AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report

0151 317 9500 [email protected] nwrfca.org.uk the Volunteer Estate, we have been able Introduction to bring in additional revenue which has not only benefitted the units, facilitating Col Nick Williams, Chairman, NW RFCA the activities on their sites by receiving 30% back, but has enabled those units Reserves and Cadets “valuable and valued” that simply don’t have the marketable estate to raise income. Additionally, we Another financial year has come to an end and as have been able to support some excellent you read this Chairman’s Report we will be coming activities through our entrepreneurial up to the end of month three of this year. The in- outlook – more of which will be covered further into this report – but the multi- year financial pressures last year put a squeeze skilled operative in Cheshire and on our outputs but whilst the fiscal arena is tight we seem to have come Merseyside, and the installation of our away remarkably unscathed from this New Year’s in-year financial 1.1MW solar array at Altcar as well as the battery storage/gas peaking installations pressures. Certainly we are in a better position this year as at the time of both in Altcar and potentially across a the AGM last year we had already been faced with our third in-year cut number of Army Reserve Centres, will within the Grant-in-Aid Army Regional Command allocation; a significant bring in additional revenues to support the reductions of budgets. In addition, reduction was against the Army Cadet Force (ACF) operating grant, as in partnership with Army Headquarters well as other cuts across our funding lines. With support from the Council North West (HQ NW) we are going to trial of Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (CRFCA), NW RFCA has an Army initiative in scoping the potential remained heavily focussed on these financial challenges. to offer up The Dale (Chester), Weeton Barracks (Weeton with Preese) and I was extremely pleased that, through Headquarters around the three main Fulwood Barracks (Preston) under the the proactive salaried staff, we bid outputs and delivery pillars: stewardship AV initiative. Any income would be ring- for and received just under £1m of in- of the Volunteer Estate, support to fenced and ploughed back to the units and the Army for use in infrastructure. It year underspend from the Defence Cadets & Youth, and Engagement, which is an interesting concept being trialled by Infrastructure Organisation (DIO). This I outlined in last year’s report. This will Greater London RFCA and ourselves. was received in late January and enabled happen by December, when we will have us to undertake a number of small three Grade C1s looking after each pillar I mentioned last year the Future Reserves projects which had to be completed – it is the engagement C1 that is currently 2020 (FR20) programme – the rebasing and paid for in year. The largest sum un-recruited. This will put us and all the of North West Reserve units, including received was used for CCTV for Altcar other associations into a position where the disposal of various sites. The Training Camp, an area where we had we can meet our commitments against enhancements have all been completed; been failing each year in our security the five Service Level Agreements and, it is the disposal programme that is inspections. Also, with a duty of care to more importantly, be held to account by lagging behind and we still await DIO the many users of the site, I am delighted the single Services, MOD and DIO for our direction to undertake the sale of a small that we now have CCTV covering the actions against the allocated funding. number of sites: Army Reserve Centres main areas of the camp. at Old Street Ashton under Lyne, Myrtle I am delighted that through the excellent Street Crewe, Ardwick Green Manchester, We have still not completed our work of our Alternative Venues team, who Canterbury Street Blackburn and Crown restructuring of the Association let out irreducible spare capacity across Gate Barracks Runcorn.

2 AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report : Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man Still a significant challenge for us commence parading in September, under a team drawn from the volunteer base all, whether in the RFCA or serving the CEP 500. There are potentially another of the Associations and also external in the Reserve Forces or the Cadet 11 North West schools in the pipeline. subject matter experts. We look forward organisations, is that of recruiting – not You will have heard this morning a truly to a visit from either or both teams to only more Reservists but cadets and humbling talk by the Headmaster of The the North West this coming year as they Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs). Royton & Crompton School in Oldham. discharge their duties. Last year I used the strap line Reserves The story you have heard, I am sure, is This January, on behalf of the President are recruiting & Cadets are growing. This very similar to a number of other state and his Vice-Presidents in their roles of year I have used Reserves and Cadets schools who have joined the programme. Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants’ and the “valuable and valued”. Sadly, recruiting Our engagement – both with employers Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, has now become, for many, the focus of and local communities – goes from we screened the nominations for this everyday life. The challenges are there strength to strength. There are now well year’s Lord-Lieutenants’ and Lieutenant to see across all organisations. With the over 2000 Armed Forces Covenants Governor’s Awards. We were humbled remit, on the Reserves side, to meet signed across the country, with well by the many submissions but would ask, the Ministerial Statement Government once again, that those in the Chains of targets by 1 April 2019, less the Royal over 300 represented in the North West. A continual piece of work is to try and Command nominate suitable individuals Auxiliary Air Force, the targets are still in recognising the outstanding work that somewhat of a challenge. When you have organisations sign up to support the cadets and CFAVs as well. Nearly 12% of is being undertaken. We appreciate the read this report in this month of June, difficulty in writing citations but would the Trained Strength against target those covenants signed in the North West have not explicitly signed up to supporting ask every unit and organisation to spend figures (for the Reserves) as at 1 April a little bit of time towards the end of read as follows: the cadet community; a sad statistic. I was also pleased to note the annual facilitation each year in seeking out the exceptional of the Defence Employer Recognition individuals in their own structures. For us, All Services – 32,230 against a on behalf of the counties and the Isle of 1 Apr 19 target of 35,060 Scheme (ERS) Silver awards alongside the HQ NW Business Awards last September Man, we do really enjoy facilitating the Navy – 2,740 against a in Manchester. We were delighted to awards; it is one of the real highlights of 1 Apr 19 target of 3,100 have the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater the year for us. So, I would urge you all Army – 27,070 against a Manchester – and an association member to look long and hard at all those involved in the Reserves and Cadets and submit 1 Apr 19 target of 30,100 – present the awards. citations to recognise those outstanding RAF – 2,420 against a I also mentioned last year, for the first time, achievements. 1 Apr 19 target of 1860 a couple of relatively new roles CRFCA Increasing the number of cadets and have been charged with undertaking, CFAVs, which still are in decline, needs which report directly to Ministers on the all the support we, as an association, can delivery of the Reserves and Cadets. bring. That said, the work undertaken Firstly, the External Scrutiny Team is a by the School Cadet Expansion statutory role placed on the Chairman of Officer (SCEO), working alongside the the Council through the Defence Reform single Services, has produced great Act and is a key tool for working with our results. There are five schools currently Service Customers to aid the support of parading under the Cadet Expansion Reservists of all Services. Secondly, the Programme (CEP) 100, and a further 14 Cadet Health Check performs a similar schools parading, with three schools to but advisory role and is discharged by

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man : AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report 3 Holcombe Moor Cadet Training Centre

New joint ACF/ATC Cadet Centre in Upton, Wirral New boiler installation, Alamein Barracks, Huyton

You will read on the following pages January into what is known as Gladstone updates on the Association’s various House – the previous Gladstone Mess Infrastructure strands of outputs as well as the other and prior to that the Sergeants’ Mess parts of the organisation that are viewed and before that the Red Rose Club. The Reactive maintenance is our most as our jewels in the crown – Altcar Training move was absolutely the right thing to sensitive and emotive subject Camp and Holcombe Moor Cadet do – if nothing else as a “spend to save” Training Centre (CTC). I am delighted to measure. The staff fought through the because it relates to that which see that the work – particularly on Altcar turbulence of the move and are now our stakeholders can see and Training Camp – with the introduction of benefitting, in my view, from a facility that touch. In its simplest forms it is the solar farm and other energy saving is so much better than we had in Liverpool. initiatives is now known by the Chief of Whilst we are to lose some long serving the broken toilet seat or the light the General Staff. As mentioned before, staff – and I thank them and wish them that doesn’t work; minor and we are not there yet, but our aim is all the very best – the workforce remain annoying, but often not crossing to enable Altcar Training Camp to be flexible and as passionate as ever to the completely self-sustainable financially change upon us. We now await the new the threshold that allows us to maintain the estate for repairs as the build and hope to move into our newly to take action to rectify. It also built “HQ” in 2019. Gladstone House will numbers using and staying at the facility encompasses a faulty boiler have grown exponentially. We have been then become a conference centre and asked to take on the large (750 acre) operations room for use by the many system, roof failure or breach training area next to Holcombe Moor CTC users of Altcar Training Camp. in perimeter security (amongst from DIO. This includes the 400 metre Lastly, I remain amazed, as ever, by others); serious and possible range. Sadly, the deal comes with no staff the quite excellent work that has been and no financial support and so it is highly undertaken by the Association – both threats to health or safety. Each likely that we will seek to enclave a small from the salaried staff and all the report we receive is assessed as element of the training area (10/12 rugby volunteer members who unstintingly give to the level of severity and impact size pitches in size) to enable the cadets of their time freely to further the outputs of have a small training area for their use; we NW RFCA in supporting our community of each fault and is graded simply could not run the whole area with of Reservists across the three Services, accordingly: Critical, Urgent or no additional funding or staff! Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and young Routine. Any faults which are cadets throughout the North West of It would be remiss of me not to mention England and the Isle of Man. Thank you Critical or Urgent (and there is the Board’s decision to move out of for your support. Alexandra Court in Liverpool into Altcar a framework which drives this Training Camp. The “HQ” moved in I hope you enjoy the report. categorisation) are actioned if the funding is available. Sadly, we are not allowed to action routine faults using the funding stream from DIO, a ruling which is budget driven but aims to eke out limited funds in the most effective way possible.

4 AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report : Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man New boiler installation, Alamein Barracks, Huyton New boiler installation, Alamein Barracks, Huyton Japanese Knotweed

This does not protect the Infrastructure Last year, in a unique experiment, Most of the Infrastructure Department’s Department from taking considerable NW RFCA appointed a Multi-Skilled work is aimed at rectifying faults or ‘heat’ from estate users who, Operative (MSO) as a dedicated managing the impact of unforeseen events understandably, find it difficult to contractor using the same level of RGI such as the winter floods of a couple of tolerate the deficiencies, especially contribution to tackle the bow-wave of years ago. Sometimes, however, we when they can endure for some time. routine faults. The experiment was limited have to put our skills to the test in helping to Merseyside and Cheshire, and the wounded or injured service personnel As you can see from the photos on this MSO has successfully eradicated all adjust to their new circumstances page, a typical boiler replacement for the low-level faults in this area. Without by designing and project managing an Army Reserve Centre is no small exception, units have responded adaptations to their domestic property. undertaking. This installation at Alamein positively to the initiative and it is now This is probably the most satisfying work Barracks in Huyton Merseyside, home to being rolled out to Greater Manchester, that our surveyors undertake, and perhaps 33 Signal Squadron, comprises four 80kW Lancashire and Cumbria to make the the projects they most want to get right boilers, compared to a typical domestic same difference there. first time. A typical adaptation might boiler output of 30kW, this system has see a new fitted kitchen with powered, more than ten times the capacity. The Part of the Infrastructure Department’s lowering high-level cupboards, new investment into this installation alone was role is managing the response to invasive access facilities, downstairs bedrooms, £120,000. plant species on or adjacent to the wet rooms and through-floor lifts. Reserve and Volunteer Estate. Japanese NW RFCA have traditionally contributed Knotweed is possibly the best known Regional Command and HQ Air Cadets a significant amount of Regionally example and we are currently actively commissioned NW RFCA to build Generated Income (RGI) to try and managing or monitoring this species on seven Joint ACF/ATC Cadet Centres. bridge the gap between funds received a number of sites around the North West. These have all been completed with for maintenance and the amount we Sometimes we have to take legal as well the last two at Heywood and Nantwich need to spend on those faults that we as horticultural action to resolve issues handed over in the autumn of 2017. can action. This contribution, while on adjoining properties when they are not The other centres are at Crosby, making a significant difference, still being managed by other landowners. Knutsford, Rochdale, Upton and Leigh. never tackled the routine faults which, when left untended, could quickly become urgent or even critical. Each year we would be left with a ‘bow-wave’ of un-actioned faults carried forward into subsequent years.

Adaptations to domestic property

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man : AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report 5 First Choice Homes signs the Armed Forces Covenant Armed Forces Business Awards, the British Muslim Heritage Centre, Manchester

Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), research indicates that the benefits of Employer Engagement and there is ‘rising political and other skills and training acquired through military interest in increasing industry support for service, previously under-appreciated, are The North West Regional the Covenant’1. Liverpool and Manchester now being realised: ‘there is a persistent Employer Engagement Directors Combined and City Authorities have led lack of understanding of the key skills that (REEDs) are focussed on a the way from the outset. As of May this veterans [and Reservists] possess – only year, the region has 263 AFCs, and in the 66% of large and medium organisations review of Defence Relationship last year has nominated 15 ERS Silver perceive veterans as having good Management (DRM) processes Awards and three ERS Gold awards, communication skills, whereas this is a for employer engagement (EE), which continues the directed year-on- key strength highlighted by organisations who have actually employed them’2. with a view to identifying areas year increase in support. I believe it is now necessary to take stock where customer relationship AFC signings, ERS nominations and networking opportunities such as and refine our processes in order to meet management (CRM) efficiency the Partnering with Defence (PWD) increasing demand for engagement. It is an aspiration to employ a Head could be improved. Conference have raised the profile of of Engagement by the end of the year engaging with Defence. Requests for who will oversee, coordinate and drive Business Fit workplace engagement events (WPEE) the wider Association engagement and introductions to those considering Our links to HQ NW as our Regional programme in 2019 and beyond. Point of Contact (RPOC) were leaving the single Services suggests that businesses understand that employing established as a direct result of the 1 Rusi Report “The Art of the Covenant” dated Oct 2016. Future Reserves 2020 (FR20) White service personnel can add real value to Supported by Anne Marie Trevelyan MP. Paper, which is still vital to our agenda, their organisation. Industry commissioned 2 Deloitte Report “Veterans work” dated 2016. in order to broker mutually beneficial relationships between Defence and North West employers of the Armed Forces community, comprising Reservists, service leavers, spouses, wounded, injured and sick, cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. EE progression in the North West Have we achieved our original goal of establishing a framework for a regional relationship between Defence and ‘industry’? Significant results have been achieved in the development of a Transition and Training Working Group (TTWG). The first four years of our efforts have seen rapid uptake of the Armed Guests at the NW RFCA Merseyside and Sefton Chamber of Commerce Business Lunch at Liverpool’s Western Forces Covenant (AFC) and Defence Approaches museum

6 AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report : Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man ERS Silver Award Winners: Gary Oakford, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service; Paul Griffiths, Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Greater Manchester; Armed Forces Business Awards, the British Muslim Heritage Centre, Manchester and, Ronald Duffy, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service.

Defence ERS Silver Award Winner Eddie Stobart re-pledges support to the Armed Forces Community

Future Engagement Engagement after key milestones needs to be maintained. Whilst industry in our region is, on the whole, more aware of the benefits of recruiting service leavers and Reservists than it was pre-FR20, there needs to be communication of the rationale for continuing engagement via a primary point of contact. We see the RPOC as key to this. Whilst some businesses may have initially been motivated by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ambitions and Public Relations goals, many are now Councillor Ian Francis, Liverpool City Council; Dean Paton, Big Heritage; Major Daniella Aspin, 156 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps; Wing Commander Steve Chaskin, 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force; looking to us to provide an engagement Commodore Phil Waterhouse, Naval Regional Commander Northern England; and, Neil Ashbridge, Liverpool and forecast which can be synchronised Sefton Chamber of Commerce. with their business plans.

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man : AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report 7 Reserve centre renamings: Langdon House in Manchester, 6 Military Intelligence Battalion; and, The Prettyjohns Building in Salford, Manchester Detachment Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside

on Facebook and Twitter, and our online Engagement E-communications and the community continues to grow. If you’re not already following us, find us NW RFCA marketing and General Data Protection communications continues Regulation to provide support across all The NW RFCA monthly eNewsletter continues to be our primary means strands of the Association’s of communication with Association work with the primary aim of Members, keeping our membership promoting the Reserve Forces informed of relevant issues affecting www.nwrfca.org.uk the Reserve Forces and Cadets in the and Cadet organisations to a region as well as local news stories and variety of key stakeholders. In events. NW RFCA continues to rely on accordance with the establishment our network of Association Members to provide feedback on the quality and of the Engagement pillar of value of the information they receive, the Association’s work, RFCA and to keep us informed of key local communications activities announcements or events of relevance nationally are becoming to our community. increasingly integrated with the A significant development which has affected our E-communications this year work of the regional Employer is the introduction in May of the General Engagement teams. Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR replaces the existing law on data The National Context protection (the Data Protection Act 1998) and gives individuals more rights and The appointment this year of an Assistant protection in how their personal data Director Corporate Communications is used by organisations. The RFCAs at CRFCA, Chris Mead, has formalised must comply with its requirements, just the link between regional marketing like any other government body. The and communications, CRFCA and Association has worked to ensure we are Defence Relationship Management fully compliant with GDPR, and you will (DRM). The Assistant Director Corporate have received communications from us Communications now chairs a formal, relevant to how we manage your data; quarterly meeting of the RFCA Heads we thank you for your cooperation. of Communications and is drafting a Corporate Communications Strategy Social media continues to be a dynamic that will guide the support of RFCA and positive environment in which communications activities to national we can promote our key messages initiatives such as Armed Forces Day, and strengthen the links between Reserves Day, the Defence Employer Reserve and Cadet units, their local Recognition Scheme and the Armed communities and employers. NW RFCA Forces Covenant. now has a firmly established presence

8 AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report : Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve centre renamings: Langdon House in Manchester, 6 Military Intelligence Battalion; and, The Prettyjohns Building in Salford, Manchester Detachment Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards for Lancashire

The Volunteer magazine Media and Public Relations Her Majesty’s Lord- The Association’s quarterly magazine NW RFCA continues to provide media Lieutenants’ and Lieutenant The Volunteer continues to be one of our support to local unit activities and most popular communications outputs, achievements, working closely with Governor’s Awards bringing a snapshot of Reserve and the media leads for the single Services The annual presentations of Her Cadet activity and achievement to a wide in the region. Successful examples Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants’ Awards in regional audience. We are continuing to this year included: the centenary Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, build on the success of the “read online” commemoration of the award of the Lancashire and Merseyside, and version of the magazine, which sees an Victoria Cross to First World War hero Her Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor’s increasing following on our social media Sergeant Cyril Edward Gourley, who Awards in the Isle of Man, continue to channels issue by issue. attended Calday Grange Grammar be our flagship community engagement School on the Wirral, led by 103 events in the region. As you read this, Regiment Royal Artillery; the renaming nearly 100 Certificates of Merit and of 6 Military Intelligence Battalion’s Commendations have been awarded headquarters in Manchester to Langdon to Reservists, Cadet Force Adult House, honouring First and Second Volunteers, Cadets and supporting World War hero Major Geoffrey Harry staff in the region, with the Isle of Langdon who was born 800 metres Man ceremony still to take place in from the building; and, the naming of September. The ceremonies also include Royal Marines Reserve Merseyside’s the appointment of Her Majesty’s Lord- new Manchester Detachment facility in Lieutenants’ and Lieutenant Governor’s Salford the Prettyjohns Building, after Cadets. Corporal John Prettyjohns who was awarded the Victoria Cross during the Crimean War and lies buried in Chorlton.

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man : AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report 9 Alternative Venues Facts and figures 2017/2018 proved another successful Alternative Venues has undergone year for Alternative Venues. The income some major changes this year. generated by Alternative Venues The business has a new focus, totalled £614,105. a fresh outlook, a new Head of The site which raised the most in Regionally Generated Income was Department – and, of course, Alamein Barracks, Huyton, with a new place to work from! over £58,000 – a record amount for any venue in the North West since Alternative Venues have shifted to Alternative Venues started in 2012! 80% of this income was from use by Public a more corporate way of working, Sector Clients. identifying strategic client Reserve units are allocated 30% of all accounts. These core customers income generated through Alternative now each have a dedicated point Venues and are able to use it in line with public funds regulations. Units are also of contact, which will give them able to apply for additional grants from a more streamlined customer RGI throughout the year, the guidelines for which are available on the NW RFCA experience. website and are discussed regularly The public sector, as always, are our during site visits. largest group of users. We offer them value for money and reliability and, in £GBP After Costs turn, they provide potential Reservist recruits to our properties. However, we are very much alive to the fact that £600,000.00

their custom is not enduring, and we £500,000.00 are currently working to identify gaps in the venues market that we are able to £400,000.00

exploit with the support of site staff. £300,000.00 We are re-evaluating our marketing £200,000.00 plan and, as part of this, are currently working with local Chambers of £100,000.00

Commerce to provide venues for their £- events with the aspiration of securing 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 some new corporate clients who need facilities like boardrooms, conference £GBP after costs rooms and classrooms.

10 AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report : Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man Alternative Venues on the Regular Estate Meet the team Since being appointed Head of Commercial As a result of the success of Alternative Operations for NW RFCA, Vicky Doran Venues across the CRFCA regions, has picked up from where the Business there is currently a Regular Estate Development Manager left off – fully involved pilot programme underway. Alternative in all aspects of the business and helping to Venues North West have been asked shape the department into an efficient and to participate and have been busy effective business going forward. Vicky has visiting Dale Barracks Chester, Fulwood worked with NW RFCA since 2012, more Barracks Preston and Weeton Barracks Vicky Doran in Lancashire to identify areas which are recently as Regional Employer Engagement Business Development Manager suitable for external clients. Director and before that at the outset of Alternative Venues until 2016. Vicky is joined by Julie Case, Commercial Operations Executive Officer, and Karen Hughes, Commercial Business Administrator. As Commercial Operations Executive Officer, Julie is responsible for strategic accounts and financial administration for the Alternative Venues team. She has over 20 years’ experience of working within the Public Sector in a corporate and community events environment, as well as two years’ experience of working with the Employer Julie Case Engagement team for NW RFCA. Commercial Operations Executive Officer Karen has been employed by NW RFCA for 13 months as Commercial Business Administrator, before which she was employed by Liverpool City Council and Kier Group as a Technical Officer dealing with property matters relating to the purchase and demolition of properties within Liverpool City Council boundaries. Karen currently deals with bookings for venues across the North West Reserve Estate, dealing with clients on a daily basis by either email or telephone. Vicky and the department have a busy year ahead, but look forward to the challenges Karen Hughes

they will face as a team. Commercial Business Administrator

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man : AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report 11 Barrow-in-Furness Sea Cadets

based CCFs, with the numbers of these Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and Cadets and Youth units continually increasing as a result Cheshire continue to be the regional hot- of the Cadet Expansion Programme. spots, and the North West continues to Numbers and Trends be seen as a key area for CEP nationally. Cadet numbers in the North West have Cadet Expansion As at 1 April 2018, only 47 places remain remained fairly static in 2017-18: Programme (CEP) in the programme to reach the target of 500 schools across the UK and it is likely CADET FORCE 2017 2018 2017 saw yet another increase in the that demand will outstrip supply well number of schools establishing a Sea Cadet Corps 2266 1911 Cadet unit as part of the Department of before the planned end of CEP in March Army Cadet Force 3773 3521 Education / Ministry of Defence Cadet 2020. Another 10 North West schools Air Training Corps 3495 3439 Expansion Programme (CEP), with a are likely to apply for a CCF unit in 2018, total of 22 North West schools benefitting and the breakdown of CEP schools in Combined Cadet Force 1874 1999 from the programme to date since 2012. the region to date is shown below:

Joint Services Cadet CADET FORCE SCHOOL LOCATION COUNTY Committee (JSCC) Sea Cadet Corps Broadgreen International School Liverpool Merseyside Sea Cadet Corps Copley Academy Stalybridge Greater Manchester The NW Joint Services Cadet Sea Cadet Corps Great Ashton Academy Ashton U Lyne Greater Manchester Committee (JSCC) met twice in 2017, Sea Cadet Corps St Matthews RC High School Failsworth Greater Manchester in April and November. The format CCF(RN) Bishop Heber High School Malpas Cheshire and membership of the committee has CCF(RN) Energy Coast UTC Workington Cumbria changed to a “representative” model, CCF(RN) St Antony’s RC College Urmston Greater Manchester with senior representatives from all the CCF(RN) The Belvedere Academy Liverpool Greater Manchester single-service Cadet Forces and CCF, CCF(RN) Wellacre Academy Urmston Greater Manchester and positive moves to enable greater CCF(RM) De La Salle Academy Liverpool Merseyside joint-working between the Cadet Forces CCF(RM) The Hawthornes’ Free School Liverpool Merseyside CCF(Army) Beamont Collegiate Academy Warrington Cheshire in areas of commonality (e.g. DofE, CCF(Army) Birkenhead High School Academy Birkenhead Merseyside shooting, & first aid) are afoot. It is hoped CCF(Army) Bishops Blue Coat CE High School Chester Cheshire that in future, the JSCC may become a CCF(Army) Blessed John Henry Newman Roman Catholic College Oldham Greater Manchester “Steering Group” for regional activity- CCF(Army) Carr Hill High School Kirkham Lancashire based or County-based “Working CCF(Army) Essa Academy Bolton Greater Manchester Groups”; so that local partnerships and CCF(Army) Gateacre School Liverpool Merseyside working relationships can be fostered CCF(Army) Hugh Baird College (FE) Liverpool Merseyside at unit and sub unit level, the aspiration CCF(Army) Liverpool Life Sciences UTC Liverpool Merseyside is, that in these areas of commonality, CCF(Army) Newton Rigg College (FE) Penrith Cumbria CCF(Army) Royton Crompton School Oldham Greater Manchester resources - such as range-bookings, CCF(Army) UTC Warrington Warrington Cheshire Skill At Arms training, first aid training, CCF(Army) Walkden High School Walkden Greater Manchester and DofE expeditions - can be shared; CCF(RAF) Albion Academy Salford Greater Manchester increasing access to these opportunities CCF(RAF) Christleton High School Chester Cheshire for cadets of all services. Further work CCF(RAF) Kings Leadership Academy Warrington Cheshire could also explore a format for enabling CCF(RAF) Kings Leadership Academy Liverpool Merseyside greater collaboration between school- CCF(RAF) Ripley St Thomas CE Academy Lancaster Lancashire

12 AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report : Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man Former Secretary of State for Defence Sir Michael Fallon visits Albion Academy in Manchester.

The final day of the course is a graduation Queen’s Cadet Forces Senior Cadet Instructors ceremony, where the successful cadets Commission Cadre in the North West celebrate their achievements with friends and families. On returning to their In December 2017, the Queen’s Cadet Over the past year, the Army Headquarters detachments the cadets will go on to Forces Commission was introduced. This North West Cadet Training Team (HQ NW assist the Adult Instructors in delivering new Commission for all Commissioned CTT) has delivered four week-long Senior training to other cadets. Cadet Force Adult Volunteers replaced Cadet Instructors training cadres (SCIC) existing Cadet Force Commissions to over 160 cadets from Sea Cadet, Army Barrow-in-Furness Sea Cadets across all the Cadet Forces. All CFAV’s Cadet, Air Cadet and Combined Cadet commissioned from December 2017 Force units across the region. awarded Canada Trophy will receive the new Commission. The Comprising experienced former Regular Last summer, Rear Admiral John Clink new Commission was introduced by OBE visited Barrow Sea Cadets to Army Warrant Officers and Senior Non- Royal Warrant and followed enabling present them with the coveted Canada Commissioned Officers, the CTT’s Legislation by Parliament. The new Trophy, which recognises the best Sea mission is to support Cadet training in Commission acknowledged for the first Cadet unit in the UK. the North West of England and to provide time the Cadet Forces as an entity in its courses like the SCIC. The SCIC is Barrow-In-Furness Sea Cadets, which own right, separate from the Reserve hugely challenging and attended only by is funded solely by donations and is Forces. New Commission Scrolls the most experienced cadets who have a charity, also won the Stephenson are currently being developed and it spent years working up to this stage, Trophy for best unit in the North West is planned that they will be issued and many of whom will go on to become Area for the second consecutive year, during 2018. Cadet Company Sergeant Majors and and has tasted success in rowing Regimental Sergeant Majors. championships, football competitions and achieving the highest score in the The varied training programme covers North West Area at the Royal Marines the core elements of the Army training Cadets’ Annual Inspection. syllabus: practical sessions, including foot drill and weapon handling; lectures, on leadership, battle procedure, training in woods and forests (TIWAF), patrolling, ambushing and preparation of orders; and, the preparation and delivery of training sessions. It’s not an easy week, even for experienced cadets, and it’s designed not to be. The working day begins at 0630hrs and the day formally ends at 2000hrs. The week’s activities culminate in a 48-hour Field Training Exercise where the cadets are deposited at a secret Patrol Base from where they take it in turns to participate in and lead small unit operations.

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man : AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report 13 Bootle Army Cadets move home to Brunswick Youth and Community Centre

Lt (SCC) Jason Zaccarini RNR, engage with local young people who Commanding Officer of Barrow Sea don’t come into the centre, and hosts Altcar Training Camp Cadets, said: “Receiving the Canada Veterans in Sefton, a charity for former The total number of individual Trophy is a fantastic honour for service personnel, who hold a NAAFI everyone associated with the Barrow- break at the centre every week. unit bids for Altcar Training in-Furness Unit, with this achievement Camp across the single Services being the culmination of many years of hard work. It is recognition of the Air Cadet Flying at piece has reached an all-time dedication and professionalism of our RAF Woodvale high this year, with some 710 unit staff and management team, the unit submissions for training support we receive from parents and Significant challenges remain in volunteers and, above all, the sheer keeping the “Air” in the Air Cadets, but on site this reporting period. In effort, commitment and excellence of some recent and very welcome news order to service all individual our wonderful cadets.” is that the RAF has committed funds unit needs and influence events, to resurface the main runway at RAF Altcar Training Camp staff have Bootle Army Cadets move Woodvale in 2018, which will enable worked assiduously under home to Brunswick Youth cadet Air Experience Flying (AEF) to recommence with the Tutor T1 aircraft what has been an eventful and and Community Centre of 10 Air Experience Flight (10AEF). sometimes trying year. Army Cadets from Bootle moved A Part Task Trainer simulator has Bad weather and a deluge of continuous home last year to join other youth recently been installed at 631 Volunteer rain during the year has caused severe organisations and community groups Gliding School (631VGS), also at RAF flooding throughout the site with main at Brunswick Youth and Community Woodvale, and it is hoped that 613VGS roads, ranges and Shapter Hall taking Centre on Marsh Lane. will complete the Return to Flight the brunt of the ruthless weather. Heavy Bootle Detachment Merseyside Army programme in 2018, with aircraft being rains and the overwhelming, unremitting Cadet Force left their older facilities delivered in-year. However, the Out of quantity mixed with a high water table and high tides, has meant that it has not at the invitation of the ‘Brunny’, where Service Date of the Vigilant T1 motor- they now enjoy brand new facilities only been challenging and problematic glider remains 2019, so the long-term for soldiers to train, but overall vehicular including an indoor football pitch, sports future of Air Cadet gliding at Woodvale equipment, a garden and outdoor traffic has been restricted and site is still uncertain. With the introduction of recreation area. maintenance has been difficult, if not the Queen’s Cadet Force Commission impossible, on occasions. Shapter Hall The Army Cadets joined other groups on 1 December 2017, all Air Training (Gymnasium) suffered significantly with based at the centre, including: the Corps and CCF(RAF) CFAVs now wear water ingress on several occasions Jamie Carragher Academy, working a common “RAF Air Cadets” identifier resulting in damage and non-use of with 16-19-year-olds to towards BTEC on their rank slides (and RAFAC on their the facility. The main hall floor was level qualifications in sport; a Kids’ under water, the changing rooms and collars when in No.1 uniform and No.5 Club for local youngsters aged 6-11; toilet areas flooded and expensive a Youth Club for 11-19-year-olds; and, Mess Dress); and most of the cadet military equipment had to be rescued Merseyside Youth Association’s Talent proficiency badges introduced by the and stored elsewhere pending the site Match programme. The centre also new Progressive Training Syllabus in drying out and mud/sediment removed runs an outreach facility to go out and 2017 are now available for issue. from the floored areas.

14 AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report : Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man Altcar Training Camp has been extremely The range complex has seen high usage through the North West onto deployment eventful with Range Inspections and on Sunday afternoons with civilian gun to SENTA. The site will be used for the general maintenance commitments. We clubs. There are a total of 19 gun clubs same troops returning at Endex in order are pleased to report that the Range who regularly use the range complex. to transit back to Belgium. Inspection pulled another very good Outside the military and civilian clubs report and the site is fully licenced and we have four Police Constabularies who In terms of onsite work this has been compliant. Large parts of training areas make occasional range and dry training another eventful year. A large part of 6 and 7 had several trenches which were area bookings. The need for night firing Training Area 7 is being converted to a mine-taped off and placed out of bounds practice has increased slightly. The site Field Supply Area with work taking 12-18 because they posed a health and safety averages around 12 – 18 Limit of Night months to complete. The bad weather risk. The team set about exposing and Visibility firing practices each year. has hindered progress but it is hoped clearing out those parts of the training Range I (India) has a particular flooding that over the summer months this work areas which were affected. All stone, problem around the SSSI area which will move forward considerably. The re- brick and other rubble, wrought iron the site hopes to resolve this coming modelling of Training Area 7 will create and sand bags were removed from site. year. Outside this range (I), the other a robust and durable Field Supply Area The fields were then ploughed followed nine full bore ranges are in good order by seeding and over the winter months albeit waterlogged in places. with hard standing areas providing the fields have been transformed into additional onsite utility. usable real estate. This work took shape Over this reporting period there Additional work also includes internal over several months with local farmer have been a number of Operational involvement in order to assist site staff. and UK Resilience deployments, refurbishment of Headquarters (building The end result is impressive and what reconnaissance visits and exercises in 32) Altcar Training Camp with the was ‘unusable’ land has been changed order to confirm Altcar Training Camp provision of additional toilets and making it accessible and fit for purpose. as a Forward Mounting or Forward showers and a revamped kitchen for We are also pleased to announce a new Operating Base. During the year an EU duty staff. At the time of writing this training area. The space as designated multinational Search and Rescue LIVEX report building 45 is being renovated and is Training Area 4 and this summer a took place on Training Area 7. This enhanced in order to provide additional period of settlement should render it exercise covered a full-scale deployment facilities for elements of 4 PARA as a from various locations overseas to available for unit use. It has been booked lodger unit. This work will provide 2 x Altcar of Search and Rescue personnel by the UK Reserve Forces Association classrooms, 2 x offices, and changing for their multinational competition later who, in military terms, went through a room facilities with toilets and showers. this year. This particular area has a Reception, Staging, Onward Movement raised, undulating bund around the site and Integration (RSOI) package and Provision for G4 storage and weapons which is designed for off-road biking. lived, slept, fed and deployed from an storage will be added and is currently in Altcar on-site field location to various the planning stage in order to make it fit During the year, the ranges have been exercise locations around the North for purpose for 4 PARA. Huts 1-13 have utilised by a number of deployable West area in the main with one or two had extensive external refurbishment multiples in order to practice and scenarios around the Altcar site. The which will prolong their utility for a qualify military personnel on up-to- exercise was supported by HQ NW. date weapon drills and skills, as well number of years. The canopies to these as essential annual firing qualifications. Altcar Training Camp was used to huts have been replaced with new Outside the main effort, the site has provide HNS for deploying Belgian UPVC style canopies. There has been facilitated a number of important military troops as a Command & Control significant electrical work upgrade to all and civilian shooting competitions. movement cell for their troops transiting 10 Explosive Storage Houses (ESH).

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man : AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report 15 The current tall lighting towers in the ESH Sodexo. The new service provider is their involvement in maintaining Altcar’s are no longer fit for purpose and are to be Carillion Aramark. Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) removed. As part of the ESH upgrade, compliance. They provide conservation Another significant change has been the new ‘tall’ lighting has been procured and updates, advice and guidance, provision retirement of Altcar Quartermaster (QM) installed. The site Cadet Training Centre of work management, and ensure site Jim Ramsay. QM for the last 13 years, (Merseyside) has had extensive shower improvement. Altcar Training Camp has and toilet refurbishment. The eight Jim decided it was time to retire and to move to Scotland. He will be sadly a five year Conservation Management existing Nissan Huts along the fence line Plan which has been produced in opposite the Romney Store are in need missed and we all wish Jim and his wife Carol a long and happy retirement. His conjunction with DIO, Altcar and the of repair in order to extend their utility. site Conservation Committee. There These are primarily used for additional replacement is Phil McGlashan, who has moved from NW RFCA to the Altcar has been considerable conservation site classroom space or storage. These investment in terms of finance, expertise huts are popular and used as Company Training Camp QM appointment. We and time (hours of personal time walking Offices for Cadet Camps in the main and wish him every success in his new role. and looking at the state of the site). The for transiting units looking for additional One of the onsite lodger units, Army work has included a licenced Grey Plover classrooms. Training Unit (North), as directed by catch which was the largest in the UK for This year Altcar Training Camp is Command Initial Training Group and a decade and took place off the Altcar being used to administer and host the supported by Pirbright Reserve Phase 1 Training Camp beach. There has been Cadet National Sporting Events. Cadet and 2 Instructors, will conduct a Reserve collaboration with the Gems in the Dunes National Rugby and Football took place Forces Phase 1 Consolidated Course at project in order create bare patches of on site and we are scheduled for the Altcar Training Camp. This will be a first sand along the frontal dunes to provide orienteering, tug-of-war, and cross- for both the Army Training Unit (North) the correct habitat for Sand Lizards and country events. and Altcar Training Camp. Natter Jack Toads. Conservation work Another important and essential Conservation, tree planting and wildlife has included the removal of Japanese procurement for the site is the significant continue to be important parts of site Rose (Rosa Rugosa) and Sea Buckthorn CCTV installation and upgrade. The site work and throughout the year there have patches. Additional work includes has seen 8 x masts with state of the art been a couple of hundred trees planted Community Engagement through 360 degree cameras installed throughout at a number of different locations. The organised, controlled and informative the site. This provides the on-site Altcar Training Camp Conservation guided walks across the site. Ministry of Defence Guard Service with Group are clearly passionate about The Altcar Training Camp Committee significant camera coverage throughout the whole site covering main access/ continues to add value to the site. excess roads, main camp coverage, The Committee links the community extensive range and dry training area of military, Blue Light Services and coverage. The cameras have zoom civilian organisations utilising the site. capability and the significant increase in Representation from the Police, Parish coverage will greatly enhance the overall Council and Civilian Rifle Clubs and High security of the site. Elm Archers is very much appreciated. There has been a noteworthy change Looking ahead, we would normally be to the Catering, Cleaning and Retail looking at around 300 – 350 unit bids this Services which, over the last 10 years, time of year. As at the end of April, the have been supplied and serviced by site had 477 submissions so far.

16 AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report : Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man of the Alternative Venues team. This Turning to our Trusts, they have been able Finance Regionally Generated income is used to support units with grant contributions for the support of the units within the and in 2017/18 the value of grants The Association began the North West both directly and indirectly. awarded is shown below. In cases where financial year 17/18 with a budget Examples of how the funding is used there were additional funds available to are outlined below: Trustees, grants for marketing were also allocation of £8.4m. In addition to awarded. The Trusts meet annually in this the Association had carried November and welcome applications forward reserves of £303k and from all eligible units. receipts in advance of £1.6m to fund various projects such as the joint cadet centres. The budget increased by £2m during the year to reflect new projects and priorities and funding available for the year totaled £12m (excluding RGI). In year allocations included £1.118m for Regionally Generated Income - the maintenance of the Estate, £530k Distribution for a number of minor new works and £82k for additional Injured Service Refunds to units for Personnel adaptations. use of facilities for £145,237 hiring to 3rd parties Trust grants awarded in 2017/18 The Association’s accounts represent Maintenance Works £67,500 income from 15 distinct funding streams. to the Estate Stretford Road Trust £20,934 The consolidated accounts for FY17/18 have been audited and the Balance Donations to units Macclesfield Drill Hall for Adventure Training, £9,300 £47,417 Trust Sheet and Income and Expenditure Equipment, report are included at p18. Expeditions etc NW Army Cadet Force £19,375 Trust Fund The pie charts below illustrate both the Production of the £31,500 Volunteer Magazine Congleton Drill Hall summary of income and how this has £1,750 Trust (meeting not held) been allocated to our outputs with 34% Business Development earmarked for Estates Management and Alternative Venues £124,604 Blackpool Drill Hall Trust £10,360 and 22% allocated to infrastructure costs (primarily rents and rates). Costs associated with £20,678 Total £61,719 In addition to the funding provided, Association properties NW RFCA has generated £1.57m of income. £608k of receipts from the sale of a site will be retained to fund costs associated with the relocation of NW RFCA Headquarters. £614k was generated primarily through the work

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man : AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report 17 Summary of Income 2017/18 Summary of Expenditure 2017/18

Grant in Aid £3,624,650.00 Staff Costs £3,211,680.00

Estate DIO Infrastructure £1,984,916.00 £3,922,984.00 Management Capital DIO Maintenance £1,917,049.00 £603,643.00 Expenditure DE Rdel £1,464,576.00 Adaptions to Injured Soldiers £157,605.00 DE Cdel £603,643.00 properties Reserve & Cadet £268,465.00 Dinfra Rdel £157,605.00 Support Infrastructure £2,503,046.00 DRM £119,479.00 (rates, rents, utilities) Adminstration £355,656.00 CRF Vehicles £212,690.00 & HR Other ATC Input £520,305.00 (I.T, Recruiting Support, £484,048.00 Transport)

Funding Sundry £95,833.00 Total £11,507,127.00

Regionally £1,569,455.00 Generated Income

Other (Fleet/RAuxAF/ £44,548.00 ATC Rdel/CRF Grants)

18 AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report : Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man Commandants, Wing Air Staff, Area Officers, of Associations (the formal mechanism by Conclusion staff in the single Service headquarters to which the RFCAs are authorised to undertake staff in NW RFCA. I welcome the new senior their duties), NW RFCA enjoys considerable Mr Warren Smith, personalities in the region – and, in particular, help and advice from an extended network Her Majesty’s Colonel Russ Miller OBE who is imminently of volunteers who collectively provide Lord-Lieutenant for taking over as Commander, Headquarters unparalleled expertise and experience. North West. I want to state on record the These volunteers – you who are reading Greater Manchester appreciation of all in NW RFCA to Colonel this report – are the life-blood of the RFCAs Phil Harrison, the outgoing Commander of and are an invaluable means by which we President NW RFCA Headquarters North West. Colonel Phil was connect to communities, provide good As your President and on behalf of my Vice- the previous Deputy Commander of 42 Inf value-for-money services and ultimately Presidents I hope that this Chairman’s Report Bde & HQ NW and leaves the Army after shape Defence thinking, especially for the has given you just a small taster of the work spending nearly four years in the region and long term well-being of the Reserves and undertaken by the salaried staff and wider just shy of 36 years serving the Crown. I, and Cadets. In this continued period of change, Reserve and Cadet community across the I know my fellow Lord-Lieutenant’s and the opportunities and challenges, we continue North West of England and the Isle of Man. Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man, wish to rely on you to act as ambassadors on The outputs, undertaken by the Association, him all the very best in “retirement” from behalf of NW RFCA and the Reservists and against continued financial pressure across the Army and thank him for his outstanding Cadets whom we support. We will continue Defence, show that the challenges can be contribution in everything he has done. We to keep you informed with regular updates overcome. I am adamant that we must wish him well in his new job in Civilian Street. on news and events. We will continue to rely on your local knowledge, your professional not be complacent; we live in an era of an I make one plea to all those new in post – expertise and your feedback to ensure we old and declining estate which is going and especially those new to working with continue to facilitate, support, promote and to give us many more pressures over the the Reserves and Cadets; I will reemphasize serve our Reservists, Cadet Force Adult coming years. Defence will look at ways of the Chairman’s statement last year that NW Volunteers and cadets. Please keep in undertaking business with declining funding RFCA is very keen to brief the incoming contact with us and if you have any questions across all outputs and our customers will, “command teams” of the Reserve units, or uncertainties we will try and give you the quite rightly, want a continued and improved the tri-Service Cadet organisations and correct answer: this all-informed network will service from us. The challenges aside I their respective Chains of Command as stand us in good stead as we move forward. firmly believe that we have played our part well as the staff in the Navy, Army and Air in enabling our customers to undertake their headquarters on the outputs and structure of My thanks to my Vice-Presidents, Board primary and secondary roles. NW RFCA. Quite simply – the more that our members and subsidiary committee Last year we said our farewell to Dame Lorna customers know about us, the better. Sadly, members who have all give an abundance Muirhead who, in September, handed over the work of the RFCAs across the country is of their own time to further our work; it is the reins as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant not as widely known as perhaps they should much appreciated and long may it continue. be and if we can help incoming staff at the for Merseyside to Mr Mark Blundell. We Finally, I would like to add my personal beginning of their tours understand what we wish Mark and his wife all the very best in thanks to all the staff working in NW RFCA. do and what we can do for them, it will be a this prestigious position and I know he has Their dedication and commitment is hugely win, win for all. already undertaken a number of events appreciated. For those that have moved with the Reserves, Cadets and indeed NW I would like to mention our volunteer on in the last year, we thank you. To those RFCA. There has also been a number of membership. As all are aware, the RFCAs new in appointment we wish you all the very other changes in personalities over the year are fundamentally volunteer membership best. All have once again stepped up to – from the changeover of Commanding organisations. Over and above the the mark during what has been yet another Officers, Officers Commanding, County membership identified within the Schemes challenging and hugely busy year.

Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man : AGM 2018 Chairman’s Report 19