Full house at RAF Leeming learn about the work of Reserves
Over 65 attendees participated in a full day of physical challenges and strategic activities to gain an understanding of Reserve Forces exercises. Held at RAF Leeming, the event was led by Royal Auxiliary Air Force 607 and 609 Squadrons. Attendees had a chance to visit the North Yorkshire air base to learn through the day’s activities about Reserve operations and how employees who serve as reservists enrich their leadership, communication, teamwork and resilience skills.
Recognising enormous value
Attendee Steve Briddon, Station Manager at West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue says:
“I’m honoured to be invited to RAF Leeming as part of an immersive and Connective Experience programme, providing an opportunity to learn from colleagues working in a different operational environment as well as fellow covenant signatures.
“During the visit, I’ve been lucky to meet RAF personnel, gaining an insight into the station’s operations, and learning more about the Hawk aircraft and the important role it plays in training and defence. We have also been taking part in a number of leadership and teamwork activities, exploring how leadership, decision-making, and command responsibilities are developed and applied within the RAF. Visits like this are invaluable because they allow us to share experiences, understand different approaches to leadership and operational delivery, and identify learning that can be applied within West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to strengthen relationships, exchange good practice, and continue developing our people through collaboration and shared learning.”
Reserves are twice the citizen
The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces and play a vital role in protecting the UK at home and overseas, particularly providing capability in specialist areas such as medical and cyber. Reserves balance civilian life with a military career and serve a committed number of days to the forces. In addition to military duties, reservists are offered opportunities to strengthen their skills through adventurous exercises, winter or summer sport and endurance training in the UK and aboard.
Yorkshire and the Humber hold promising support
Phil Walton, Head of Engagement, RFCA YH says:
“The overwhelming enthusiasm we receive when we are able to run events like these are evident. Employers in Yorkshire and the Humber, whether they provide continuous support for the Armed Forces community, or perhaps have an employee serving in the Reserve Forces, are eager to learn about military life outside of the workplace and how the benefits can enrich outputs at the ‘day job’.
“We are very fortunate to be surrounded by so many supportive employers in our region, with well over 1,000 Armed Forces Covenant signatories, a majority who are active Silver and Gold holders on the Employer Recognition Scheme.”
Be a forces-friendly employer
Many employers who employ reserves normally develop HR policies that enable their reservist employees to attend training sessions and deployment. Employers are often Armed Forces Covenant signatories and may also be recognised by the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme for their fair practices that extend to their workplace involvement with the Armed Forces community. The Employer Engagement Team works with Chambers of Commerce and regional organisations to share information about signing the Covenant and joining the Employer Recognition Scheme.
