Long-serving RAF Reservist, Air Commodore Gavin Hellard CBE VR, has taken over as the Chair of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA).
Air Commodore Hellard, currently the Deputy Commandant General of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and Assistant Chief of Staff Reserves in No. 2 Group, said he was “hugely honoured” to take on the role.
Two of the major projects awaiting East Midlands RFCA in 2026 and beyond are the structural reforms needed to become a Non-Departmental Public Body and providing further support to help the Government grow the Cadet Forces by 30% by 2030.
An official handover took place at the end of November, with Colonel Nick Hile DL stepping back after seven years in the role.
Background
Air Commodore Hellard’s long service with the RAF began in 1982 when he joined 2623 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF) Regiment as a Gunner, serving on the Squadron until 1985, before joining the RAF Regiment on a Regular commission.
After tours in Northern Ireland, Iraq, Cyprus and Sierra Leone and promotion to Squadron Leader, he left the Regulars in 2003.
He joined No 2503 Squadron RAuxAF Regiment and took command of the Squadron in 2005. In 2010, he was mobilised, as a Reservist, in support of Operation HERRICK and deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan.
In 2012, he was promoted to Wing Commander and took command of No 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron RAuxAF, one of the three new squadrons created within the Future Reserves 2020 programme.
In 2015, he was promoted to Group Captain and appointed Inspector of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
Promoted to Air Commodore in December 2021, he became Deputy Commandant General RAuxAF, before moving in June 2023 to take on the newly created post of Assistant Chief of Staff Reserves in No 2 Group. He was appointed a CBE in the 2022 New Year’s Honours.
Air Commodore Hellard said: “I am hugely honoured to be taking over as Chairman at this challenging time, both nationally and internationally.
“The RFCA has a critical role in creating and sustaining relationships across the East Midlands as we seek to improve numbers and the lived experience for the Cadets and Reserves.
“From our key advocates in Defence to the families of those who serve, I see real opportunity for success, and I thank our departing Chair for his endeavours over his tenure.”
Sound reputation and good health
Departing Chair Colonel Hile, a former British Army Officer who retired in 2021 after 37 years’ service, paid tribute to the Association’s staff.
He said: “I assumed the role as Chair just before lockdown, and my first impression was of a hugely professional staff working hard to continue routine business as far as practicable.
“What stood out was the work to maintain the estate during a difficult time, such that our Reserves and Cadets would be able to continue training as soon as restrictions were lifted.
“It proved, as ever, that our people are by far our strongest and most valuable asset, a view that has not wavered during my tenure, and it is their company that I shall miss the most when I leave post.”
In the space of seven years, there have been many changes across the Association’s work, especially in the engagement space.
Colonel Hile added: “Increased resources have allowed the Association to expand its activities beyond the somewhat narrow engagement with known employers to showcasing our talented Reservists and Cadets and their activities and achievements to a wider audience through a series of county and regional events.
“Coupled to a Communications programme reaching across broadcast media, local press and social media, means that our message now has a broad reach across communities and businesses throughout the East Midlands.”
Colonel Hile added: “My successor will have to face challenges early in his tenure, and I wish him every success. He will have the support of an Association of sound reputation and good health, and I look forward to watching it flourish in the future.”
We look forward to working with Air Commodore Hellard and keeping in touch with Colonel Hile through his connection with the Nottinghamshire Lieutenancy.
