Cadet Forces Adult Volenteer (CFAV) (Hove East Sussex)

Company Description

Hove & Adur Sea Cadets helps young people aged 10 to 18 develop confidence, leadership, practical skills and resilience through maritime training, adventure and teamwork.

Cadets take part in activities including sailing, powerboating, fieldcraft, STEM, recognised qualifications and community engagement. These experiences help prepare them for education, employment and adult life.

The unit is supported by a team of adult volunteers and works with local employers, maritime organisations and community partners to create opportunities for young people across Hove, Adur and the surrounding area.

Role Description

This is a flexible, unpaid volunteer role based in Hove. It is not a full-time position.

Cadet Force Adult Volunteers help young people develop as individuals and active citizens by providing safe, rewarding training, guidance and encouragement.

You can volunteer in either a uniformed or non-uniformed role. The position will be shaped around your skills, interests, availability and development goals. No previous military, cadet-force, maritime, teaching or youth-work experience is required.

Activities usually take place during evening parade nights, with optional weekend courses, events, competitions and trips.

• Depending on your interests and experience, you may:
• Help plan and deliver a varied cadet training programme.
• Instruct, coach, mentor or supervise young people.
• Support sailing, powerboating, STEM, outdoor or classroom activities.
• Promote cadet welfare and maintain a safe, inclusive environment.
• Help cadets access courses, qualifications and progression opportunities.
• Assist with events, trips and competitions.
• Help maintain equipment and unit resources safely and securely.
• Support unit administration and cadet records where appropriate.
• Liaise with other volunteers, parents, carers and partner organisations.
• Complete training and maintain qualifications relevant to your role.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for reliable, positive adults who:

• Want to help young people develop confidence, skills and ambition.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully.
• Work well as part of a volunteer team.
• Can follow safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational procedures.
• Are willing to learn and undertake relevant training.
• Can make a regular commitment agreed with the unit’s Commanding Officer.

Experience in youth work, teaching, coaching, STEM, engineering, boating, outdoor activities, administration or community engagement would be useful, but is not essential.

What You Will Gain

Volunteering with Sea Cadets offers opportunities to:

• Undertake structured training and work towards nationally recognised qualifications relevant to your role.
• Develop leadership, communication, coaching and mentoring skills.
• Gain practical experience in training delivery, safeguarding, activity planning and youth development.
• Build confidence in leading groups and managing responsibility.
• Learn new maritime, outdoor, technical or instructional skills.
• Join a supportive national volunteer network.
• Meet people from different professional and personal backgrounds.
• Use your existing knowledge in a practical and worthwhile setting.
• Support young people as they gain confidence, discover their abilities and achieve things they did not think were possible.
• See the direct effect of your time, encouragement and experience on young people’s lives.

You will receive an induction, ongoing support and access to training and development. Opportunities will depend on your role, interests, eligibility and the needs of the unit.

Safeguarding and Appointment

This role involves regulated activity with young people. Appointment is subject to the Sea Cadet Corps selection and onboarding process, satisfactory references, safeguarding checks and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. DBS checks are renewed at least every three years.

The successful volunteer will be accountable to the unit’s Commanding Officer or Officer-in-Charge and must comply with applicable Sea Cadet Corps and MSSC policies and procedures.

What You Can Expect From Us

We will:

• Help you understand your role and the difference you can make.
• Recognise the skills and experience you already bring.
• Provide induction, training and ongoing support.
• Agree a realistic and flexible commitment with you.
• Support your personal development and progression.
• Value your contribution as part of the unit team.