Continuing to deliver for cadets and reserves

Foreword

Chairman David Rhodes gives his assessment of the RFCA for Yorkshire and the Humber's challenges and achievements in 2022/23 and looks forward to the year ahead.

Welcome to our 2022/23 annual report.

For reserves, cadets and the association, every year seems like a challenging year, and 22/23 has been no exception, but this year I believe there are more positives than negatives and we have much to be collectively proud of in Yorkshire and the Humber. 

Cadet and adult instructors numbers rise

Vitally, we continue to see a stable and progressive rise in both our cadet and adult instructor numbers in the region. Our cadet numbers are now up to almost 5,400, an increase of 13% on the previous year, with adult instructor numbers up by a really positive 20%. We also continue to innovate, and this year the association organised an apprenticeship and careers fair at Askham Bryan College in York, which was well attended by both cadets and public and private organisations from across the county.

We also completed some important cadet facilities projects with a major refurbishment at Wolfe Armoury in Beverley, a new aviation flight simulation centre at Harrogate Joint Cadet Centre and a major refurbishment of Totley Adventure Training Centre in Sheffield, in anticipation of it reopening this summer. This year the biggest challenge for our cadets is access to training areas and facilities beyond our own training centres at Strensall and Driffield, as a result of Op Interflex (Ukranian Army Training). We are doing what we can to assist but are limited in what we can provide. 

Reserves in our region

Our reserves numbers in the region continue to decline, a pattern that commenced in 2020 and appears likely to continue for some time. Recruiting and retention is therefore once again of the highest priority across most of the units within our region. We are doing what we can to assist indirectly in the background, and provided over £35k in financial support to units over the past year which I am sure will have helped with retention but as recruiting support is no longer within our domain we are again limited in what we can do. This challenge is particularly pertinent in a year which demonstrated as never before the growing importance of reserves to the UK’s defence capability with personnel and units embracing deployments which once would have been considered the domain of the regular military forces. In particular, reservists from The Queen’s Own Yeomanry and 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment mobilised for a four month exercise in Oman in September working alongside UK regulars and Omani forces in defence engagement exercises. We’ve also seen some significant restructuring in the region, with the anticipated creation of a northern district headquarters in the next year, providing the firm base in Yorkshire, the North East and North West and the resubordination of our and other combats arms units to the all-reserve 19 brigade which formed in July 2022, with its headquarters based here in York. These changes create challenges for us in supporting our reserves but also opportunities and it is important that we continue to provide wise counsel as the new organisations find their feet.

Our Association

Turning to the work of the association itself over the past year. Flagship and headline estate projects always steal the limelight and some of them are covered in detail later in this report but it is important to remember that much of our work consists of maintaining a safe and fit-for-purpose estate for both our reserves and cadets and this year has been no exception, with a multitude of inspections, surveys, maintenance, repairs and enhancement projects all conducted by a dedicated and competent team within the association. We have always prided ourselves on offering a fast, efficient and effective service to both reserve and cadet facilities, and being able to make both capital and minor improvements to sites as well as simply maintain them. The way we do this in the future is changing, with the volunteer estate being rolled into the new regular estate FDIS prime contracts over the next year or so, with Yorkshire scheduled to enter the contract in late 2024. We are still discussing with defence what our involvement as an association will be, and will report on this is detail in due course. 

Employer engagement continues to progress

Our employer engagement activity continues to progress well, with over 100 new organisations signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant and new Gold and Silver Employer Recognition Scheme award winners. I was particularly impressed with the employer event which we jointly hosted with Doncaster Chamber of Commerce earlier this year and hopefully other chambers will follow their lead. Our community engagement continues at a steady pace, and I am mindful of the exhortation by our national president, Lord Houghton, at our national conference in November to reach out to new communities in the region. That aspiration is yet to be supported with the necessary resources but I am hopeful that we will see some positive news in that area soon. 

Financial challenges

Financially, we performed well last year, discharging all our output obligations and coming in slightly under our budget of £7m. The coming year however will be challenging with a number of non-funded costs already identified. This may presage a period of deficit funding as defence attempts to balance its budget. We will play our part and look to utilise some of our reserves but we need to be careful not to dip too much into funds which we have carefully and prudentially curated over the years. 

Expand our membership

I am delighted to welcome several new members to the association this year. It is vital that we continue to reach out and persuade new talent into our ranks. In November the members ratified a new scheme of association which should make it much easier to expand our membership and I am hopeful that defence will approve the scheme in time for us to implement it in 2024. 

Thank you for your support

Once again, I would like to thank all members for their continued support, counsel and assistance to both myself and the board. Together we continue to play a small but influential part in positively shaping the regions and nations reserves and cadets. 

We delivered for cadets across the region

Supporting cadets

The cadet movement went from strength to strength in 2022/23 with cadet numbers showing a steady increase for both the Army and Sea Cadets whilst Air Cadet numbers show an incredible rise of over 21%. Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV) numbers for the ACF remained steady and healthy, the Sea Cadets showed a small decrease in CFAVs whereas the Air Cadets again demonstrated a large increase of over 17% across the region.

Whether it was arranging adventurous trips away from home, recruiting adult volunteers, developing great places for them to train or helping to pay for some of the little extras, the RFCA worked to enable a brilliant Cadet Experience for thousands of the region’s young people in 2022/23.

On top of that came our work to promote the achievements of the cadets in the wider community and at Government level as well as our support for the growing number of units based in local schools.

The RFCA also provided financial support through its Special Grants which are designed to help cadet units truly thrive. £400 went to Tong Leadership Academy Combined Cadet Force enabling 20 cadets to attend Central Camp. A further £2,000 was allocated to  the RAF Air Cadets to help cover costs for a new picnic area complete with covered canopy that would allow cadets to dine al fresco in the summer months at RAF Leeming.

The Cadet Expansion Scheme continued to make real progress with cadet numbers growing and we also worked on promoting the achievements of all cadets across the region through in-person events as well as via social media channels and publications.

Number of community cadets by year

Providing expert support that guarantees a fantastic Cadet Experience

The RFCA has 28 professional support staff embedded at the ACF’s two county headquarters in Driffield and Strensall and their role is to provide logistic and administrative support to ACF units. This support is focussed around the recruitment of volunteers, safeguarding and the booking and accessing of training areas, storage of weapons and ammunition, and vehicle fleet management. This is a considerable role, not least because Yorkshire (North and West) ACF has the largest number of cadets and adult volunteers of any county in the country.

The RFCA’s professional support staff provide the sort of continuity that would be impossible for the Army to provide and during 2022/23 they once again showed their worth to Army cadets across the region:

• Summer camp 2022 – they overcame the difficulties posed by losing training areas at short notice, due to priority MoD commitments, to enable nearly 400 cadets enjoy a summer camp experience in Driffield.
• Improved payment facilities – they introduced a new, contactless system to replace cash payments, making payments quicker and easier for adult volunteers.
• Summer camp hailed a success – over 700 army cadets and over 200 adult volunteers attended the hugely successful summer camp.
• RFCA careers fair – The RFCA organised an apprenticeship and careers fair at Askham Bryan College in York. Aimed specifically at cadets aged 15 and above, with over 45 employers from both the private and public sectors in attendance.

Numbers of adult volunteers

The RFCA ensured cadet camps went ahead, despite last minute changes

The RFCA saved the day for hundreds of cadets when, just a few weeks before their summer camp in Wathgill was due to start, the location was commandeered by the MOD to train troops from Ukraine. The RFCA’s professional support staff pulled out all the stops and managed to gather all the necessary equipment, extra tents and field kits to host all the cadets at Driffield Camp instead. “We travelled across country to pick up everything we needed and managed to get everything ready  just in time for the final inspections to take place the day before the cadets arrived.” Said Burt Burton (pictured).

We made payments quick and easy for adult volunteers

Buying a drink or snack has never been easier for cadet force adult volunteers on annual camp in Strensall, York. That’s because the RFCA’s professional support staff at the Cadet Training Centre there have introduced a new, contactless system to replace cash payments. The new development is proving a hit with both adult volunteers buying food and drinks as well as those whose job it is to sell them, including Joan Speight, pictured left. With her is fellow volunteer Mick Bell, right, with RFCA cadet executive officer Tom Woodall looking on.

RFCA summer camp was a huge success

Our professional support staff provided everything cadets needed for a great week (or two) of summer activities at both Driffield and Strensall. Whether it was arranging transport to and from days out to adventure training centres, providing comfortable bedding or supplying food for hundreds of cadets and volunteers, the RFCA’s professional support staff provided the vital logistical support to ensure hundreds of Army cadets across Yorkshire and the Humber had a camp to remember. Pictured is RFCA stores assistant Neil Calpin, who ordered in hundreds of ration packs to cater for every dietary need for the cadets.

Other initiatives undertaken by the RFCA

The RFCA launched two new videos highlighting both the inclusivity of cadets and how the skills learnt are easily transferrable to future employment opportunities.

We hosted the first ever Yorkshire Cadets Employment Fair at Askham Bryan College where 45 of the region’s best employers were able to discuss future career opportunities with over 150 cadets. The day was such a success that plans are already underway for an even bigger event in 2024.

The RFCA showcased the inclusivity of cadets in a new promotional video

The RFCA premiered its brand new video showcasing what the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and Air Cadets have to offer young people at the 2022 His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Award Ceremonies.

The video can be viewed here.

The RFCA funded a new employer focused army cadet video

The RFCA funded a new army cadets video which focuses on why many employers understand the work relevant value added life skills that young people gain whilst in the cadets. It highlights and helps to explain the reasons why, as most cadets enter the workplace, it is the employers who have so much to gain from what the army cadets do.

The video can be viewed here.

The RFCA organised a careers fair to put cadets directly in touch with potential employers

The RFCA organised an apprenticeship and careers fair aimed specifically at cadets aged 15 and above. Some 45 employers from both the private and public sectors attended the event at Askham Bryan College in York and talked to over 150 cadets from the sea, army and air cadets about future career and apprenticeships opportunities.
Kathryn Baines (pictured), HR Manager at Venari Group, said: “We met some absolutely inspiring and fully engaged young people and we were so impressed by their enthusiasm.”

Upgrading cadet centres that bring new opportunities to cadets

The RFCA maintains and develops some 139 sites on behalf of the Army Cadets , the Air Cadets and Combined Cadets and our work ranges from carrying out routine maintenance to overseeing major refurbishments and redevelopment projects.

During 2022/23, we carried out 667 repairs on the buildings that serve cadet units and achieved 100 per cent satisfaction rates. In addition, we carried out 1,214 statutory tests to make sure equipment such as fire alarms, wiring, legionella air conditioning were serviced and maintained to industry standards.

Major projects we completed for the cadets in the year included:

• Halifax Barracks Joint Cadet Centre (JCC) redecoration
• Garage roof repairs to Church Fenton ATC Squadron
• Major floor repairs for Bridlington JCC
• Totley adventure training building refurbishment
• Replacing the roof and fence for Waltham ACF detachment 

Ongoing Projects:

• North Sheffield Squadron ATC new building scoping works
• Wharfdale Squadron ATC new building scoping works
• Driffield and Strensall replacement conservatory scoping works
• Northallerton JCC refurbishment works

We developed plans for new classrooms for cadets

The RFCA has applied for planning permission to replace two aging conservatories with more classroom space for cadets. Yorkshire and the Humber’s two Cadet Training Centres – at Strensall and Driffield – both have aging conservatories that are prone to leaks. The plan is to replace them with traditionally-built classrooms.

The RFCA completed the refurbishment of Wolfe Armoury joint cadet centre

A £118,000 refurbishment of Wolfe Armoury was completed and His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, James Dick OBE, officially unveiled the commemoration plaque at his Lord-Lieutenant Awards evening. This had been delayed due to ongoing building work which had impacted on the opportunity for him to attend the centre in person. An official visit is already programmed for spring/summer 2023.

We hosted the official opening of Harrogate's refurbished cadet centre

The RFCA hosted the official opening of Harrogate’s Joint Cadet Centre following its £750,000 refurbishment of the historic drill hall. The centre, opened by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Jo Ropner, is home to the town’s Army and Air Cadets as well the region’s first virtual reality cadet aviation centre.
Pictured is RFCA’s Chief Executive Colonel Jason Wright getting hands on experience with the VR simulator.

We made a difference for the region's reserves

Delivering for reserves

The number of reserves in Yorkshire and the Humber dipped slightly in 2022/23 and is now broadly at 2019 pre-pandemic levels. The Royal Navy Reserve suffered from a hold on training in the early part of the year which may have impacted on reserve numbers, however, the year demonstrated as never before the growing importance of reserves to the UK’s defence capability with Reserve Forces embracing deployments which once would have been considered the domain of regular military personnel only.

Last year, 35 Reserves from The Queen’s Own Yeomanry and 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment mobilised for a 4 month exercise in Oman from September 2022 working alongside their regular counterparts and Omani forces in defence engagement exercises.

Number of reservists by service and year

Providing financial support to reserve units

Last year, the RFCA provided over £35,000 in financial support to reserve units to enhance the opportunities available to reserves, particularly to adventurous training but also to enhance better integration with their local communities.

Some of the funds granted went towards supporting:

• The Queens Own Yeomanry Freedom of York Parade
• Scuba Diving in Cyprus for the Yorkshire Officer Training Regiment
• Supporting the Infantry Training Centre Beating the Retreat Mass Band civil engagement event
• Ski Foundation training in Austria for 38 reserves from the 4^th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment
• Freefall adventurous training in California for 6 reserves from 4^th Battalion The Parachute Regiment
• The delivery of a Diversity and Inclusion event at HMS Ceres
• The annual Yorkshire University Air Squadron Dinner and the 607 (City of Durham) Squadron RAuxAF Formation Dinner at RAF Leeming
• The Remembrance Sunday lunch at 212 (Yorkshire) Field Hospital for 150 guests including veterans and civic dignitaries
• Skiing expedition in Andorra for 14 reserves from the Yorkshire University Air Squadron
• The restoration of the Honours Board at 53MI at Carlton Barracks
• 35 Reserves from The Queens Own Yeomanry and 4^th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment taking part in Exercise DESERT KHANJAR, a 4 month Land Component Command exercise in Oman.

RFCA helped fund Yorkshire reservists freedom parade in York

The RFCA contributed towards allowing reservists from York-based A Squadron, The Queen’s Own Yeomanry to parade through the streets of York in April 2022 as they exercised their Freedom of the City rights.

The squadron were awarded the freedom honour back in 2010 in recognition of exceptional service to York and in  a first since the pandemic paraded through the streets with flags flying and bayonets fixed in a ceremony that dates back to roman times.

RFCA helped fund reserves to be deployed overseas

The RFCA helped fund 35 reserves from The Queen’s Own Yeomanry and 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment to be mobilised on exercise DESERT KHANJAR in Oman. During the four month deployment reserves worked alongside their regular counterparts and took part in specialised training, sports, adventurous training and cultural and education visits. They also partnered with Omani forces in planned defence engagement exercises.

RFCA helped reserves hone their skiing skills

The RFCA funded a number of training exercises aimed at helping reserves improve their skiing skills during the year. Among others, we contributed towards helping reserves from 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment (pictured) and Yorkshire University Air Squadron to head to the slopes in Austria and Andorra respectively.

RFCA helped fund Yorkshire reserves to go on adventurous training in California

The RFCA contributed towards funding for six reservists from 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment to go on exercise PEGASUS SKYFALL in California. For some this was their first time parachuting and their first time experiencing adventurous training abroad.

Pictured is reservist Lance Corporal Shae Stanford from 4 PARA.

We developed and maintained great places for reserves to work and train

The RFCA maintains and develops 26 Army Reserve Centres which include modern centres built since 2000 as well as historic drill halls which have stood as iconic buildings within their communities for more than a century.

Throughout 2022/23, there was still considerable volatility in the cost of both raw materials and labour and this meant the RFCA adopted a cautious approach to its estate management – focusing on essential, time-critical maintenance rather than development projects.

During the year, we responded to 1,200 requests for repairs on reserve buildings, achieving 100 per cent satisfaction from our units. We also carried out 2,544 statutory tests which includes checks on fire safety equipment, air conditioning, lifts, garage doors and equipment.

The major repair projects involved tackling roof problems on some of our oldest buildings, such as the ongoing work at Carlton Barracks in Leeds; repairs to flat roofs in Middleton and Londesborough Barracks as well as the demolition of a disused and derelict Range Building in Londesborough Barracks, the site of which is now being developed into a green social space for site users.

The RFCA also completed a number of armoury upgrades as part of Project Aintree with work on existing armouries in Wakefield, Wolfe Armoury and Scarborough Barracks  being carried out in year.

As the Ministry of Defence reviews the military estate nationally, the RFCA’s property experts contributed to discussions and outlined their proposals for the best way to develop the reserve and cadet estate in the region.

Drill hall is chosen as perfect backdrop for community day of remembrance

Huddersfield’s historic drill hall was the venue of a community day of remembrance which paid special tribute to the role of Sikh soldiers during the World Wars.

Organised by Tim Bhullar of the Sikh Soldier Organisation, the event was attended by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson CBE, as well as civic dignitaries including the Mayor of Kirklees Councillor Masood Ahmed and the leader of Kirklees Council, Councillor Shabir Pandor.

The event was only made possible thanks to the RFCA’s on-going programme of upkeep for this Grade II listed building.

We secured employers' support for the military

Working with employers

The RFCA continued to develop its networks with the region’s employers through in-person and virtual events during the year, often working in tandem with Chambers of Commerce to help spread knowledge of the Armed Forces Covenant to a wider audience.

As a result, we were able to stage prestigious ceremonies such as the Silver Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Awards at which we could pay tribute to over 30 of the region’s top forces-friendly employers.

We staged the Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in the region jointly with the North of England RFCA. Utilising the Royal Gun Salute for the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III, we were able to provide a truly memorable VIP experience for 14 supportive organisations at the York Museum Gardens.

Number of organisations signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant by year in Yorkshire and the Humber

Number of ERS Silver and Gold winners in Yorkshire and the Humber by year

Silver Award winners

North Yorkshire

• Genesis Protection Services
• Harrogate & District NHS Foundation Trust
• Northern Trains Ltd
• Pennine Energy Resources
• Persimmon Homes

East Riding of Yorkshire

• DFDS
• Engineering UTC Northern Lincolnshire
• GEV Wind Power
• Heroprenuers
• Hull KR Foundation
• Keepmoat Homes
• Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust
• Offploy CIC

South Yorkshire

• AESSEAL plc
• Intertrain
• KH Plant Training Limited
• Marvel Projects Ltd
• Sheffield Hallam University
• The National Horseracing College

West Yorkshire

• Acumen Waste Services Ltd
• Asda Stores Ltd
• Gough & Kelly Security Ltd
• Health Education England
• Leeds and York NHS Partnership Foundation Trust
• Leeds City Council
• Longs of Leeds
• Purple Dog Ltd
• Snugpak Ltd
• University of Bradford
• West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
• West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

Gold Award winners

• ERS Medical, Leeds
• Green Task Force, Hull
• Hull City Council* Revalidated after 5 years
• Sheffield City Council.

RFCA staged glittering event for Silver Award winners

The RFCA paid tribute to 31 of Yorkshire and the Humber’s most forces-friendly organisations when it was joined by all four of the region’s four Lord-Lieutenants at a special ceremony in York. Those attending were treated to an impressive display from the Army cadets from the Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force Band and Corps of Drums.

RFCA honoured Gold Award winners with unique Royal Gun Salute event

The RFCA paid special tribute to the region’s Gold Award winners under the Defence Employers Recognition Scheme. In a joint event with the North of England RFCA the winning employers were guests of honour at York’s first Royal Gun Salute staged to mark His Majesty The King’s birthday.  After the spectacle of the Gun Salute, the guests gathered for an award ceremony attended by five of the region’s Lord-Lieutenants  where they were presented with their awards by Chief of Defence People, Lieutenant General James Swift OBE.

We won hearts and minds of communities

Reaching our communities

The RFCA continued to engage and invite the public and stakeholders to events promoting the value of the cadets and the military in the region.

Once again we promoted the cadets and the role of cadet force adult volunteers as well as reserves at the now permanently extended four-day Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate and staged four His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Award ceremonies – one in each of the region’s counties.

A new addition to our calendar in 2022 was the Infantry Training Centre Beating the Retreat Mass Band Event held in Catterick Garrison in July.

RFCA promoted the cadets at the Great Yorkshire Show

The RFCA invited pupils from the Combined Cadet Force at Astrea Academy Dearne in Barnsley and air cadets from 2434 (Church Fenton) Squadron to join its presence in the military village at the show.

Air cadet Thomas Langan and army cadet Alfred Rex were chosen to be presented to HRH The Princess Royal – raising the profile of cadets at the highest level.

The RFCA celebrated the achievements of reserves and cadets across the region

The RFCA staged four His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants Awards to reward reserves, cadets and cadet force adult volunteers who had made an outstanding contribution to their unit or local community.

Pictured are the North Yorkshire newly appointed HM Lord-Lieutenant cadets, Ashanti Holden, Polly Whyley and Hannah Wardman with LL Award winning RAF reservists Yankuba Sawo and Jacqueline Lee.

The RFCA enabled links between the military and community to thrive

The RFCA helped maintain strong links between the military and communities by inviting local employers, councillors and people from the business community to attend military events such as the Beating the Retreat Mass Band Event at Catterick Garrison.

The spectacle included performances from a number of bands, Corps of Drums and a scene stealing show from the ACF Durham Band and Bugles.

We developed our membership from the community we serve

Building our membership

The RFCA continued to work with stakeholders to build a membership that effectively serves as the military’s permanent ambassador among businesses and communities in the region.

New members since April 2022

• Councillor Kalvin Neal – Hull City Council
• Councillor Steve Vickers – Wakefield Council

New Association members since April 2022

• Gerard Hardy
• Colonel Dougie Cochran – Deputy Commander 19^th Light Brigade
• Air Commodore Adam Sansom – Air Officer North of England
• Wing Commander David Buckingham – Air Regional Employer Engagement Officer for Yorks and Humber
• John Holt – Vice-Lord-Lieutenant of South Yorkshire
• Gul Hawaz Hussain KC

Membership composition, March 2023 and statute target

We ensured value for money on behalf of the public

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 £8.6 million during the year.

External sources

Around £7.75 million of external funding came 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 regionally generated income (RGI) totalled £856,000 and was generated through business rates rebates and lettings revenue. This was a slightly larger sum than the previous years mainly due to the increase in lettings post pandemic restrictions.

Pie chart showing that the overwhelming part of the RFCA’s money (90 per cent of £7.75 million) comes from external sources, with ten per cent or £856,000 coming from income generated in the region.

How we spent external funding

Headline projects that attracted funding during the year, all from DIO, were:

• Tackling the roofs on some of our oldest buildings at Carlton, Middleton and Londesborough Barracks.
• The demolition of a disused and derelict Range Building at Londesborough Barracks.
• Project Aintree works on existing armouries in Wakefield, Wolfe Armoury and Scarbrough Barracks

A pie chart showing how our external funding was spent

• DIO infrastructure, £ 1,844,547
• Staff costs, £2,215,749
• Estates, £1,127,787
• DIO projects £648,864
• Home adaptations for injured service personnel (WISPa), £242,661
• DRM support, £161,109
• ATC support, £88,285
• Vehicles, £246,395
• RAF support, £3,294

How we spent regionally generated money

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

Some £1.4 million was spent during the financial year, drawing on additional funds carried forward from 21/22.

Key notable expenditure on behalf of our region included:

• £86,000 for refurbishment of the roof and facade at Carlton Barracks
• £68,000 for the refurbishment of Churchill Barracks
• £66,000 for roof refurbishment at Endcliffe cadets detachment.

Ongoing refurbishments and repairs include:

• £150,000 for repairs at Somme Barracks
• £380,000 for refurbishments and improvements at CTCs Driffield and Strensall
• £170,000 for refurbishments and building improvements at Carlton Barracks.

Pie chart shows how regionally generated income was spent during 2022/23

The year ahead

RGI funds carried forward from 21/22 were allocated to ongoing projects and will continue to contribute towards funding the 2023/24 programme. Much of the carried forwards funds were due to the constraints on delivery during lockdown and a conscious decision to reduce capital works during a period of especially high costs for both raw materials and labour as well as the ongoing Ministry of Defence review of estate nationally. The RFCA’s property experts continue to outline their proposals to the MoD for the best way to develop the reserve and cadet estate in the region.