The UK Armed Forces work around the clock to protect our way of life and defend UK interests at home and abroad. #ArmedForcesDay is our chance to say thank you.
Armed Forces Day – 29 June
Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday of June each year and provides an opportunity to show your support for the people who make up the Armed Forces Community (veterans, reservists, cadets, families, charities).
In recent Census results, it showed that over 2 million people in Great Britain aged 16 and over have had previous service in the UK armed forces.
Therefore, it is important that we understand how to support our colleagues within the Armed Forces Community and which other organisations can also provide additional external support. For instance, there are some charities which provide specialist armed forces support and host fundraising events. Support can range from adapting to life outside of the armed forces if they are a veteran to the welfare of people with loved ones being away for long periods of time.
Cadet forces
The armed forces community is made up of many people in many different roles, this also includes those volunteering as cadet instructors who offer young people opportunities that may not otherwise be available to them.
The Cadet Forces need adults to volunteer with the enthusiasm to motivate and train cadets and the desire to have a positive input into their futures.
Being a Cadet Instructor can give you the opportunity to experience something you have never tried before with chances to achieve qualifications in First Aid, diplomas and graduate level qualifications in Public Services through the BTEC scheme.
As well as training in all the activities that cadets take part in, Cadet Instructors can also home skills in leadership, management, administration, communication, teamwork, decision-making and influencing.
NECS recognises that many of the skills gained by being a Cadet Instructor are transferable to the workplace and additional 5 days paid leave and 5 days unpaid leave to support staff who are members of the Reserve Forces/Territorial Army/Cadet Forces.
For more information about this rewarding role please visit https://adultvolunteer.org
Reserves Day 2024 – 26th June
Reserves Day provides an opportunity for the country to recognise our Reserve Forces.
Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the military.
The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and are integral to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas, particularly providing capability in specialist areas such as medical and cyber.
NECS Armed Forces Covenant
NECS has demonstrated our support to the Armed Forces Community through signing the Armed Forces Covenant at the beginning of 2024 and have also achieved the Bronze in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
Captain D G Straw – Permanent Staff Admin Officer, part of 37 Signal Regiment, shared the message below with NECS:
“Reserves Day is a national occasion to recognise the Reserve Forces for their outstanding contribution to the country.
As an employer of a Reservist you recognise and benefit from the skills they bring to the workplace, transferable skills gained by their training and mobilisation on defence operations and are supporting them and all Reservists by signing the Armed Forces Covenant and being part of the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Congratulations on your Bronze Award, and I do hope that your organisation looks to progress to a Silver Award application in due course.
Being a supportive employer, you will be aware that Reservists are deployed on operations worldwide, undertaking different, diverse and, sometimes, dangerous roles. Reservists come from all parts of society and all walks of life. And joining the Reserves has given your colleague an opportunity to enjoy a range of extraordinary new experiences and to develop new skills you would not get in your day-to-day life.
Thank you for supporting our Reserve and formally recognising their outstanding contribution to their country. They inform me that they will mark Reserves Day by wearing their uniform to work. In so doing they are also demonstrating their commitment to their unit and recognising the outstanding contribution of their fellow Reservists. I understand four generations have been proud to serve.”
Click here to find Armed Forces Day events happening near you