£3.7m for safety training

Safety and training within the ACF has recently been given a shot in the arm thanks to a £3.7 million investment from HQ Land Forces. The donation, which has been more than 12 months in the planning, will be put towards significantly enhancing the safety and administrative staff within all counties across the organisation.

"This is a big deal for the ACF," said Colonel (Retd) Crichton Wakelin, SO1 Cadets at HQ Land Forces. "The money will balance the inconsistencies of RFCA manning at County HQs to make sure that levels across the organisation are equitable and fair with the number of cadets each county has to manage. Given the rather dire current financial climate, this funding indicates the priority that is being afforded to the Cadet Forces by both the British Army and Commander Regional Forces."  Col Wakelin hopes the money will help to ease the administration on ACF staff.  "The donation will make a significant difference to counties in light of the large increase in administration loads in recent years with matters such as health and safety, risk assessments, Westminster and JPAs.

We intend for money to go towards relieving the pressure," he said.  According to Col Wakelin the staffing shortfall that existed several months ago is now in the process of being rectified once and for all. "Recruiting for these posts has already started and all the places should be filled by the end of summer," he said.  "Every county group will benefit in some way from this extra money."

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