Who are we and what do we do.
The Civilian Support Team (CST) is an essential part of the Squadron. We are Civilians, which means that we don’t fit with the RAF rank structure that other staff members do. This is very important, as RAF Air Cadet (RAFAC) Squadrons are Excepted Charities. This means that they act in the same way as Registered Charities, but they report through the RAFAC reporting structure instead of directly to the Charity Commission. However, all of the Charity Commission’s regulations still apply. Our members are Trustees of the Squadron charity and the fact we are civilians is a safeguard to ensure that RAF rank cannot be used to influence the use of charity money for anything other than in pursuit of the aims of the organisation.
We are mainly parents and grandparents of current or former cadets. We meet once a month with the Officer Commanding to discuss the issues affecting the Squadron and how we can help support and resolve them. These could be welfare issues, health and safety matters, organising events or being asked for funding for equipment, supplies or to support trips and camps.
We have a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary and our meetings are minuted. Decisions are reached democratically and recorded.
Please don’t be put off if this all sounds very formal. We like to enjoy our meetings so there is plenty of good humour!
Some examples of what we do
Earlier this year we reviewed and approved spend of over £3,000 to purchase new gazebos for the Squadron.
In the last three months we purchased four new Xboxes, controllers, pedals and Microsoft Flight Simulator software Our intention is to increase our Flight Sim capability and capacity in the very near future.
In the summer the Squadron hosted the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) where Cadets from similar organisations from across the world came to see what we do and join in activities. The CST ensured that all 150 Cadets and visiting staff were well catered for and added to the smooth running of the whole event.
Moving forward, we need to prepare for the demolition of the last remaining World War 2 building left on the Squadron. Aaron Block has had a series of electrical issues, mainly caused by squirrels biting through cables, and sadly it is no longer economical to repair. We will instead be provided with a complex of portacabin type units that will mainly be used for storage. As Trustees we are responsible for the property owned by the Squadron so we will need record items that are no longer needed and update and maintain our inventory.
What we don’t do
Whilst everyone has a general responsibility for Cadet safety and wellbeing CST members have no supervisory responsibility for Cadets. This is the role of the uniformed staff and Civilian Instructors (CI’s) who have had extended training to fulfil that responsibility. This doesn’t mean to say that you can’t attend events or visits if there are spare seats.
What you will need to do
As you will be around children you will be required to go through the RAFAC DBS process. If you already have a DBS it won’t count, I’m afraid.
You will also need to complete a Baseline Personal Security Statement (BPSS). This is because you will have and use a Ministry of Defence (MOD) email address and access to systems controlled by the MOD.
This all sounds a bit daunting, but it’s just a necessary hurdle and can be done quite quickly.
What now?
If you are interested in seeing how you can help, please come and talk to any of the team, we’re normally in and around the canteen. No prior knowledge is expected, you don’t have to have a military background or have experience in meetings. We’re a friendly bunch so don’t be shy.