About Us

Who We Are

Our purpose

To champion, support and enable Reserves and Cadets, because our people add value. Our work is integral to connecting Defence with society and is split into three key pillars:

Estates

We maintain 161 Army Reserve Centres and Cadet Centres across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Rutland, ensuring our people have safe and fit-for-purpose facilities to work and train within.

Our Alternative Venues programme enables us to hire out these venues, which include spaces for meetings, sports and functions, to the public. All generated revenue is re-invested to the benefit of Reserves and Cadets.

Engagement

We build strong, mutually-beneficial relationships with businesses and organisations to ensure the value of the Armed Forces community is recognised. Promotion of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme are key to our work.

As one of 13 Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations in the UK, we are responsible for advising and assisting the Defence Council, the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force on matters that concern Reserves and Cadets.

Our volunteer members help us to do what we do and includes representatives from across society as well as the military and Cadet Forces. Together, we work to raise the profile of Reserves and Cadets and raise awareness of the fact that our people add value.

Cadets and Youth

Our focus is on the Ministry of Defence sponsored Cadet Forces, promoting the adventures and achievements of the Combined Cadet Force, Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and RAF Air Cadets in the East Midlands.

For the Army Cadets, we provide the Professional Support Staff who deliver essential logistical support and maintain facilities, equipment and transport that enables Cadet activity to take place.

The Senior Team

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SW
Stuart Williams OBE,
Chief Executive

The Chief Executive is responsible for ensuring East Midlands RFCA supports Reserve Forces and Cadets in the most efficient and effective way, to ensure that they can focus on their principal tasks.

Paul Desborough photo
Paul Desborough,
Deputy Chief Executive

In addition to supporting the Chief Executive the Deputy is the lead for Cadets and Youth, including the management of the Army Cadets’ Professional Support Staff, ensuring effective coordination between organisations and the wider youth communities.

FH
Frederick Hopkins,
Head of Engagement

The Head of Engagement leads on engagement across the region support the Communications and Employer Engagement Teams to raise awareness of, and champion, our amazing Reserves and Cadets.

MC
Martin Capewell,
Head of Estates

The Head of Estates leads our Estates Team who are responsible for the safety, maintenance, and management of all Reserve and Cadet facilities across the East Midlands.

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Davinder Rai,
Head of Finance & HR

The Head of Finance and HR leads on all financial matters, ensuring that the Association is managing public money in accordance with Government guidelines. In addition, they are the focal point for HR across the Association.

KL
Kirstie Lawrence,
Regional Employer Engagement Director

The Regional Employer Engagement Director is the lead for all matters relating to the Armed Forces Covenant and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, raising awareness of the Reserve Forces and encouraging employers to support Defence personnel. They provide information, advice and guidance on all aspects of employing Reservists.

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