County Council celebrates staff military connections leading up to Armed Forces Day on 29 June

A number of staff have shared their military connections as we celebrate and recognise the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community today, our currently serving troops and their families, reservists, veterans, and cadet forces.

Captain James Edwards (Army Cadet Force) is a Development Officer working in the Council’s Communities and Partnerships Team.  

His connection to the military started in 1993 when he joined the Army Cadet Force as a young cadet and then went on to Serve for several years as a Reservist.  In 2005, missing the military family, he re-joined as an Army Cadet Force adult volunteer. He is now the Company Commander for Gheluvelt Coy, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Army Cadet Force.

He said: “I'm passionate about my military connection because it truly changed my life and offered me opportunities I would have never had otherwise.  I was a looked after child so joining the Cadets gave me a sense of belonging and stability.  I really enjoyed my time with the Reserves where I made life-long friends as well as gaining leadership skills that really complimented my civilian career.  Now as an Army Cadet adult instructor I'm proud to be able to give something back and pass on those opportunities to our young cadets.”

Amongst their workforce, Worcestershire County Council employs veterans, adult cadet volunteers, reservists and others who have a strong connection to the Armed Forces.

In 2023, the Council was recognised with an Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award for their ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, and has now submitted its application for the Gold Award.

The award scheme recognises those who show their support to the Armed Forces community and align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant – a pledge from the nation that ensures those who serve or who have served and their families are treated fairly.  

In order to be awarded a Silver award, workplaces must meet certain criteria, including employing at least one individual from the Armed Forces community and demonstrating support to Reservists.