Spring 2026 report: Continuing to deliver for cadets and reserves

Foreword

Chair David Fuller OBE MNM DL reflects on the RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber's activity in his foreword as Association Chair

Welcome to our 2026 annual report.

Our regional cadets have had another successful year. Overall cadet numbers continue to increase, though at a slower rate than in recent years, and we have also seen an increase in adult volunteers. The annual Summer Camps remain a cornerstone of the cadet year. This year, we supported over 500 Combined Cadet Force cadets from Yorkshire and the Humber at Otterburn and North Yorkshire Water Park in June and July, in addition to Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force HQ during their annual Visitors’ Day. The RAF Air Cadets organised and held a superb Super Camp at RAF Leeming where many cadets from Yorkshire and the Humber were able to take advantage of the opportunities on offer. We also supported a further, successful, Cadet Forces Business and Enterprise Study Weekend in July and our well-established annual Careers Fair in February.

Our reserves across the county are central to defence plans and enjoying rich opportunities. They are, however, facing challenges with recruitment and retention as key priorities due to an ongoing decline in numbers. We have continued to support retention-focused activities through special grants for adventurous training, battlefield tours, and social events, and we have increased our grant budget for these purposes this year. Additionally, we are making an extra effort to support recruitment with a special grant available to units to assist with local recruitment. I had expected to report positive developments for reserves from the Strategic Defence Review; however, we are still waiting for clarity on future plans for reserves.

As you will be aware, we are facing increasing difficulties with budgets and maintenance of the Volunteer and Cadet Estate managing the FDIS contract. The good news is that, unlike other Associations around the country, we have not closed any Reserve or Cadet buildings due to issues in maintenance or routine service checks. We have had, however, two
cadet buildings vacated by instruction of their Chain of Command. This proved to be
a short-lived withdrawal, of around 48 hours, as the maintenance checks had been
carried out, but over the Christmas holidays and the contractor had not managed to
update the records. Interestingly, the Army Cadets remained in situ throughout. The rest of the estate continues in an acceptable state due to the exceptional dedication and commitment of Ian Hardbattle and his team who are thanked for their tireless work on our behalf, and we remain focused on delivering the best possible service to our Reserves and Cadets.

Ian is due to retire later this year so I am sure you will join me in wishing him a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.

Our community engagement continues to play a vital role in strengthening the armed forces’ connection with society. We awarded seventeen silver and sixteen gold certificates to Yorkshire and the Humber employers; exceeding the success of the preceding year. Our military business expos and annual Lord-Lieutenant’s award ceremonies also continue to thrive across the county. We are also delighted with our most recent milestone, welcoming Premier Technical Services Group Ltd. of Castleford as our 1,000th Armed Forces Covenant signatory in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Financially, we have had a strong year and maintained a balanced budget. We received £5.04 million in MOD funds, all of which we utilised effectively, particularly for our estate. Our regional income has been reduced to £986,000. We enter the new year with a reduced but manageable operating budget and sufficient regional funds for planned projects. However, we must remain vigilant, as future MOD funding will likely require strong advocacy to sustain our work.

I am delighted to welcome several new members to the Association this year. It is vital that we continue to attract new talent to our ranks. I also extend my gratitude to all existing members for their continued support and counsel to the board and our committees. Together, we have a vital role in positively shaping the region’s and nation’s Reserves and Cadets.

Enriching the cadet experience

Supporting cadets and volunteers

RFCA YH is committed to delivering tri-service cadet programmes throughout Yorkshire and the Humber, extending support to the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Air Training Corps and the schools-based Combined Cadet Force. The cadet forces provide an opportunity for individuals to gain invaluable qualifications, enhance their confidence and prepare themselves for a bright and successful future with endless possibilities. From summer camps to skills-building activities, cadets enjoy fun adventures whilst making lasting friendships.

Providing programmes that teach and develop young people

Adventurous Training and Exploration Activity offers the chance for young people to step out of their comfort zone, experience new environments and challenges, and build upon their confidence and abilities. We supported several opportunities this year that enabled cadets access to these experiences, including Adventurous Training for 27 Cadets at Thornbridge Outdoors in October 2025 (£1,000) and along with the Yorkshire Cadet Trust, committed funds for 14 cadets to attend Adventurous Training at Newby Wiske Hall (£700).

In the last financial year, we committed support for first-quarter FY 2025/26 events including (£4,000) towards 40 cadets and ten Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) to visit a WWI Battlefield Tour in April 2025, 100 cadets participating in a Climbing Competition at Awesome Walls in Sheffield (£1,000) and 160 cadets attending a Battlefield Tour in Belgium (£2,500). Finally, we supported eight cadets and two CFAVs to attend adventurous training at Netheravon Airfield (£720).

Annual Summer Camps are cornerstone events for cadets in Yorkshire and the Humber. Whether our cadets take part in camps in our counties or beyond, or if Yorkshire and the Humber serves as host to cadets from across the UK, 2025 marked an exceptional year for opportunities.

The Headquarters North Cadet Training Team ran a three-week Combined Cadet Force camp operation (£1,000) that served a total of 1,500 cadets from over 50 contingents. The camp delivered three batches of week-long programmes, including military-style exercises at Otterburn followed by sport and adventure activities at North Yorkshire Water Park. Additionally, Ex Merlin Manoeuvre, ran in March 2026 (originally scheduled to run October 2025 but postponed due to poor weather). The camp welcomed nearly 300 cadets, representing 28 teams for the competitive weekend. Overall, more successful events in the books made possible by the tremendous efforts of the HQ North CTT team – staff, regulars, reservists and CFAVs.

North Region Super Camp in Yorkshire RAF Air Cadets from across the North also enjoyed camp in Yorkshire. North Region rolled out its Super Camp at RAF Leeming which welcomed air cadets from the Northwest, Northeast and Yorkshire and the Humber. The operation ran over three weeks with week-long camps that included flying, archery, STEM, fieldcraft, and excursions to local tourist attractions. Cadets enjoyed engaging in activities while staying on a live base, with flights departing and arriving all day long.

The 4th Annual Cadet Careers Fair was held in February at Silver ERS award winner York College. Fifty-five employers – all on the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme – exhibited. Following last year’s overwhelming response from cadets in Yorkshire and the Humber and the Northeast, attendance numbers increased, welcoming more cadets than ever. Success stories include exhibitor and 2025 Gold ERS winner KH Plant, which organised an offshoot industry event inviting cadets to their HQ to learn more about their work and employment opportunities, and 2024 Gold ERS winner One SC Media, which has sourced work placements from the fair. The event was covered in the York Press, That’s TV-York, and Forces News. Pre-event promotion achieved 10,000 views, with post-event content reaching 23,500 views.Watch more here.

The 2nd Annual Cadet Business and Enterprise Weekend was held in July at York St John University. Business School academics and local business leaders led lectures and a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style competition, putting the cadets’ learned skills and knowledge to the test. The two-day event welcomed tri-service cadets to teach them how to develop a business idea, marketing, leadership, and collaborative development. Participation earned cadets credit towards application to the University’s Business School. Simon Banks-Cooper, Honorary Colonel of Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF and founder of a regional Cadet Careers Fair, says: “Employers and entrepreneurs recognise that it’s not just academic qualifications that are key to employability. Wider experiences, generic skills, and emotional intelligence contribute to making a young person work-ready.” Watch more here.

We host the Department for Education and Ministry of Defence’s Cadet Expansion Scheme which helps schools across the region set up and develop cadet units. Yorkshire and the Humber is currently home to 26 Combined Cadet Forces (CCFs). Our newer units—Moor End Academy CCF in Huddersfield and Sir John Nelthorpe CCF in Brigg—have consolidated well following their inaugural year, while the newly formed Navy section at The St Lawrence Academy in Scunthorpe is also demonstrating steady progress. We’re also pleased to report that Appleton Academy in Bradford held its first parade in April. 

Although overall cadet numbers have seen a slight reduction compared to April 2025 —reflecting the national trend—most units have experienced a welcome period of stability following significant personnel changes, across the region, towards the end of last academic year. This steadier environment has contributed to some of the strongest cadet retention rates we’ve seen in recent academic years, demonstrating renewed confidence and continuity across our CCF network.

Raising the profile of the Cadet Force

The Cadet Review, a magazine that features news stories, events, achievements, and successes of our cadets and adult volunteer leaders from across Yorkshire and the Humber, celebrates its 20th year in circulation. Published tri-annually with 9,000 copies in circulation per year, an online version is also available, making it more accessible to our cadet community and beyond. A special edition celebrating this milestone was issued in Autumn 2025. Watch more here.

Colonel David Fuller, Editor of The Cadet Review, says:

“I am delighted to celebrate 20 years of The Cadet Review. What began as an unknown journey has evolved into a remarkable endeavour, involving all three services across Yorkshire and the Humber. Thanks to the dedication of a fantastic team, we have consistently produced issue after issue, each filled with inspiring stories and remarkable achievements. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey thus far, and I am excited about the many more years of success that The Cadet Review has in store.”

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants’ Award events in all four counties, organised and run by RFCA YH, welcomed the respective HM Lord-Lieutenant, civic leaders and senior military officers. In addition to the Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers recognised for their exceptional contribution to the forces, fourteen cadets were appointed as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet this year for their superlative work and commitment. To celebrate the voice of the cadet experience and to inform and inspire audiences of this achievement, we produced video reels that featured the cadets sharing their cadet experience. Overall, the cadet video reels have received over 42,500 views on our channels, a +140% increase compared to the previous year’s Lord-Lieutenant Awards reels. Watch the reels here: East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire.

Cadet Force Adult Volunteers

The Cadet Force Adult Volunteers network makes the running of our youth programmes possible. Volunteers manage the delivery of activities, administration, and learning, ensuring young people receive a memorable and meaningful cadet experience. They give time from their personal lives to attend parade nights at least twice a week, undertake basic training, teach the cadet syllabus, and oversee the safety (and fun!) of the cadets. They are an essential pillar of the cadet programme, instilling foundational skills and knowledge to support cadets’ successful progression to employability, higher education, military service, and more. Adult volunteer numbers remain steady; however, RFCA YH lends continuous support to recruitment efforts overall in Yorkshire and the Humber, especially in selected areas where CFAV recruitment requires extra focus.

A CFAV reel is currently in production.  Similar to the ‘Life in the Reserves’ reel, RFCA YH will feature a tri-service showcase of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers in their roles, highlighting the importance of volunteering and how employers and civilian life accommodate their commitment. We aim to broadcast the reel on our channels to generate interest in CFAV recruitment and retention. The reel will debut in September 2026 and support efforts towards the Strategic Defence Review’s aim to increase the Cadet Force by 30% by 2030, with our focus on volunteer recruitment to align with cadet growth.

The RFCA YH CFAV summer 2025 campaign ran alongside National Volunteers’ Week which featured volunteer testimonies about the positive impact they have on the cadet community and the benefits of volunteering for the cadet programme. The campaign received favourable engagement and excellent reach, with 13,500 views across our channels – up 158% from the previous year. We were thrilled to work with Army Veteran Craig Hammond-Kaye, Commanding Officer of Sheffield Sea Cadets, Luke Clifford-Roper-Smith , of 1324 (Hawker Blackburn) Squadron, and former Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Flossie Shaw, who has returned to her school alma mater – at The Grammar School at Leeds.  Their profiles emphasised the benefits of being a volunteer with a call to action to learn more about and join as a CFAV. You can click on each name to watch their story. We look forward to running this campaign again in June 2026.

The Eyes On Hands On Project received media coverage on ITV Calendar. The project has cadets and cadet force adult volunteers record, research, preserve, and maintain graves of our fallen soldiers. Their work, led by Captain Vicki Brooks of Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, spearheaded policy change by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to officially include working with youth groups in the future. Well done to all for their participation in this ongoing project and their contribution to veterans and wider community. Watch more here.

West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce Business magazine ran a two-page spread featuring our CFAVs, Sean Guy and Gareth Davies, who shared what it means to be a volunteer with the Cadet Force and the benefits of giving back to their communities. Read it here and scroll to pages 40-41.

Celebrations and Remembrance

The annual Yorkshire Cadet Trust Photography Competition  After receiving an overwhelming number of fantastic entries, we were pleased to announce this year’s winners: 1st place (£250) awarded to Penistone Grammar School CCF; 2nd place (£150) awarded to Lumley/Acomb Detachment, Yorkshire (North and West) Army Cadet Force; and 3rd place (£100) awarded to 2434 (Church Fenton) Squadron, Central and East Yorkshire Wing. Submissions were made on behalf of units, and the winning prize money was used by the units for resources that enhance the cadet experience. All images submitted were spot on with the theme, “Life in the Cadets” and illustrate the vibrant cadet community in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Remembrance events Finally, there was an enormous sense of pride watching the cadets and CFAVs participate in fundraising for the Royal British Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Day events  throughout Yorkshire and the Humber. Parades, services and observance were flawlessly carried out by our Cadet Force. Many thanks to all for the effort and time to raise money in communities and represent the Cadet Force in cities throughout the region.

RAF Air Cadets 85th Anniversary parade and ceremony in Skipton received RFCA support (£1,735.20). Nearly 600 Air Cadets from across Central and East Yorkshire Wing gathered in April to mark this milestone. A service in the historic Ripon Cathedral was delivered followed by a parade to the town square. It was an excellent show of our young people, in uniform, in the public eye.

Community cadets in Yorkshire and the Humber by year

Adult volunteers in Yorkshire and the Humber by year

2025/26 Cadet Forces Highlight Reel

Strengthen the region's Reserve Forces

Championing the Reserve Forces in Yorkshire and the Humber

RFCA YH champions the value of the Reserve Forces and the opportunities they provide for reservists to further develop their military training and skills. The Reserve Forces also play a key role in linking Defence with regional employers, helping to forge relationships with organisations that support the wider forces community. RFCA YH is committed to supporting efforts that enhance reservist recruitment and retention. Military training is a key component for reservists. This year, we supported the training of Officers’ Cadets on military deployment in the Netherlands, focused on field drills, weapons handling, and urban warfare exercises. Despite RFCA YH’s efforts to support Reserves in the region, total numbers remain significantly down compared to previous years. Moving forward, we will continue working closely with the single Services to identify ways to boost recruitment and retention.

Reservists’ adventurous training provides invaluable understanding of fundamental military skills such as planning, organisation, leadership, personnel management and administration. Expeditions can take place anywhere in the world and are designed to prepare service personnel for ‘real risk’ operations. These expeditions offer a range of physical and mental challenges and enhance readiness for adverse elements, situations and environments. Featured exercise highlighted below:

The Yorkshire Officers’ Training Regiment summer expeditions One hundred and fifty Officer Cadets participated in Ex DALESMAN VICTORY 25, the Annual Deployment Exercise conducted between Yorkshire Officers’ Training Regiment and Defensity College, Netherlands. (£2,000).

Army reservists from across Yorkshire and the Humber took part in Exercise Rhino Heart, led by 19th Light Brigade — the biggest Army Reserve deployment in 40 years. Ex RHINO HEART 25, involved over 800 part-time soldiers from the UK, Canada, Estonia, France, and the US. This exercise took place in Sennelager, Germany, and was designed to enhance the operational readiness of the British Army Reserve and NATO allies. The exercise brought together modern tactics, new technology and close teamwork between reserves and regular – ex-regulars and civilians – from every walk of life.

Reservist training in South America While on deployment in Belize on Ex MAYAN PHOENIX, Yorkshire REME Reservists from 146 Company took part in Adventure Training in Ex JUNGLE SPROCKET. The expedition included jungle caving and cave tubing. The unique exercise strengthened navigation skills in challenging environments and was also an opportunity to engage with the native culture.

Adventurous Skills in Wales With The Ulysses Trust, we supported 150 Regiment RLC in Ex MIDDLETON ADVENTURE (£499.00). Reservists hit the great outdoors in North Wales for Adventurous Training which included kayaking, mountaineering and mountain biking. The exercises put our Reservists’ stamina and endurance to the test and upped their skills and awareness in diverse environments. All who participated had an amazing (yet challenging!) time.

RFCA YH supported several training opportunities this past year.  Top highlights include:  

• 30 Reservists on EX SNOW PANTHER, a skiing expedition in France in January 2026 (£3,000)
• 30 Officer Cadets on EX FORGED FOUNDATIONS in the Lake District in April 2025 (£950)
• 11 Reservists on summer mountaineering in North Wales in June 2025 (£140)
• 20 personnel in EX HELMAND HUT, a mountain biking expedition in the Lake District, June 2025 (£200)
• 48 Officer Cadets in EX DALESMAN WANDERER 25 at RAF Valley in Snowdonia, summer 2025 (£580)
• 12 Reservists to participate in EX FROSTED PANTHER, a ski foundation course in Austria, January/February 2026 (£500)
• 10 Reservists on EX NORTHERN MAGPIE 26 in France, March 2026 (£1,000)
• 36 Officer Cadets attending EX DALESMAN DESCENT 26, a skiing exercise in the French Alps, January 2026 (£4,500)
• Two Reservists participating in EX NORTHERN FROSTED BLADE a skiing exercise in France, January 2026 (£200)
• Six Reservists from 64 (City of Sheffield) Signal Squadron to participate in EX DRAGON SORBET 26 in the Tyrolean Alps, January 2026 (£600)
• Seven Reservists participating in EX NORTHERN COLD SOLDIER, an advanced skiing expedition in Morzine, France, February 2026 (£700)
• Five Reservists in EX WYVERN GAUNTLET a skiing expedition in the Austrian Alps, January 2026 (£900)
• One Reservist attending EX TIGER MOUNTAINEER, Level 1-3 Training, in the Austrian Alps, February 2026
• One Reservist participating in EX NORTHERN SNOW SPROCKET, in Outdoors Training in France, February 2026 (£100)
• Nine Reservists from 4 PARA participating in EX BLACK PISTE a ski foundation course in Italy, March 2026
• 36 Officer Cadets participating in EX DALESMAN WANDERER 26 at Totley and the Lake District, April 2026.

Promoting and celebrating the Reserve Forces

Recognising the work of Reservists We celebrated Reservists from Yorkshire and the Humber for their exceptional service to the forces community. In 2025, twelve Reservists received Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards for their outstanding commitment and contribution to the Reserve Forces.

Reserve Forces social takeover We rolled out another Reserves Day social media campaign during Armed Forces Week 2025 when we featured three Yorkshire and the Humber Reservists. Thank you to Alex, Charlotte and Richard who shared with us their stories and experience about balancing civilian employment with their military career.  (Click on each name to watch their reel). The campaign raised the profile of our regional Reserve Forces and contributed to efforts to recruit and retain in support of the MOD’s commitment to increase the Reserve Forces.

In the June 2025 issue of North and West Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce magazine, a feature spread profiled Reservist Alex Lenton and his employer’s HR lead, Steph Boycott of Longs of Leeds. The article highlighted Alex’s work with his firm, a Silver ERS award winning employer, and how they work together to accommodate his Reserves commitment and time off for training, as well as the transferable skills he brings to the workplace.  The magazine is distributed as a hard copy and digital version to businesses throughout North and West Yorkshire. Overall, great messaging to organisations who would like to learn more about signing the Armed Forces Covenant and joining Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme. Read the article here – scroll to pages 34-35.

Connecting Defence with community, RFCA supported the ‘Festival of Remembrance’ in November. The RFCA was pleased to support 19th Light Brigade’s Festival of Remembrance 2025 at Huddersfield Town Hall. The Massed Military Bands, Pipes and Bugles of 19th Light Brigade performed for over 300 attendees with excellent representation from Yorkshire’s military, civic parties, supportive employers and local communities. It was an evening of music and outreach, an unforgettable performance honouring veterans and all who serve in the Armed Forces. Thanks to 4th Battalion, The Royal Yorkshire Regiment and Kirklees Council for the event’s outstanding planning, organisation and hospitality and  to all who kindly supported the evening’s collection for the Royal British Legion.

Cementing cohesion and strengthening identity

We were pleased to support resources and events that reinforce retention of our regional Reserve Forces. This includes funding 210 Officer Cadets attending Yorkshire Officer Training Regiment Sports Day at Imphal Barracks this March (£1,000), a branded gazebo for RAF Reserves at Leeming to support identity recruitment and engagement activity at events (£1,634) and funds towards a Recruitment Engagement Night at Scarbrough Barracks (£213) in January 2026 which resulted in a promising number of potential recruits. Supporting the music programmes, we provided funds for kit that records for Career Employment Exams (£579.50) and improvements for RMR Merseyside at Carlton Barracks for branded gazebo and on site signage (£2,662.00) as well as upgraded systems such as solar power generator, TV screen and associated furnishings (£1,830.00).

We also supported the development of Officer Cadets, including a regional US Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps’ annual leadership and strategy conference in March (£100).Special celebrations and acknowledging recognition through special events is vital to the reservist experience. As part of the monumental VJ80 Day celebration, we supported our serving members with a Families Day, for 4 R YORKS (£500). Yorkshire University Royal Naval Unit hit the Freshers Fairs circuit to introduce themselves and recruit potential new members. We were pleased to support them with the recent membership drive,  securing stands at Freshers’ events in Hull, York, York St John, Sheffield Hallam and Leeds Universities. Well done to all who participated in this fantastic effort.

Active Reserve Forces in Yorkshire and the Humber by year

*numbers unchanged, awaiting updated JPA report

Active Reservists in Yorkshire and the Humber have sharply decreased in the last five years; total numbers (active and inactive) of reservists: RNR, 396; Army, 6,613; RAuxAF, 919 – totalling 7,928

2025/26 Reserve Forces Highlight Reel:

Our Volunteer Estate

Ensuring best places to work and train

During this year the Estates Team have transitioned from a Facilities Management (FM) delivery team to an FM Contract Management, Performance management, Compliance and Assurance team. The Estates Team and the permanent volunteer estate staff also serve as the custodians of our buildings where our cadets and reservists meet, work and train.  Our Surveyors, Estate Managers, Assistant Estate Managers and Administrators oversee a total of over 900 buildings, spread over 140+ sites – including 30 Army reserve centres, three Cadet Training Centres, two city-centre Army Recruitment Offices and over 110 cadet buildings. From complex upgrades and refurbishments, to routine reactive maintenance and statutory and mandatory inspections and tests, the team ensures the progress and completion of projects from start to finish so that our estate is safe, compliant and fit for purpose. 

Regionally Generated Income (RGI) projects that were completed in this financial year include:

• a gutter clearing and minor repairs programme across various ARCs and Cadet Centres (£60k)
• a redecoration programme at six ACFs and four JCCs (£50k)
• a toilet block refurbishment at Goole ACF (£6.5k)
• lintel repairs at Goole ACF (£14.4k)
• roof repairs at Grimsby ARC (£13.8k)
• flat roof replacement at Wakefield ARC (£50.5k)
• modular roof replacement at Driffield CTC (£7k)
• grounds maintenance reactive works (£10k)
• move from Endcliffe Hall to Barnsley & Barnsley Cadet HQ (£211k)

Regionally Generated Income (RGI) projects in progress through VIVO (£52k) include:

• CCTV and a new gate entry system at Churchill / Harewood Barracks (£18k)
• shower cubicle refurbishments at Wakefield ARC (£19k)
• shower cubicle refurbishments at Strensall ARC (£15k)

Regionally Generated Income (RGI) projects that began before the end of the financial year:

• flat roof replacement over the store at Middleton Barracks (£15k)
• new roof coverings over offices and kitchen at Strensall CTC (£36k)
• external window repairs and external decorating at RFCA HQ, York (£67k)
• conservatory roof replacement at Strensall CTC (£90k)
• conservatory roof replacement at Driffield CTC (£150k)
• full roof replacement to the main building at Manor Top ARC (£372.2k)
• full roof replacement at Carlton Barracks – LUOTC & 53 MI (£376.3k)

Reactive (unplanned) repairs and emergency cases that fall outside contractual work totalled £865k total. This includes £342k of regionally generated income used to carry works in-house, and just over £100k regionally generated income spend on billable works with VIVO. Statutory works such as electrical remedial works, safety alerts, asbestos remedial works and fire prevention, and larger reactive maintenance jobs such as boiler replacements and electrical remedial works spend was £415k, with these funds provided by CRFCA. These required jobs ensured that every single one of our buildings remained open, safe and compliant as well as functional and safe to work and train for our end users.

Cadet and Reserves Centre Upgrades

Regional Estate Optimisation Programme (REOP) focuses on improving and transforming space for local cadet and reservists and their operations by rationalising the sites and assets across the Yorkshire and Humber estate.

The new Immingham Joint Cadet Centre completion was celebrated in July 2025. The £200k spent on transforming the building was officially opened with an event attended by local civic leaders, military officers and ribbon cutting by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis. This centre marks the second tri-service joint cadet joint in the whole of the UK. The local Sea, Army and Air cadet units are fully utilising their new space.

Moving forward, new projects taking flight include Somme Barracks internal repairs and upgrades (£150k) and a new Mirfield Joint Cadet Centre (£1.2m). Whilst REOP establishes new and refurbished centres to rehome our cadets and reserves, funds are also used to properly dispose of their former spaces that are no longer required. This includes Mona House (£80k), Scarborough ARC (£70k), Skipton ACF (£40k), Immingham ACF (£40k) and Immingham ATC (£40k).

Land and Infrastructure Improvement Fund (LIIF) We have spent £74.5k on thirteen infrastructure projects, across 11 sites. Projects range from new decking to refreshed kitchen fixtures, replacement carpets to refinished flooring.

• Scarborough Barracks, Doncaster
• Bailey Barracks, Sheffield
• Wakefield ARC
• Barnsley ARC
• Yeomanry Barracks, York
• Worsley Barracks, York
• Scunthorpe ARC
• Halifax Barracks, Hull
• Grimsby ARC
• Doncaster ARC
• Middleton Barracks, Hull

Additionally, RAFAC has contributed £50k on low value minor new works projects including at various locations, with further projects recently commenced including major refurbishments at Ilkley / Wharfedale ATC (£330k) and Southey Green ATC (£400k)

2025/26 Estates Highlight Reel:

Working with Employers

Linking Defence with Businesses

The Employer Engagement Team works with Ministry of Defence’s Defence Relationship Management team to establish open and strategic relationships with employers.  The team serves as a vital link that brings military and business communities together. They work with employers, promoting the importance of reservists and adult volunteers in the workplace and the skills and abilities they can bring to their organisation. For employers looking to commit their support to the UK Armed Forces, our Employer Engagement Team is responsible for fostering their next steps whether it is signing the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) or joining the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

Record-breaking year for Yorkshire and the Humber Gold and Silver ERS, and ready for a milestone AFC signing

Employer Engagement is working at pace in the region, connecting with employers who are forces friendly and who are seeking ways to support the Armed Forces community. In the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, RFCA YH will celebrate the 1,000th AFC signatory for Yorkshire the Humber, a milestone event for the region. The team continues to forge valuable relationships, building and strengthening links between Defence and society.

The 2025 Gold and Silver ERS Yorkshire and the Humber saw seventeen employers achieve Silver ERS and sixteen employers reach Gold ERS status, marking a record number of recipients for Yorkshire and the Humber in a single year.

Our Silver ERS employers were celebrated at a formal event at York Racecourse in October where three regional Lord-Lieutenants and a Vice Lord-Lieutenant presented the awards to employers from their respective counties. 

In November 2025, we celebrated a total of twenty-three employers at the Gold ERS ceremony, a shared event with the North of England RFCA. RFCA YH was thrilled that 2025 marked a record number of employers receiving Gold ERS in a single year. Similar to 2024, the 2025 Gold ERS employers were VIP guests for York’s Royal Salute to mark the birthday of His Majesty, The King, which took place in Museum Gardens. The award presentation event followed at the historic De Grey Rooms.

Silver Award winners (new)

The following Yorkshire and the Humber businesses achieved Silver ERS this year:

• 5 Towns Veterans Support Hub CIC
• Catch UK Ltd
• Ethos Heritage CiC
• Forces Transition Group
• Green Valley Arborists Ltd
• Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
• Leeds Trinity University
• Northern Divers Engineering Ltd
• Oakwood Solicitors Limited
• Overgate Hospice
• Pepperells Solicitors
• Project Group
• Punk Security Ltd
• Route One Infrastructure Limited
• RSPCA Hull and East Riding
• The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
• The Vehicle Group Ltd

Gold Award winners (new)

The following Yorkshire and the Humber businesses achieved Gold ERS this year:

• Adler & Allan
• AESSEAL
• Awaking Giants
• Beyond Housing
• GEV Wind Power
• Gough & Kelly
• KH Plant Training
• Kirklees Metropolitan Council
• Military Community Veterans Centre
• NHS Humber & North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board
• Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust
• Skipton Building Society
• Saint Catherine’s Hospice
• Viking Arms
• Wakefield Council
• West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service

The Engagement Team lead a Consultation session during the 2026 ERS ‘Expressions of Interest’ and ‘Open Application’ windows. During this time, the Employer Engagement Team hosted a series of online workshops to support organisations interested in progressing to the next level on ERS. The team conducted sessions with 100 forces-friendly employers, offering expert tips on how to achieve top honours, guiding them to next steps, and ensuring that applications are comprehensive, meeting the MOD’s requirements.

Partnering with forces-friendly employers

At the Armed Forces Covenant Networking event in September, we partnered with The Yorkshire Society and its members for an inspiring Armed Forces Covenant signing at our RFCA offices. We were delighted to welcome Mark Hill, MBE who signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of Reshape Media Group and share with employers about working with Defence by developing polices and practices that support our military personnel.

The Cutlers Hall, Sheffield has played a vital role in our Military/Business events. In the heart of the UK’s metals and steel industry, our Employer Engagement Team worked with The Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire Cutlers Hall, Sheffield, to raise awareness about the Armed Forces Covenant, help ‘demystify’ Defence procurement for SMEs and promote recruitment from the pool of talent that is the Armed Forces community. We are grateful for community figures including Master Cutler Professor Keith Jackson and Immediate Past Master, Phil Rodrigo who have been champions supporting our work and messaging.

York College hosted an Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) Business Event. The college shared their forces-friendly journey to date, along with guest speaker Ryan Stockwell from 2025 Gold ERS winning employer Adler & Allan, to a packed room of employers who are interested in signing the Armed Forces Covenant or continuing their Defence ERS journey. The event also opened the door to considering an opportunity to join the Reserves or the Cadet Force as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.

We support ceremonial events such as York’s Royal Salutes and Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and used these moments as opportunities to host our ERS employers so they can be part military pageantry and display, connecting them to Defence experiences. These occasions mark a demonstration of partnership, pride, and collective purpose. Past Salutes this year included our regional cadets participating in the King’s Official Birthday in June, and Emergency Services Day in September which brought Chief Constable Tim Forber of North Yorkshire Police and Chief Fire Officer Jonathan Dyson of North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service to re-sign the Armed Forces Covenant, strengthening their pledge to support veterans, reservists, and their families.

ERS Spotlight

We profiled ERS employers who share with wider audiences about the Employer Recognition Scheme programme and what they do to support the Armed Forces community. We spoke with TVG (The Vehicle Group) at their Catterick HQ, located on the doorstep of Catterick Garrison. With over 30 percent of their workforce currently or formerly involved with the UK Armed Forces, TVG has built a welcoming community for personnel and their families. Click here to watch their story.

Charitable efforts supported by the RFCA YH include June’s The Yorkshire Big Curry Lunch at The Merchant Adventurers’ Hall in York. The event raised funds for the Army Benevolent Fund – The Solders’ Charity which helps soldiers, past and present, and their families for life. The office staff also participate in a volunteer day, during which the team assist a local charity or organisation in the community.

Armed Forces Covenant signatories by year

ERS Silver and Gold (new) recipient totals in Yorkshire and the Humber by year

NB: ‘Year End’ is the Financial Year End 31.03.2026

2025/26 Employer Engagement Highlight Video:

Future Planning and Ambitions

RFCA supports MOD directives

The Ministry of Defence published the Strategic Defence Review in early June 2025 , outlining a bold vision for UK defence in a more dangerous world, including moving to warfighting readiness, strengthening NATO ties, and enhancing national resilience. This directly aligns with our priorities at RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber. Our future activities and outputs will draw on the Review’s recommendations. We will adapt our approaches to better support the regional Cadet Forces and Reserves, ensuring we deliver enhanced training, resources, and community engagement to achieve the intended national defence outcomes.

RFCA YH activity in 2026-27 will be designed to contribute to the report’s initiatives and aim to positively lift cadet and CFAV intake, reserves recruitment and increase operating CCFs in Yorkshire and the Humber. Initial efforts, as noted previously in this report, include a CFAV campaign and promotion reel, ongoing efforts by the Schools Expansion Lead and support for Reserve Units that increase the visibility their work and what they offer.

Several additional articles and reports have been issued during the past financial year, with the following addressing RFCA work:

The 30 by 30 initiative The UK Government has launched the ‘30 by 30’ campaign to expand the Armed Forces Cadet forces by 30% by 2030, adding over 40,000 cadets nationwide and marking the largest investment in the cadet movement in decades. Backed by £70 million in new funding, the initiative delivers on the Strategic Defence Review and supports the Plan for Change by breaking down barriers for young people regardless of postcode or family income. Key measures include constructing more joint Army and RAF Air Cadet Centres (with five already opened and 12 under construction), streamlining recruitment for adult volunteers (including fast-track options for veterans), and boosting STEM opportunities—such as making RAF Air Cadets the first UK military youth organisation to offer Civil Aviation Authority-approved drone pilot qualifications. The government is also seeking a National Cadet Champion to promote opportunities. Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns MP, highlighted that the cadet experience builds character, confidence, skills, and social connections, transforming futures especially for disadvantaged youth, while improving school attendance, behaviour, and progression to education or employment.

The University of Northampton’s March 2025 report, “The Impact and Value of School-Based Cadet Forces in the UK,” commissioned by the MOD and CCF Association, confirms strong benefits from Combined Cadet Forces and the Cadet Expansion Programme. A survey shows cadets, especially disadvantaged youth, gain leadership, teamwork, resilience, qualifications (BTECs, DofE, First Aid), improved confidence, wellbeing, attendance, behaviour (e.g. fewer exclusions in some schools), and career aspirations. Schools see better Ofsted results, pupil engagement, and community ties. The programme delivers excellent value for money through reduced absenteeism/exclusions and higher attainment, promotes social mobility, lowers NEET risk, and supports national priorities—recommending further expansion, volunteer support, and integration into education.

‘Gap Year’ scheme for young people The UK Ministry of Defence is launching the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme, a paid gap-year programme starting in March 2026, to give young people under 25 a year of hands-on military experience across the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force without long-term commitment. The initial pilot wave will recruit around 150 participants from early 2026, with ambitions to expand to over 1,000 places subject to interest. Participants will undertake bespoke training focused on problem-solving, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and transferable skills (e.g., in supply chain or engineering), plus activities like basic military training and life-at-sea experiences, boosting employability for civilian or military careers.

NDPB for RFCA The 13 Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (RFCAs), including RFCA YH, are set to consolidate into a single bespoke non-departmental public body (RFCA NDPB), an executive Crown Body with employees as Crown Servants. This features a central Head Office (based on the current CRFCA Directorate) reporting to an NDPB Main Board; with the 13 regional offices retaining existing staff, Regional Councils (replacing the current Associations) with the same membership base, electing Chairs and Committees/Boards to work with regional offices on delivering Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with the RN, Army, RAF, DIO, and MOD, while overseeing efficient operations. Implementation requires primary legislation via the Armed Forces Bill 2026 (introduced January 2026, aiming for Royal Assent by end-2026), with details via secondary legislation, RFCA NDPB Regulations, and a Framework Document developed in 2026. For employees, daily roles, teams, line management, pay, terms, pensions, and Crown Servant status continue unchanged upon transfer to the NDPB. For members, affiliation remains with the current Association (becoming Regional Council, name TBD), with annual elections and updates intact. RFCAs, including RFCA YH, retain their vital role in regional networking to support Reserves and cadets, linking Defence to employers, communities, and society aligned with the 2025 Strategic Defence Review’s emphasis on national connections. Updates will continue as the process unfolds.

Building our membership

The RFCA members serve as ambassadors to our military, connecting the armed forces with businesses and communities in Yorkshire and the Humber. We continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that our engagement is active and that our membership is robust.

New President and New Chair

RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber wishes to thank HM Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire Mr Jim Dick OBE, for his three years as President of the Association Board; we are pleased to welcome HM Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Jo Ropner, who will officially assume the role in May 2026. We also thank Lieutenant Colonel David Rhodes for his five years as Chair of RFCA YH, and welcome our new RFCA Chair, Colonel David Fuller OBE MNM DL, to the role.

New (external) Association members since April 2025

Councillors

• Cllr Paul Healey

Association members

• Ruth Ainley
• Sqn Ldr Kate Moore
• Richard Yeabsley
• Lt Col James Horspool

Membership numbers

Financial Report

Managing public funds effectively

Where our money comes from

The RFCA’s activities were funded by a mix of external funding and regionally generated income (RGI) with our overall income totalling £6.03M during the year, notably lower than financial year 2024/25 as this was first full year of the Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) contract.

External sources

Around £5.04m of external funding comes from the Ministry of Defence (MOD) for employer support, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) for property and facilities management and single service sources for reserve and cadet administration.

Regionally Generated Income

Our RGI totalled £986k and was generated through non-domestic rate relief and lettings revenue.  The income is lower than the previous financial year due to an increase in vacant married quarters and reduced commercial lettings.

How we spent external funding

Projects given funding include reactive maintenance, Land and Infrastructure Investment Fund works (LIIF), Re-Optimisation (RE-OP) works and Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC). Please refer to the Estates section for details.

Expenditure:  £6.04m

• Estates Management Expenditure £1.18m including –
  • Estates Facilities Management (Hard and Soft FM) £720k
  • Minor/New Works – Improvements  £465k
• Infrastructure: £1.43m – rents/rates
• Capital Expenditure (Estates) :  £363k
• Staffing Costs:  £2,345,027
• Recruiting Support:  £69,950
• Transport & Movement:  £183,311(including capital expenditure on vehicles)
• Administration:  £88,529
• IT/Comms:  £38,235 (hardware & software)
• Professional Fees:  £10,800
• Grants:  £296,287 (ACF, RAFAC)
• Travel and subsistence:  £31,566

How we spent RGI

RGI expenditure is approved by the RFCA’s Finance Advisory Board (FAB) in line with MOD priorities and local needs. 

Key notable expenditure on behalf of our region included:

• £50,000 ACF re-decoration programme
• £62,000 gutter clearance at 30+ sites
• £36,450 Strensall roof repairs
• £50,500 Wakefield Army Reserve Centre roof repair
• £13,811 Westward Ho roof repair
• £336,663 on reactive maintenance
• £43,106 Unit Grants
• £31,201 Unit rebates 
• £24,240 Recruitment Support 

In total, nearly £4M, across all funding sources, was spent on maintaining and improving the Yorkshire and the Humber Volunteer Estate during the financial year 2025/26, a remarkable achievement at a time when there are so many challenges within MOD finances and real time cost challenges in both material and supply. Below charts how regionally generated income was spent during 2025/26.

TOTAL RGI SPEND: £1.079m

VE Total £966,263 -VE:  Capital Works/refurbishments/enhancements:  £471,326 -VE: Reactive Maintenance: £342,436 -VE:  DIO FDIS Inject Transfer:  £152,501 Special Grants to units:   £43,106 Recruitment support:   £24,240 Unit AV Scheme rebates:   £31,201 Professional fees £15,000

Communications

In 2025/26 RFCA YH communications continued production efforts with our in-house produced content to keep our social media channels populated with current news and events. Following the success of last year’s improved metrics from the previous year’s, the team builds on its established campaigns including Cadet Stories and Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet Profiles, National Volunteers’ Week and Reserves Day, all which highlight the achievements and dedication of the Reserve Forces and Cadets in the region. This content has been shared across social media channels, resulting in desired engagement and interaction, with notable growth in followers and positive feedback. Additionally, RFCA YH has garnered press coverage in regional outlets including York Press , ITV Calendar and BFBS, showcasing the valuable work of Reservists, Cadets, CFAVs and Engagement Team, and raising awareness of RFCA YH messaging. These communications efforts have not only helped to strengthen online presence but also ensured that the work of the Reserve Forces and Cadets continues to be recognised and celebrated across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Increasing our reach, connecting to new audiences

-We will produce a new tri-service CFAV video reel in Summer 2026. Aligned with SDR objectives, we will support Cadet Force growth which would therefore require an increase in CFAVs. Our goal is to promote this far and wide for CFAV recruitment and retainment.

-To increase RFCA YH visibility and messaging, we are reviewing and refining our membership process plans to streamline onboarding, better secure enthusiastic new members, welcome fresh perspectives and engaging support that can be brought to our Armed Forces community.

-We launched the ‘Month in a Minute’ reel in 2026. This reel is a dynamic, engaging video that gives viewers an entertaining bitesize of monthly news from RFCA YH. This complements our e-newsletter.

-RFCA YH social media connects with new audiences. Content has shifted to algorithm-friendly ‘reels portrait 9:16 format’ dramatically increasing views from ‘non-followers’, surpassing ‘followers’ in views count breakdown, thus increasing our visibility, our messaging to the ‘to be converted’ crowd.

-New campaigns include International Women’s Day, Central and East Yorkshire Wing RAFAC 85th Anniversary parade in Ripon, Ex MERLIN MANOEUVRE and imminent launch of Estates Alternative Venues web page.

Communications in the incoming year will focus on targeted audiences and messaging that support Cadet Force expansion, connecting Defence with society and promotion of the Reserve Forces. Our strength in numbers comes from our social media channels which has experienced a considerable increase in views.

We will continue on the upward trend using social media channels to post latest news and messaging and look at ways to improve traffic to our website as its number of users has decreased over the past year compared to the previous year. Communications will seek ways to ensure refreshed, dynamic content is posted and that we effectively use our channels to drive traffic to the site. Another factor is that in the past year, Estates suspended its function for suppliers to use the website for carried our works. This function has recently been reinstated. We expect next year’s user figures to reflect this change.

Platform performance at a glance – metrics across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube (1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026 vs previous year). Fans and followers indicate subscribers to our channels, Video views includes activity across all five platforms.

NB: Numbers may vary from previous report as a new reporting platform, Sprout Social, replaced previously used Hootsuite in Autumn 2025.

Reaching new viewers and users Shifting formats of our reels has increased views and also reach to non- followers. On average, users that have viewed our reels, 37% follow our account, versus 63% who do not follow our account. In summary, the reels format works favourably with the social media algorithm, favouring that format over other content formats and running more prominently in people’s feeds – effectively reaching new audiences and more users.

2025/26 Communications Highlight Reel: