Archive

Held over a weekend, this inaugural exercise supported what is known as ‘agile combat employment’ (ACE) skills. ACE represents a significant shift in the conduct of air operations whereby aircraft launches and recoveries are maintained from afar in dispersed operating locations alongside, and in coordination with, our allies and partners. New skills The exercise involved […]

Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (DHCFT), Derbyshire Community Health Services NHS Foundation Trust (DCHS) and the University of Derby showed the value they place on Defence personnel by sharing their positive experience to a packed audience of colleagues, partner organisations and Reservists. All three organisations are holders of the Employer Recognition Scheme’s Gold Award. A […]

The Forces-friendly employers have been recognised for outstanding support to Reserves, Cadet Instructors, Military Spouses and Forces Families. Big names such as Vision West Notts College, education provider to 10,000 students; multi-professional consultancy practice Pick Everard; and one of Northamptonshire’s largest employers, Kettering General Hospital, made the list.  They were joined by training specialists Simulaids […]

Leicester, Northampton and Rutland (LNR) Army Cadets (ACF) arranged their inaugural ‘Conversation with Cadets’ showcase at Yardley Chase Cadet Training Centre (CTC) in May. The day afterwards, Nottinghamshire ACF’s own event, which has been successfully run for a number of years, was held at the Chilwell CTC. Big names such as defence supplier BAE Systems, […]

In December 2023 it was announced that VIVO – a 50:50 joint venture between Serco and EQUANS – will take on responsibility for key maintenance work, repairs, servicing, and hard facilities management across the Volunteer Estate. This work is essential to providing Reserves and Cadets with safe places to work and train and is in […]

In the opening keynote, General Sir Richard Barrons KCB CBE set the pace for the day, illustrating the increasingly dangerous world we face, giving context to ongoing global conflicts and the importance of Reserve Forces. The former Commander of the Joint Forces Command made the compelling case for why Britain’s own Reserves should be bolstered […]

He was one of only four people to be awarded the Kings Volunteer Reserve Medal in His Majesty the King’s Birthday Honours this year. With over 20 years’ service in the Army Reserves, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Charlie Field has had a varied and successful Army career. It has combined short notice deployments on military […]

On mainland Europe, 90,000 troops, 1,100 combat vehicles and 50 ships from all 32 member states demonstrated the alliance’s ability to defend every inch of its territory. While a larger show of force than usual, this was no one-off exercise. Since 2017, the UK has contributed to NATO’s enhanced forward presence in the Baltic States […]

Outside of the office environment he has ventured to the Mediterranean and Scandinavia and played nationally significant roles as a Reservist in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF). Joining 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron in 2013, Corporal (Cpl) Blayney admits to only fully capitalising on the fulfilling sense of adventure and service that has come […]

For those unaware, Reserves play a critical role in national defence and security, from countering threats, peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts abroad, to supporting communities and national resilience at home. You can read some of their incredible stories on our website. Whether you have already joined the Employer Recognition Scheme or not, read on for inspiration on how your […]