Reserve Forces’ and Cadet Forces’ Associations: Annual Report

Tuesday 24th March 2020

(4 years ago)

Written Statements
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James Heappey Portrait The Minister for the Armed Forces (James Heappey)
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I am today publishing the report of the review of the reserve forces and cadets associations 2019.

The review’s purpose was to assess and challenge the continuing requirement, efficiency and good governance of the 13 RFCAs and, their joint committee, the council of RFCAs. The review was undertaken by the MOD, and an independent challenge panel was appointed to assure its robustness and impartiality. The review was conducted with the full participation of the RFCA community, and gathered evidence from a wide range of stakeholders across Government, Defence and the RFCAs’ customers at the national and regional levels. I would like to thank all those who contributed to the review.

The review concluded that the functions of the RFCAs remain valued and necessary and the RFCAs should continue in their role of key partner to Defence—a point made clear by the wide range of beneficiaries of the RFCAs’ work. The review makes a number of recommendations to strengthen the relationship between Defence and the RFCAs, ensuring the RFCAs are on a stable, sustainable footing to continue to deliver advocacy and support for reserves and cadets across the UK.

Defence is currently working with other Government Departments and the RFCAs to understand how best to implement the recommendations. This will be announced in due course.

The report will be placed in the Library of the House.

[HCWS178]