Are you passionate about supporting young people and giving back to your community?
Whether you have experience in fundraising, governance, building corporate partnerships, or simply a willingness to get involved and make a difference – we’d love to hear from you!
About us
We’re part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, a national youth organisation empowering 12- to 20-year-olds through flying, adventure training, sports, and leadership development.
West Mercian Wing supports over 900 cadets across 27 Squadrons in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, the Black Country, and overseas in Cyprus.
Each squadron has a committee, a team of trustees who support the squadron by overseeing governance, fundraising, and building community partnerships. Trustees are vital in ensuring squadrons can continue providing incredible opportunities for cadets.
Squadrons in this area
- 63 (Bridgnorth) Squadron, Cadet Centre, Oldbury Wells School, Oldbury Wells, Bridgnorth, Shropshire, WV16 5JE
- 333 (Ludlow) Squadron, ATC Centre, Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1RU
- 2497 (Cosford) Squadron, RAF Cosford, Wolverhampton, Shropshire, WV7 3EX
Why become a trustee?
Volunteering as a trustee isn’t just about helping others – it’s about growing yourself too!
- Gain valuable experience in leadership, governance, and fundraising.
- Expand your network and become part of a supportive team.
- Make a lasting difference to young people in your community.
- Shape the future of an organisation with a rich legacy.
What’s involved?
Meetings are structured but friendly, typically every three months for around two hours. A typical agenda includes:
- Updates from the Chairperson, Treasurer, and Squadron Commander
- Funding requests and financial decisions
- Future planning, upcoming events, and key priorities
- Opportunities to contribute based on your skills and interests
Beyond meetings, involvement is flexible depending on your availability and expertise.
What we’re looking for
We welcome all backgrounds and skill levels, but we’d particularly love to hear from those with experience in:
- Fundraising
- Governance & charity compliance
- Corporate partnerships
No military background or youth work experience is required – just enthusiasm, reliability, and a passion for making a difference!
Opportunities for progression
Trustees can take on leadership roles within their squadron, support squadrons at sector or wing level, or even contribute to regional and national RAF Air Cadets governance. Some trustees also transition into squadron volunteer roles, working directly with cadets.
To join us, you’ll need to
- Be 20 years or older
- Have lived in the UK for at least 3 years
- Attend an evening meeting every three months (varies by squadron)
- Bring enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to support young people.
Typical joining process:
- Submit an expression of interest.
- We’ll invite you to visit your chosen squadron to learn more.
- Complete a simple online application if invited.
- Undergo a DBS and background check.
This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on availability and checks.
Ready to make an impact?
If you’re excited about supporting young people and helping your local squadron thrive, we’d love to hear from you!