SERFCA Newsletter October 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter

October 2024

Our Vision 
“To be an enduring and essential pillar in the delivery of support for the well-being of the Reserves and Cadets and, through our effectiveness and our position in the regions, to be the independent body that represents their interests and promotes understanding between the Armed Forces and civil society”

LORD-LIEUTENANT AWARDS

This month we continued to host our Lord-Lieutenant Awards for the counties of the South East

The Buckinghamshire Awards at The Gateway Conference Centre

The Lord-Lieutenant awards recognise individuals who demonstrate the volunteer ethos. Each ceremony is also an opportunity to build and nurture the enduring relationships that are so important to the local communities.

The Sussex awards at Lancing College
The Isle of Wight awards at The Royal Yacht Squadron

The Lord-Lieutenants from each county have presented many awards, including British Empire Medals, Meritorious Service Certificates, Cadet Vocational College Recognitions of Achievement, the Irlam Trophy and the Best Tri-Service Cadet.

The Sussex awards at Lancing College

We have been fortunate to host the ceremonies at some fabulous venues this year  – stay tuned for our final ceremony in November!

The Surrey Awards at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
The Hampshire Awards at Lord Wandsworth College

RESERVES NEWS

Championing the Value of Reserve Service

The Best Reservist winner for the Royal County of Berkshire, kindly sponsored by Equinix

CELEBRATING RESERVIST SUCCESS

In addition to the certificates for Meritorious Service, at each ceremony there has also been the Best Reservist awards. This is open to any Reservist from all three services, of any rank any length of service. 

The recommendation can be for a specific action, high performance over a long period, helping others or exceptional service while deployed on operations. 

The awards for each county are very kindly sponsored by organisations who are have pledged their support to the Armed Forces Covenant through the Employer Recognition Scheme.

The Best Reservist winner for West Sussex, kindly sponsored by Sussex Chamber of Commerce
The Hampshire award kindly sponsored by Mabway

There is the opportunity for Military Charities to provide a stand / stall within the Veterans area of the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown racecourse on Fri 24 Jan 25. If you would like to establish a stand with the aim of connecting with the Veteran and serving community, please get in touch.

Sandown are also providing a discount code (GMGC5) to serving members of the Armed Forces, Veterans and personnel from any organisation who has signed the Armed Forces Covenant. Book your ticket here

DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?

Find out more 

CADET NEWS

Promoting the Cadet Experience

MINISTER FOR VETERANS AND PEOPLE VISITS BERKSHIRE ARMY CADETS

On 17 October 2024 the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force was thrilled to host Alistair Carns OBE MC MP, Minister for Veterans and People, alongside Peter Swallow MP and Councillor Georgia Pickering, Armed Forces Champion at the Bracknell detachment.

Throughout the visit, the Minister engaged in enthusiastic conversations with the cadets, aged 12 to 18, who eagerly shared their personal experiences within the cadet program…read more


His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq, with his newly appointed Cadets for 2024-25

Congratulations to the incoming Lord-Lieutenant Cadets who have been appointed across the South East this month! We wish you every success for the coming year.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Cadets Award marks the achievement of outstanding service by an individual to their Cadet movement. A Certificate is awarded, together with a Lord-Left-tenant’s Badge which the individual is entitled to wear when in uniform.

The individual must be available to carry out their duties in accompanying their Lord Left-tenant at certain official functions, during the year they are appointed.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A CADET FORCE ADULT VOLUNTEER?

Find out more 

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS

Encouraging Employers to Support Defence

SOUTH EAST GOLD EMPLOYER RECOGNITION SCHEME AWARDS

On Thursday 3rd October 2024, employers and organisations from across the South East attended a ceremony at HMS Warrior in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard to receive their Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards; the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour in recognition of supporting the Armed Forces Community.

Group Captain Keith Lane RAF (Retd), Head of Engagement at SERFCA adds: “We are delighted that 19 organisations from the South East have been recognised with the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme award.

We do not underestimate or take for granted the effort that is expended in achieving this standard and look forward to continued advocacy and support for the Armed Forces Community from our award winners.”

To see the full gallery from the evening, click here

 

ATLAS MEDIACL SERVICES SIGNS ARMED FORCES COVENANT 

Atlas Medical Services has established itself as a leading medical care provider to the Film, TV and Event industry.

The signing was conducted at the Atlas Medical Services office based at Pinewood Studios by Tasha Hook, CEO Atlas Medical Services and supported by Lieutenant Colonel Thao Nguyen, SO1 Medical Reserves from Regional Command…read more


LONGMOOR ARMY CHALLENGE DAY 

On Thursday 24th October SERFCA supported employers in attending the Army in the South East Challenge Day at Longmoor Training Area, Hampshire.

The Challenge Day was attended by over 120 employees from organisations in the South East region, taking part in a series of physical and mental challenges delivered by Regular and Reserve units focusing on developing teamwork and leadership skills…read more

HAS YOUR ORGANISATION SIGNED THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT?

Find out more 

ESTATES

Providing the best place to work and train

OFFICIAL OPENING OF WATERLOOVILLE  JOINT CADET CENTRE

Further to the completion of Basingstoke Joint Cadet Centre (JCC), we are pleased to announce that the refurbishment of Waterlooville JCC has also been completed.

This included the relocation of No6 Cowplain Platoon, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force (ACF) into 2260 (Waterlooville) Squadron ATC to form the new JCC.

See all of the photos form the official opening here

MANAGING THE VOLUNTEER ESTATE, RESERVE AND CADET BUILDINGS

Find out more 

JOB VACANCIES

Our staff are employed as Crown Servants, with flexible working arrangements offered. We also offer generous benefits and a supportive atmosphere.

Here are our latest job vacancies:

If you’re thinking of joining our team, find out more About Us and what we’ve been working on in our Latest News

LATEST PUBLICATIONS

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