In October of 2022, Wales RFCA invited Professor Simon Denny, co-author of the report, titled ‘What is the social impact and return on investment resulting from expenditure on the Cadet Forces in the UK?’ to speak at its Annual Briefing at HMS Cambria (Cardiff). Wales RFCA subsequently shared the videos and presentations from that day with the wider RFCA community to further promote the benefits of the Cadet Forces.
Former Executive Dean at Northampton University, Professor Simon Denny BA MA PhD led the research, commissioned by the Ministry of Defence and conducted over a four-year period. This highlighted the positive impact of the Cadet Forces on young peoples’ development, adult volunteers and wider society.
The University of Northampton study found participation in the Cadet programmes led to greatly improved communication and leadership skills. Personal resilience, confidence and an ability to work effectively with a diverse range of people were also recognised as attributes of cadets and adult volunteers.
Professor Simon Denny said: “Our research has concluded that the Cadet Forces provide structured challenge, discipline, training, education and, importantly, fun. Cadets and their adult volunteer instructors gain new skills and qualifications which increase their education and employment opportunities. The positive impacts on social mobility are, frankly, amazing. The Cadet Forces represent a very good use of taxpayers’ money.”
The report outlines a significant return on investment in the Cadet Forces, with the cadet experience offering potentially life-changing opportunities for career progression and vocational qualifications. Professor Denny said: “This results in increased career prospects for those who may not hold traditional educational qualifications.”
A twenty minute film along with Professor Denny’s presentation on the night and two further short films (one with images and one without) are available at https://cloud.rfca.org.uk/index.php/s/7w5WDRAHeEotLWW
