In the lead up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday, we are showcasing a number of employees who represent Armed Forces communities from Reserves, veterans, service spouses and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Next up are a group of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) from across the business.
At Landmarc, we are proud to support the Armed Forces community, not just through our work on the Defence Training Estate but also through the exceptional people who go the extra mile in their own time.
We have many employees who volunteer as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), supporting youth development, leadership and personal growth in young people across the UK. These roles are demanding but hugely rewarding and the skills our volunteers bring back to work are just as valuable as the ones they share with their cadets.
Pictured above: Landmarc employees Tim Barley, Cerys Evans, Tim Peacock, Pete Norman and Aidan Hall who give their time as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV)
TIM BARLEY, HEAD OF SAFETY AND ASSURANCE AND CHIEF INSTRUCTOR, REGIONAL SMALL ARMS TRAINING TEAM (SATT).
Tim’s cadet journey began as a teenager in the air cadets, which sparked a lifelong passion for aviation, teaching and developing young people. Over the years, he has taken on a number of senior roles, including Gliding Instructor, Squadron Commander, Wing Shooting Officer and now Chief Instructor with the Regional Small Arms Training Team (SATT).
Tim said, “The cadets gave me a structure and purpose when I was younger. Volunteering now is my way of giving something back.”
As Chief Instructor, Tim is responsible for planning, delivering and overseeing range management courses and skill at arms instructor courses for cadet force instructors across the UK, these courses are open to all MOD sponsored cadet forces. His background in Health and Safety complements the role perfectly, as he ensures that training is delivered to the highest standards of safety and compliance.
A standout moment for Tim was facilitating helicopter training on Salisbury Plain for 150 cadets. But for him, the real reward comes from watching individuals thrive, like the cadet who once struggled with confidence and later joined the British Army, crediting Tim’s guidance with changing their life.
Tim said, “That’s what it’s about, helping someone believe in themselves and take that next step.”
CERYS EVANS, OPERATIONS ROOM ADMINISTRATOR IN THE SOUTH EAST AND DETACHMENT COMMANDER, ARMY CADET FORCE (ACF)
Cerys got involved during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world slowed down and she began looking for a meaningful challenge. Starting out as a civilian instructor with no military background, she worked her way up to become a Detachment Commander, responsible for delivering lessons, leading parades and overseeing a small team of volunteers.
“It was all completely new to me but I jumped in and found I loved it. Now, I’m running a detachment of my own.”
She leads up to two sessions per week and regularly volunteers on weekend exercises. The role includes everything from planning lessons on drill and first aid to working with safeguarding procedures and mentoring new recruits. It’s a position that requires flexibility and resilience, qualities she also uses daily at Landmarc.
“Being a CFAV has helped me deal with high-pressure situations calmly. When things go wrong in the field, you need to think fast and stay composed. That directly transfers into my job in the ops room.”
Cerys credits Landmarc’s support, including special paid leave, with helping her continue to volunteer while working full time.
“The 10 days of special leave makes a massive difference. It shows the company really values what we’re doing.”
TIM PEACOCK, SITE SUPERVISOR IN WALES & WEST AND COMPANY SERGEANT MAJOR, ARMY CADET FORCE (ACF)
Tim’s CFAV story began when his daughter considered joining the military. While researching options, he discovered that cadets offered the perfect environment for young people to learn discipline, respect and personal development without the pressure of military commitment.
Now a Company Sergeant Major, Tim acts as the critical bridge between senior officers and adult instructors. He is responsible for maintaining standards, supporting welfare and ensuring training is delivered consistently and effectively.
“I look after around 30 adult volunteers and 120 cadets. It’s a lot of responsibility but I love seeing cadets develop into confident, capable young adults.”
Tim’s proudest achievement is seeing cadets from difficult backgrounds succeed. He recalls one young person who had a tough home life but flourished through the cadet experience, eventually taking on leadership roles and gaining qualifications.
“The cadets offer a safe space and a second chance. Some kids just need someone to believe in them.”
Landmarc’s special leave policy allows Tim to attend week-long camps and courses without using all his personal holiday, something he describes as a “game changer.”
PETE NORMAN, SITE OPERATIVE IN THE SOUTH EAST AND DETACHMENT INSTRUCTOR, ARMY CADET FORCE (ACF)
Pete’s path into volunteering started in his own youth; he was a cadet himself and later served in the Army Reserves. After taking time away to join the Police, he returned to the cadets as a Detachment Instructor with Sussex ACF.
“It felt natural to come back. I knew how much I’d gained as a cadet and I wanted to help give others that same experience.”
He supports lessons twice a week, covering navigation, fieldcraft and drill. He is also part of the safeguarding team, ensuring cadets feel safe and supported. Pete recently completed his First Aid at Work training, which he uses in both his cadet and Landmarc roles.
“It’s not just about the military side. It’s about helping young people become responsible, respectful and well-rounded.”
Pete credits Landmarc’s flexible approach with making volunteering sustainable.
“I couldn’t do it without the support from my team. Whether it’s changing shifts or booking special leave, they always help me make it work.”
AIDAN HALL, ADMINISTRATOR IN THE EAST AND DETACHMENT INSTRUCTOR, ARMY CADET FORCE (ACF)
Aidan first joined the cadets at age 14, later becoming a Sergeant Instructor. After a break to raise a young family, he rejoined nine years ago and now supports his local detachment, leading training in fieldcraft, navigation and adventurous activities.
“Cadets gives young people and adults structure, purpose and a sense of belonging. It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do.”
Aidan has been honoured in uniform, receiving the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate in recognition of his service and recently led a cadet team to complete the Cateran Yomp in Scotland, raising over £4,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund.
His role as a CFAV has helped him grow in confidence and develop leadership skills that benefit his work at Landmarc.
“It teaches you how to stay calm, plan ahead, and lead with empathy. Those are skills that carry over into any workplace.”
With a full-time job and young grandchildren, Aidan says Landmarc’s support is essential.
“The special paid leave gives me breathing space. I’m not eating into all my annual leave, which helps me balance everything.”
WHY WE SUPPORT OUR CFAVS
As a Top 50 Forces Friendly employer and signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, Landmarc is committed to supporting employees who give back to the military and wider community. Volunteering as a CFAV is not only a service to young people, it is a powerful way to grow professionally and personally.
“Cadet organisations are always in need of volunteers,” says Tim Barley. “They’ll support you every step of the way. And in return, you’ll learn skills and gain experiences that stay with you for life.”
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CFAV?
You don’t need military experience to join, just a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference. Find out more via https://armycadets.com/volunteer-with-us or speak to one of our colleagues featured in this article.
“It’s hard work,” says Cerys, “but you’ll never regret it.”
