RFCA chairman David Rhodes is to give an update on progress to modernise the UK’s 13 RFCAs when he addresses the region’s association meeting next week.
The Government announced plans to reform the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations (RFCAs) in 2020 following a year-long review by the Ministry of Defence which recommended the merger of the 13 associations into a new single Non-Departmental Public Body.
Changes
The MOD is working with representatives of the RFCAs to implement the changes which will modernise the legal, financial and governance arrangements of the associations, and improve the crucial role the associations play in connecting Defence with local communities through their work with employers and promoting the role of the armed forces and cadets more widely.
When he addresses members at the Imphal Barracks on Monday (16 May), David will outline progress to date and the changes that are scheduled to take place over the next two years, ahead of new legislation which will create the new body in 2024.
What improvements will the new body bring?
The new body will:
- Create greater transparency and governance
- Preserve the current regional footprint and volunteer membership to account for regional differences, including devolved administrations;
- Be compliant with Cabinet Office and Office of the Commissioning for Public Appointments guidelines;
- Strengthen the management of the current RFCA financial, legal, safeguarding and estate safety risks;
- Support improvements to ways of working, diversity and inclusion and potentially enable the RFCAs to take on additional tasks to support defence in the future.
Who is responsible to deliver these changes?
A joint MOD and RFCA Reform Team is implementing the recommendations of the review, working closely with other parts of the MOD and key external stakeholders.
When will it happen?
While many changes are already under way to ensure a smooth transition, the primary legislation to create the new body will be submitted for Parliamentary approval in the fourth session in 2023. This is expected to establish the new body from April 2024.