Trustees’ Week 2025: Celebrating the People Behind the Cadet Experience
November 7th, 2025
Trustees’ Week 2025 provided an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of trustees across West Mercian Wing.
Across our 27 squadrons, around 180 trustees give their time, skills, and experience to support the RAF Air Cadets. Their work often takes place behind the scenes – attending meetings, making decisions, managing finances, and ensuring that every cadet has access to the same opportunities, regardless of circumstance.
While their role may not always be visible, the impact of trustees is felt in everything we do.
Enabling Opportunities for Cadets
Throughout the week, we highlighted just how central trustees are to the cadet experience.
From funding camp places and overseas expeditions, to purchasing equipment and supporting facilities, trustees play a vital role in making opportunities possible.
Cadets and volunteers shared powerful examples of this impact:
- Support from squadron trustees enabling cadets to attend international expeditions such as Exercise Mountain Storm in Canada
- Funding that makes once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, like overseas visits and adventurous training, accessible
- Investment in equipment – from essential supplies to innovative resources like VR headsets – enhancing the quality of training
- Contributions that allow entire groups of cadets to take part in camps and activities who otherwise may not have been able to
Cadets reflected on this support throughout the week:
“Due to the great and thoughtful help from my trustee committee, I was able to fundraise enough to go to Exercise Mountain Storm in Canada and have a trip of a lifetime which has grown my confidence and a determination to aspire for more.”
“Their generous contribution not only funded essential resources but also inspired us to push our limits and achieve more than we thought possible.”
“Thank you for this once in a lifetime opportunity to go climbing in a slate mine.”
“Thank you!”
A Partnership That Delivers
Trustees’ Week also highlighted the strong partnership between trustees and volunteers.
Wing Commander Ross McElligott, Volunteer Officer Commanding West Mercian Wing, shared his appreciation:
“I am very keen to share these words to highlight the great work of our trustees and the partnership you have with our uniform and civilian volunteers in West Mercian Wing.
The trustees I have worked with over the last 15 years in command positions in the RAF Air Cadets have been a dedicated, selfless, and professional group of people.
From working with Squadron committees as a Squadron Commander, to now working closely with the Wing Executive Committee as Officer Commanding, the partnership of support and mutual goals has driven these teams forward to generate successful outcomes for our cadets.
I personally value the close working relationship I have had with trustees over the years and that I continue to have today in West Mercian Wing.”
This collaborative approach – combining governance, fundraising, and operational delivery – is what enables the Wing to continue delivering high-quality experiences for young people.
Recognising Our Trustee Community
As part of the week, Ryan Phillips, Wing Chair of Trustees, reflected on the collective contribution of trustees:
“Across our 27 units, around 180 trustees bring an incredible mix of skills, experience, and dedication. I’m hugely grateful for all that you do.
Trustees often work quietly behind the scenes – attending meetings, making decisions, and ensuring that every cadet can access the same opportunities, no matter their circumstances.
Your commitment truly enables the cadet experience, and I want to thank each of you for the vital role you play in keeping our squadrons running.”
A range of voices were shared throughout the week, including trustees themselves:
“I became a Trustee to give a little back. My proudest moments are each time we are able to give the squadron what they need or requested, such as tents to facilitate those who don’t have or can’t afford to take their Duke of Edinburgh awards. Thank you all for your continued support of our youth of today. We and anyone who knows a cadet, will see we make a difference.”
And from volunteers:
“My squadron could not run without its committee and every one of our trustees makes a valuable contribution both financially as a whole and with their time individually. I, and all the volunteers, are so grateful to them for being as proactive and supportive as they are.”
Looking Ahead
Trustees’ Week 2025 was not just about celebration – it was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of strong, collaborative governance across the Wing.
The continued development of the Wing Executive Committee and new roles supporting trustees across all squadrons are helping to strengthen this approach, ensuring even greater impact in the future.
Thank You
To every trustee across West Mercian Wing – thank you.
Thank you for every decision you make, every hour you give, and every opportunity you help create.
While your work may often be behind the scenes, its impact is visible in every cadet experience, every achievement, and every opportunity made possible.
Get Involved
West Mercian Wing is encouraging members of the community to get involved in supporting local cadets.
About the Royal Air Force Air Cadets
The RAF Air Cadets is one of the United Kingdom’s largest youth organisations and is sponsored by the Royal Air Force. It is formed by both the Air Training Corps and RAF Sections of the Combined Cadet Force. While core activities are supported at public expense, local squadrons rely on charitable fundraising and trustees to provide additional equipment, activities, and opportunities tailored to their communities.
All squadrons are run by volunteers. Those who can spare as little as around 12 hours a year may wish to become trustees, helping oversee charitable governance and fundraising, while those able to commit more time can support young people directly as volunteers. No military background is required for either role.
About West Mercian Wing RAF Air Cadets
West Mercian Wing supports 27 squadrons across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, the Black Country, and Cyprus.
Around 180 volunteer trustees work alongside uniformed and civilian volunteers to provide governance, financial oversight, and fundraising support. Collectively, they contribute approximately 2,000 volunteer hours each year to enable opportunities for young people.
Trustees play a vital role in ensuring squadrons can deliver high-quality experiences – from funding equipment and activities to supporting camps, facilities, and community engagement.