About North West Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association
What do we do?
The Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for the North West of England and the Isle of Man (NW RFCA) is the organisation which facilitates, supports and promotes the Reserve Forces of all three Armed Services and the three Cadet organisations in the region.
Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers choose to serve, giving their time and commitment to their community and our country. They rely on and deserve the support of a network of dedicated organisations staffed by people familiar with their environment who understand the context of their contribution and have their interests at heart. The 13 RFCAs provide this point of contact around the United Kingdom, and at a national level through the Council of RFCAs (CRFCA).
NW RFCA has a membership of over 200 experienced professional people interested in Defence. These include the Commanding Officers of Reserve and Cadet units in the region; selected naval, marine, military and air members who are serving or retired Reserve and Regular personnel; and, representative members from local government, universities, employers, employees and the Cadet organisations. Together, the Association Membership of NW RFCA advocates on behalf of Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and cadets in the region, ensuring that they continue to thrive with the support of their local communities, employers and schools.
The Chair’s 2024 Report
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Championing the Value of Reserve Service
NW RFCA supports Reservists of all three Services based in the North West of England and the Isle of Man. Alongside the regional Chains of Command and through the Association Membership, NW RFCA engages with local communities in the region to increase understanding of Reserve service and strengthen links with local units.
Promoting the Cadet Experience
The Sea Cadets, Army Cadets, Air Cadets and Combined Cadet Forces offer unparalleled opportunities for young people to experience fun, friendship and adventure, take part in military-themed training, adventure activities, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, community projects and much, much more. Aged between 12 and 18, in addition to a challenging and rewarding Cadet curriculum, cadets also have the opportunity to achieve a variety of qualifications in different fields.
Encouraging Support to the Reserves and Cadets
The RFCAs champion the volunteer ethos by providing an invaluable footprint across the United Kingdom, building links between local communities and the Armed Forces. The relationship between local authorities, local businesses and the Services is strengthened by the RFCAs’ support for the Armed Forces Covenant.
The commitment and achievements of Reservists, Cadets, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and those who support them are celebrated by NW RFCA’s delivery of the annual Lord-Lieutenants’ and Lieutenant Governor’s Awards.
Providing the Best Place to Work and Train
Property and facilities management is one of the most significant functions of NW RFCA. Through professionally qualified staff, NW RFCA is responsible on behalf of the Ministry of Defence for the upkeep of over 40 tri-Service Reserve Forces’ sites and Cadet centres. This impressive portfolio of properties provides the vital footprint and hub for all Reserve and Cadet activity in the region.
Alternative Venues North West, an initiative of NW RFCA, offers facilities for hire on the ‘Reserve Estate’, comprising properties including the Naval Regional Headquarters, Army Reserve Centres and Cadet training facilities across the region, and Altcar Training Camp on Merseyside.