Sussex employers called on to help build national resilience through cadet volunteering

Employers from across Sussex are being invited to attend a countywide event in February 2027 that will showcase the vital role of cadet organisations in developing young people and strengthening communities.

The first ever Sussex Cadet Conference, hosted by Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne, will bring together cadet organisations from across the county including the Air Cadets, Army Cadet Force, Combined Cadet Force, Fire Cadets, Police Cadets and Sea Cadets, to highlight the opportunities and benefits of volunteering as an adult cadet leader and supporting young people through cadet programmes.

The event, which will take place on 18 February 2027 at the Ardingly Showground, will provide Sussex businesses and employers with an opportunity to learn how supporting volunteer adult leaders can benefit their organisation, their staff and the wider community.

Find out more and register to attend: https://www.sussex-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/support-sussexs-cadets/

The initiative supports the Government's ambition to build a more resilient society through a "whole of society" approach and follows the Strategic Defence Review's commitment to increasing youth participation in cadet forces. Cadet organisations provide young people with opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, communication skills, resilience and confidence, while promoting social mobility, employability and community cohesion.

Adult volunteers are the foundation of cadet organisations. However, recruiting and retaining adult volunteers remains the biggest challenge facing cadet forces and emergency services cadet programmes across Sussex. Partners involved in planning the event unanimously identified volunteer recruitment as their top priority, recognising that without adult volunteers, cadet organisations cannot operate.

Research[1] has shown that volunteering with cadets also delivers significant benefits to adults, including enhanced leadership capabilities, professional development opportunities, improved wellbeing and access to training and qualifications. Volunteers contribute substantial value to local communities, with more than 800 adult volunteers currently supporting cadet organisations across Sussex.

Wing Commander Guy Mantoura, RAFAC, Officer Commanding Wing ATC said: “Adult volunteers are at the heart of the cadet experience.

“They bring with them a wealth of professional experience, life skills and different perspectives from across industry and society.

“Every volunteer brings something unique to the table, helping our cadets develop confidence, resilience, leadership and the skills they need to succeed.

“Quite simply, investing in our adult volunteers is investing directly in the future of our cadets.”

Encouraging employer support

The Conference will particularly encourage Sussex businesses and employers to consider:

• Supporting employees who volunteer as adult cadet leaders.

• Introducing policies that allow flexible working arrangements for volunteering activities.

• Recognising the valuable workplace skills developed through cadet leadership.

• Signing the Armed Forces Covenant if they have not already done so.

• Exploring wider opportunities to support the cadet movement and the Armed Forces community.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces and their families, are treated fairly. By signing the Covenant, employers demonstrate their commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community, including reservists, veterans, military families and cadet force adult volunteers.

Commenting ahead of the event, PCC Katy Bourne said: "Cadet organisations make an enormous contribution to society by helping young people develop crucial life skills and a sense of civic responsibility.

"Behind every successful cadet unit are dedicated adult volunteers who generously give their time, skills and experience to support the next generation. We know that recruiting and retaining those volunteers is one of the greatest challenges facing cadet organisations today.

"This event is an opportunity for businesses and employers across Sussex to discover how they can play a part in supporting adult volunteers from within their workforce, whether through flexible working arrangements, recognition of the skills they will develop or by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

"By working together, we can support our young people, strengthen our communities and contribute to the country's ambitions for greater national resilience."

Creating a stronger Sussex

The Conference will bring together representatives from the Ministry of Defence-sponsored cadet forces alongside Police and Fire Cadets, creating a unique opportunity for employers to understand the impact these organisations have on young people and communities across Sussex.

Employers attending the event will be able to meet adult volunteers, cadet leaders and young cadets, hear first-hand accounts of the difference cadet organisations make and learn practical ways to support volunteering within their workforce.

[1] Institute for Social Innovation and Impact, University of Northampton, May 2021. [gov.uk]