Support the Next Generation. Become a Trustee.
Across West Mercian Wing, we have 27 squadrons that give young people aged 12–20 life-changing opportunities. From flying and gliding, to leadership, adventure training, and community projects – cadets build skills and confidence that last a lifetime.
Behind every squadron is a team of trustees making this possible. As a trustee, you’ll play a vital role in governance, fundraising, and community support, helping ensure that cadets can continue to thrive.
Why trustees matter
Every cadet activity you see – whether it’s a music session, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award training, or summer camp – relies on a squadron having a strong trustee committee in place.
Trustees are responsible for:
- Managing squadron funds and fundraising
- Building community and business partnerships
- Supporting the Squadron Commander and adult volunteers
Put simply: trustees make cadet opportunities possible. Without them, squadrons cannot run. By volunteering your time and skills, you’ll directly impact the lives of young people in your community.
Did you know?
- There are over 40,000 cadets across the UK.
- West Mercian Wing supports 27 squadrons, including two overseas.
- Every squadron is a registered excepted charity with its own trustee committee.
Trustee voices
Hear from some of our trustees about what being a trustee means to them:
Being a trustee has been hugely rewarding. Modernising our finances and ensuring proper governance has given me invaluable skills that I apply in my day job. It’s a privilege to support the squadron’s growth and make a real impact behind the scenes.
I’ve met some amazing people and made great friends along the way. It’s rewarding to know that I’m playing a positive part in my community.
[What makes being a trustee so rewarding is] helping find new opportunities for the cadets and making sure they are getting the best experience.
What’s involved?
Being a trustee is one of the simplest but most impactful ways to support the RAF Air Cadets.
- Meetings: most squadrons meet quarterly (every three months) for around 2 hours. Some meet monthly, others form smaller sub-committees to focus on fundraising or events – but the core trustee role is centred on those main meetings.
- Agenda: a typical meeting includes updates from the Squadron Chair, Treasurer and Commanding Officer, discussions about finances and fundraising, and planning future priorities.
- Flexibility: beyond meetings, involvement is flexible. Some trustees simply attend meetings, while others get stuck into fundraising, local networking, or supporting events – it’s entirely up to you.
Time commitment – just 8 hours a year
One of the best things about becoming a trustee with the RAF Air Cadets is how little time it takes to make a difference.
- On average, it’s just 8 hours per year – that’s four 2-hour meetings.
- Compare that to many charities where trustees meet monthly – our model is designed to be realistic and accessible.
- Anything else you choose to do (like helping at events or building community partnerships) is a bonus, not an expectation.
What you’ll gain
Being a trustee isn’t just about giving back – it’s also about your personal development. You’ll:
- Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising
- Expand your professional and personal networks
- Learn new skills, with training and support available
- Be part of one of the UK’s largest uniformed youth organisations
- Know that you’ve made a real difference in your community
The support you’ll receive
We won’t throw you in at the deep end. Trustees are supported from day one.
- Locally: you’ll work alongside your squadron’s Chair, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander.
- At Wing level: you’ll be supported by the Wing Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, who provide training, templates, and ongoing advice.
- Nationally: RAF Air Cadets trustees are part of a network across the UK, with guidance and resources available.
We’ve also developed a Wing Trustee Hub – an online resource centre with policies, training, and practical tools to make your role easier.
Opportunities for progression
Many trustees start by supporting their local squadron, but opportunities exist to:
- Take on leadership roles within your committee
- Support squadrons at a local or Wing level
- Get involved in regional or even national RAF Air Cadets governance
- Transition into uniformed or civilian volunteer roles within the squadron if you’d like to work directly with cadets
The joining process
We’ve made joining simple:
- Submit an expression of interest via our CharityJob listings.
- Attend an informal virtual meeting with the Wing Chair and Wing Treasurer.
- Visit your chosen squadron to meet the team and learn more.
- Apply to join online if invited.
- Undergo safeguarding checks (DBS and background check).
This process normally takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks.
FAQs
Do I need military experience?
Not at all – most of our trustees don’t. We’re looking for people with enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for helping young people.
How much time is involved?
Meetings are typically once a quarter for about two hours. Beyond that, any extra involvement is flexible.
Do I need to fundraise personally?
No – though you may support fundraising events or grant applications, you’re not expected to donate personally.
What if I don’t live in West Mercian Wing?
Get in touch with us (details below) and we’ll connect you with the right people in your area.
Apply now
Ready to take the next step? Find your local trustee opportunity here:
Not quite ready to apply? Download our Trustee Recruitment Pack (PDF) for more detail.
Contact us
Still unsure? Want to discuss it before applying? Or live outside our Wing but want to volunteer as a trustee elsewhere in the RAF Air Cadets?
We’ll be happy to answer your questions and point you in the right direction.