Estates
From Buxton to Northampton, Swadlincote to Skegness, we are the custodians of a vast estate that includes 365 buildings across 135 sites, all of which are crucial locations for our Reserve and Cadet Forces’ work and training.
What we do
Our purpose is to champion, support and enable Reserves and Cadets, because our people add value.
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 is key to our work.
Cadets & Youth
As well as raising awareness and engagement, we make sure that young people joining the Cadets have access to the very best training, facilities and staff.
The Senior Team
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.
Gary de la Hoyde-Brooks
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.
Fred Hopkins
Head of Engagement
The Head of Engagement leads our Communications and Employer Engagement Teams to raise awareness of, and champion, our amazing Reserves and Cadets.
Ben Webster
Head of Estate
The Head of Estate leads our Estates Team, which is responsible for the safety, maintenance, and management of all Reserve and Cadet facilities across the East Midlands.
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.
Stewart Thorpe
Communications Manager
The Communications Manager oversees the Communications Team and its mission to drive awareness of the great value Reserves and Cadets add to society. They also champion Forces-friendly organisations that support our people.
Kirstie Parker
Defence Relationship Manager
Our Defence Relationship Managers encourage employers to support Defence personnel and provide guidance on all aspects of employing Reservists. Kirstie covers Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Rutland and South Derbyshire.
Mark Simpson
Defence Relationship Manager
Our Defence Relationship Managers encourage employers to support Defence personnel and provide guidance on all aspects of employing Reservists. Mark covers Lincolnshire, North Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.Subscribe to our monthly bulletin for key updates straight into your inbox.
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Our latest news
Inside RFCA: documentary series takes viewers behind the scenes of East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association’s value-adding work
A new documentary offering viewers a greater insight into what makes East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) an integral partner to Defence is being released today.
Employer recognition: Regional winners of prestigious Gold Award revealed
Major East Midlands employers and businesses from strategically important sectors have been recognised for their strong commitments to Armed Forces personnel.
Reserves and resilience in the spotlight at the biggest Regional Engagement with Defence to date
A whole-of-society approach to national Defence and resilience is required to combat modern-day threats to our society.