the Squadron and the Herefordshire Regimental Museum, with whom many of the Cadets have been working as part of a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award project.

Although the itinerary was busy, there was still time to experience a little Belgian culture and, of course, enjoy an ice cream, or two!

During the long journey home, conversations on the coach reflected the impact of the tour. Between the inevitable naps, Cadets discussed the sites they had visited, the sacrifices they had learned about, and the realities of war. There were also plenty of lighter moments to remember, including one at the Menin Gate when a ceremony steward unexpectedly took the Squadron mascot, Harold the Hereford Bull, along with his keeper’s phone. For a brief moment, everyone feared Harold had been confiscated, only for the steward to march proudly into the centre of the ceremony, in front of around 500 people, and take a commemorative photograph of Harold with the Menin Gate in the background. 

It was an unforgettable tour that created memories the Cadets will carry with them for many years to come.

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