Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) employ a number of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and Reservists and are proud to be able to support them, commenting: “Armed Forces personnel make significant personal sacrifices to protect national security and uphold peace. Supporting them is a way to honour their commitment and bravery and reflects our commitment to the community.”
HWFRS have found that there are a wide range of transferable skills which members of the Armed Forces can bring with them to benefit their civilian employers. These include; leadership and management development, teamwork, adaptability, problem solving and resilience.
Phill Sanders from Malvern is a Group Commander for Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS)and also a Sergeant Instructor, 2IC to the detachment Commander with Evesham Troop, part of Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force. During this article we are going to find out more about Phill’s role with the Army Cadets and why his employer is so supportive.
Phill became a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer in November 2023 after recognising that as a middle manager with the fire and rescue service he had a number of transferable skills that could be used to support tomorrow’s leaders.
Sharing some of the highlights from his CFAV career so far, Phill said: “Living in Malvern means I have easy access to the Malvern Hills, which I particularly enjoy Mountain Biking on. I have completed a number of Mountain Bike leadership qualifications and use this knowledge to lead Cadets through some challenging mountain bike trails. To make these sessions as inclusive as possible, I have also completed training on bike maintenance and share this knowledge with the Cadets to reduce the costs of this activity.
“The detachment particularly enjoy rock climbing and abseiling and as HWFRS have a Rope Rescue team I have been able to draw on their expertise in this area to further advance my skills and knowledge to offer greater support to the Cadets.”
Phill tells us how his experiences have benefited his own career, commenting: “I am grateful for the opportunity to develop my practical leadership, instructional and interpersonal skills as these are directly transferable to my fire service role and my personal desire to develop others and offer a commitment to public service.”
Fire Service Group Commander, Simon Cusack concluded: “Employing a CFAV or Reservist offers a range of practical, professional and organisational benefits. In our experience these members of staff bring a unique set of skills, experience and values that contribute positively to HWFRS.”
Find out more about becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.
Published 27/06/25
