The Power of Our Volunteer Membership

At Wessex RFCA, our volunteer membership is one of our greatest assets. Spanning every county across the South West, our members are the local champions of Reserves and Cadets; dedicated individuals who bring insight, influence, and a deep-rooted connection to their communities.

They form an essential part of our ‘network of networks’, extending our reach and reinforcing our mission to support the UK’s Reserve Forces and Cadet organisations at the local level.

Who Our Members Are

Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including:

  • Former and serving members of the Armed Forces
  • Civic and business leaders
  • Representatives from education, healthcare, and local government
  • Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and community advocates

This diverse membership brings a wealth of experience, local knowledge, and credibility, making them uniquely positioned to act as trusted intermediaries between Defence and the public.

How We Engage With Them

Wessex RFCA is committed to fostering a two-way relationship with our members, grounded in communication, collaboration, and support. We engage with our volunteer members through:

  • Regular briefings and newsletters to keep members informed of Defence and cadet activity across the region
  • Advisory roles, where members support the Association’s strategic aims at both county and Board level

All members are supported by a volunteer Board of seasoned professionals and a dedicated team of full-time staff, ensuring they have the tools and information needed to represent Wessex RFCA effectively in their communities.

Supporting Defence and Community Impact

The value of our members cannot be overstated. They:

  • Advocate for Reservists and Cadets in local forums
  • Help identify opportunities and challenges at the grassroots level
  • Encourage support for the Armed Forces Covenant
  • Promote Defence employer engagement and recognition
  • Strengthen civil-military understanding in their communities

With their support, Wessex RFCA is able to deliver on its mission more effectively, ensuring that the contribution of the Armed Forces community is recognised, valued, and supported throughout the South West.

To find out more about supporting Reserves and Cadets in your community contact our Head of Engagement, Rachael Brannagan;  wx-headeng@rfca.mod.uk.

Extending Our Reach – A Network of Networks

Each member plays a vital role in amplifying our message and mission. Through their own personal and professional connections, whether in local councils, businesses, schools, or voluntary groups, they act as force multipliers, bringing more people into contact with the work of Reserves, Cadets, and Defence support.

This ‘network of networks’ model ensures that Wessex RFCA remains locally informed, regionally coordinated, and nationally relevant.

Wessex Gold Awards Association

The Gold Awards Alumni in the Wessex region represent a powerful and influential network of employers, leaders and advocates who actively champion the Armed Forces community. As organisations that have achieved the highest level of recognition under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, Gold Award holders demonstrate sustained commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans and military families within their workforce and across their supply chains.

Collectively, the strength of this membership amplifies Wessex RFCA’s reach and impact, enabling peer to peer advocacy, shared best practice and visible leadership across the South West. Through the Gold Awards Alumni, Wessex benefits from a trusted community of employers whose credibility, experience and influence help drive meaningful and lasting change in support of Defence.

For more information speak to Alistair.Roxburgh@atkinsrealis.com