Welcome to the West Midland RFCA Newsletter
Autumn/Winter 2025
Gold standard employers celebrated at 2025 Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Awards
Nineteen organisations from across the wider West Midlands region gathered in Shropshire to receive their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Awards, acknowledging their outstanding support for the Armed Forces community.
The prestigious ceremony took place once again at Lilleshall House and Gardens – home to one of the UK’s National Sports Centres and the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre – and celebrated employers who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to Defence people and principles. Learn more about this year's winners and ceremony.
Employers achieve Silver Award recognition for commitment to Defence personnel
Over 100 guests gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to celebrate 36 regional employers who have gained a prestigious award presented to them on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
Hosted by our Association, the forces-friendly employers were presented with their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for demonstrating superb support towards members of the Armed Forces community.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners!
Read more about the awards ceremony and this year's winning organisations.
Top level changes for West Midland RFCA leadership team
A new leadership team is bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to our Association after the election of a new Chair and the appointment of a new Chief Executive.
Over the summer we welcomed Colonel Francis Acton and Brigadier Andy Moffat to our team. Both have had extensive military careers and will use their experience and guidance to oversee the Association's strategic direction.
We extend our sincere thanks to both Major General John Crackett and Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hopkins, for all of their support and leadership to our Association - wishing you both all the best in your next endeavours.
Introducing our new Deputy Chief Executive
At the end of August we bid farewell to our Deputy Chief Executive, Major (Retired) Melanie Young, as she set off ready to enjoy retirement.
We sincerely thank Melanie for her dedication and leadership as Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Cadets and Youth for 26 years and eight months.
Taking up the role, our Association has welcomed Major (Retired) Lesa Horton MBE who retired from a 34 year military career in August 2024.
We chatted to Lesa to find out more about her robust military background, and what she is enjoying about her role with our Association to date - read the full story here.
Ministerial visit to Veterans networking event
In September we had the honour of welcoming the then Minister for Veterans and People – now Minister for the Armed Forces – Al Carns MP, to our Veterans Breakfast Networking event at HMS Forward’s Royal Naval Reserve Training Centre in Birmingham.
It was an excellent opportunity to:
- Hear directly from Veterans about their experiences
- Connect with passionate individuals and local Veteran organisations
- Learn more about the Government's plans to support the Veteran and Armed Forces community
Thank you to everyone who joined us to build stronger connections within our wider Armed Forces community.
Annual General Meeting
A big thank you to our members and guests for attending our Annual General Meeting at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine’s Glenart Castle Mess.
The usual AGM formalities took place with a review of the year’s events and re-election of the majority of Board Members. We officially elected and welcomed our new Chair, Colonel Francis Acton, as he took over from Major General John Crackett.
We also welcomed two speakers, Lord Peach, Chair of the Council of Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, and Karl Hinnet, a soldier who was seriously wounded whilst deployed in Basra. Karl spoke about his recovery, how his injuries have shaped his future and all he has achieved since with fundraising for the Scar Free Foundation. Inspiring!
Restoring Cannock Chase heathland for biodiversity recovery
Our Estates team are supporting an exciting new project by helping to restore heathland as part of the Cannock Chase Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Through our five year Conservation Management Plan, developed with the RSPB, we’re tackling key challenges including bracken control, controlling soil nutrients, managing invasive species to restore the heathland habitat, and encouraging existing and new species of wildlife to thrive.
We’re also collaborating with Forestry England to enhance ecological aspects for long-term sustainability, and to improve conditions for priority species - including birds, moths and butterflies, reptiles and amphibians.
The project aims to create a thriving, biodiverse landscape whilst maintaining the site for sustainable use by the Cadet Forces - including Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force - and local communities.
Coffee, cake and community spirit: Macmillan Coffee Morning success
Our Association's annual Macmillan Coffee Morning once again proved to be a huge success. With star bakers showcasing their sweet and savoury baking skills, our team was treated to a stunning range of bakes available to purchase and raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.
In total we raised a whopping £427 to donate to this fantastic cause, which also included a raffle with a showstopper cake - and a competitively popular choice of pickled onions made by our very own Mr Dargavel.
Thank you to everyone that joined us, and a big pat on the back to Michele, Mo and John for organising a fantastic morning!
37th Signal Regiment hit the mark
Reservists from 37th Signal Regiment aimed for precision whilst competing at the prestigious Defence Operational Shooting Competition (OSC).
After notable successes at the 1 (UK) Divisional OSC, the Regiment entered two teams to battle it out in an extremely competitive field of top firers in Defence - taking home both individual and team successes!
Dudley Reservists enjoy Freedom honour
Over the summer B Squadron The Royal Yeomanry were once again honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Dudley.
This was a recognition they first received in 2014 when the unit was still formally known as A Squadron The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry, before the unit became the present day B Squadron The Royal Yeomanry.
The honour was presented by the Mayor of Dudley, strengthening the ties between the Squadron and the Dudley community for future generations.
Employers get behind-the-scenes experience at insight night
VIPs, local dignitaries and employers of Reservists were invited to a unique insight evening at B Squadron The Royal Yeomanry's Army Reserve Centre in Dudley.
The evening was an excellent opportunity to showcase the top-level training that the Reserve Forces take part in, with a behind-the-scenes opportunity for employers to see just what skills and experiences their Reservist employees gain (and have a go on some of the kit themselves!)
Employer support is vital to ensuring that Reservists can develop to their full potential. By showing support to Reservist employees, they can level up their skills, and organisations get a highly skilled employee with transferable and desirable workplace skills in return. It's win-win!
101 Battalion REME take part in flag raising and fairways action
In June members of Walsall-based 159 Theatre Support Company, 101 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) were invited to local flag raising ceremonies and events to celebrate Reserves Day and Armed Forces Day.
In the same month, Corporal Colebatch of 159 Company took on a different flag related challenge – this time aiming for the flagstick at the REME Corps Golf Championship.
Exercise SLIM SUMMER 2025
Over the summer Officer Cadets from Birmingham University Officer Training Corps deployed to the Magilligan Training Centre in Northern Ireland, for a jam packed schedule of adventure training.
Splitting the training into three phases allowed the Officer Cadets to experience a broad range of activities and skills, with some also taking part in a leadership cadre to become a Junior Under Officer.
‘30 by 30’ - new funding to boost Cadet Force by over 40,000 by 2030
A new Government campaign will see the Cadet Forces boosted by 30% by 2030, leading to an increase of over 40,000 more Cadets across the UK.
Backed by substantial investment, the exciting new '30 by 30' initiative will also lead to a number of wider measures to support the Cadet Forces, including:
- Streamlining processes for becoming adult volunteers.
- More opportunities for support to Cadets from the Regular and Reserve Armed Forces.
- Boosting STEM skills - with the Civilian Aviation Authority approval for the Royal Air Force Air Cadets to deliver CAA-endorsed qualifications in drone piloting.
French adventure for the Khalsa Academy CCF
Students and Cadets from the Khalsa Academy Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in Wolverhampton recently embarked on an unforgettable visit to France.
They explored France’s rich culture, made (and sampled) famous French sweets and savouries, practised their language skills, and learnt about marine conversation and military history.
Read more about their incredible trip.
Cadets embark on poignant battlefield tour
Cadets and volunteers from Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force and 425 (Aldridge) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets joined together for a five-day trip to visit key battlefield sites and historical locations in France and Belgium.
Organised and part funded by the Royal British Legion's Aldridge Branch, the visit gave the Cadets the opportunity to make new friends, expand their knowledge of the First World War and learn more about our nation's history.
A busy five days saw the group visit the battlefield sites of Messines, Passchendaele, Vimy Ridge, Arras and The Somme, and visit memorials and war graves, including Tyne Cot Cemetery, Flanders and Hooge Sanctuary Wood Trench Museum.
Ending the week on a poignant highlight, the Cadets paraded at the Menin Gate in Ypres to lay wreaths in front of the crowds gathered in reflection and Remembrance.
Welcoming Royalty to the West Midlands
Cadet Warrant Officer Joshua Collins from 163 (Coventry-Phoenix) Squadron RAF Air Cadets had the once in a lifetime experience of greeting His Majesty King Charles III, on a visit to open the new Midland Metropolitan University Hospital in Smethwick.
Joshua said: "It was truly a great honour and privilege to not only accompany His Majesty on his visit, but to also be the first member of the Guard of Honour to welcome him as he exited his vehicle.
"This is just one of the great opportunities I have received whilst being a Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet - however, certainly one I won't forget!"
Dacre Sword 2025 winner
Congratulations to Cadet Warrant Officer James Nicholas from 124 (Hereford City) Squadron ATC who has been presented with this year’s Dacre Sword - an award given to the best all-round Air Cadet by the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
An exceptional achievement!
Photography copyright: RAF Air Cadets
The Phoenix Collegiate CCF celebrate successful expansion
Our Association is proud to work with Combined Cadet Forces across our six counties, supporting their growth and championing the value and benefits that they can bring to young people.
One Combined Cadet Force – The Phoenix Collegiate CCF based in West Bromwich – is an example of a CCF that has thoroughly embraced the development opportunities available to its staff and students. Following a successful few years their Combined Cadet Force now boasts three thriving sections with over 180 Cadets. Impressive!
Find out how the CCF has grown in leaps and bounds.
Thirteen Covenants signed at NMITE event
Thirteen Herefordshire businesses signed the Armed Forces Covenant at NMITE’s sixth annual Military to Business Showcase in the summer. As sponsors of the event it was inspiring to see such a high number of Armed Forces Covenant signings. The event provided a space to connect the military community with potential civilian employers and educational opportunities.
Over 250 attendees had the opportunity to visit 60 company stands showcasing opportunities available in the area. Keynote speeches by the then Minister for Veterans and People and former, Marine Al Carns MP – now Minister for the Armed Forces – and by the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, James Cartlidge, were delivered during the event.
Employers get behind-the-scenes experience with West Midlands Police
As part of our ongoing work to strengthen Defence partnerships, our Employer Engagement team partnered with West Midlands Police to showcase how they support the Armed Forces community, and the opportunities offered within the Police Force.
Employers were treated to a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Tally-Ho Training Centre, with exciting tactical and physical demonstrations in their purpose-built facilities.
Our Defence Relationship Manager, Darren Knight, shared key updates, and 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps provided insights into their recent participation in Exercise Northern Strike in Michigan - a major multinational Reserve training exercise enhancing cooperation with NATO partners. We also heard from the Royal Navy about future Defence opportunities and a veteran now employed by West Midlands Police.
Watch our video interview with Johanna Comer, West Midland Police’s Lead for Specialist Training, and Jennifer Hulston, Recruitment Outreach, about how partnership working supports both Defence and policing objectives across the region.
Making strides in networking
In September we took part in a net-walking event – yes, that’s networking whilst walking – and what an enjoyable morning we had!
Organised by the Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, our Association sponsored a city walk to see key buildings of interest around Coventry city centre.
Led by Verity, our knowledgeable guide, it was a fresh way to meet new organisations and for our Head of Engagement to share more about our Association’s role and work with the Armed Forces community.
Thank you to the Chamber team for having us on board.
Networking with our bostin' Black Country employers
Thank you to everyone who attended our Black Country Armed Forces Business Networking event in November.
Organised by our Defence Relationship Manager, Darren, we had an excellent morning meeting organisations from across the Black Country to share ideas and best practice, covering excellent topics, including:
- How organisations can support the Armed Forces community at all levels
- Life as a Reservist: insights from Captain Johnstone of Army Reserve - 159 Regiment RLC, and the benefits that Reservists can bring to businesses
- How to attract military talent to your organisation: words of wisdom and experience from Jake at Pertemps Network Group
We ended the morning on a special note with a presentation of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award to Event Pro Security Management by Deputy-Lieutenant for the West Midlands, Calum Nisbet. Congratulations!
ESCO Maritime Solutions publicly signs Armed Forces Covenant
ESCO Maritime Solutions proudly hosted a public signing ceremony to formalise its pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant, reinforcing its dedication to supporting members of the UK Armed Forces community.
The event, held at ESCO’s headquarters, brought together senior leadership, employees, and representatives from the Ministry of Defence to witness the company’s commitment to ensuring fair treatment and opportunity for those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces and their families. Read more about their signing here.
Aiming for Gold
In September we hosted our regional Gold Award workshop. Led by our Defence Relationship Managers, Catherine and Darren, it was an excellent session to share ideas and best practice, and covered:
- Diving into the criteria for the Gold Award
- Exploring how organisations can support the Armed Forces community at Gold level
- Discussing how this support can be maintained long-term
Extra thanks to Bhavisha from Horiba Mira who kindly offered her insights about how their organisation supports the Armed Forces community in their workplace. Thank you to everyone who attended - we look forward to continuing our working partnerships with you all. Best of luck going for Gold!
Strengthening ties with Birmingham’s business community
Our Head of Engagement, Siamha, attended this year’s Birmingham Black Business Conference. Hosted by the Legacy Centre of Excellence the day showcased inspiring speakers, lively panel discussions and workshops to bring together businesses and entrepreneurs from across the city.
Siamha said: “Our Association was delighted to attend the Black Business Conference alongside our military colleagues Sergeant Shiv Chauhan, Major Steve Goodwin and WO1 Robert Govier MBE.
“The conference gave us the opportunity to network with businesses from the key industry sectors areas including cyber, digital, AI, and banking, and to raise awareness of the Reserve Forces, Cadets and the Armed Forces Covenant in our region.”
From Forces to Future Leaders: a personal journey from Service to Senior Leadership in education
“Transitioning from military life to a civilian career can feel daunting, especially when you’re unsure how your experience will translate.”
Squadron Leader Luke Horobin is a senior leader at The Phoenix Collegiate.
In the article below, he shares his journey from the military to a civilian career, talks about the qualifications he has since gained, and why having the support of a forces-friendly employer has allowed him to thrive.
Old Comrades community
An online community for veterans is looking for new potential members from across the West Midlands and surrounding counties to join.
The Old Comrades platform aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness by creating opportunities for veterans to connect socially via shared service experiences and interests, nationally, and more locally.
They also host information from partner organisations that provide specialist support for veterans.
Visit their website for more information: https://oldcomrades.com/
Part-time Administrative Officer Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force
Applications are invited for the role of County Administrative Officer (AO). The AO is an employee of the West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association at Staffordshire Army Cadet Force County Headquarters and works directly for the Cadet Executive Officer (CEO), who is his or her line manager.
The AO provides administrative, clerical and IT support to the County, as directed by the CEO.
The successful applicant will work from Beacon Barracks, Stafford.
View the full vacancy details.
With over 25 Reserve centres available to hire across our six counties we are open and available for new bookings.
You can view our properties at www.alternativevenueswm.co.uk
To contact the Alternative Venues Team please email
[email protected]
