Reservists
Information and support for reservists in Oxfordshire
Reservists work alongside their regular counterparts to deliver the military capability the nation needs in an integrated fashion. The MOD are aligning the Reserves more closely with the Regulars in all areas, including training, equipment and remuneration, while continuing to recognise the specific demands reserve service makes.
For more information:
- Support and benefits for reservists and their families - GOV.UK
- See how we support council employees who are reservists
South East Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association (SE RFCA)
South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SE RFCA) is one of 13 RFCAs UK-wide, SERFCA is a Ministry of Defence (MOD) Crown body, responsible to the Defence Council, but separate from military chains-of-command. SE RFCA gives support to the Reserve Forces and Cadets from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force in the South East, including Oxfordshire
SERFCA also leads and assesses the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The council is proud to hold Gold status under the scheme for the second time, demonstrating the highest standards of commitment and support to the forces community as an employer.
Becoming a reservist
If you’re interested in becoming a reservist, the following websites have more details about the roles available and how to join:
Working for us
We employ staff who are members of the Reserve Forces and recognise the valuable contribution that reservists make to the Armed Forces and their civilian workplace. The council supports the training undertaken by reservists which enables them to develop skills and abilities that can be of benefit to them as employees, and to the council in terms of service delivery.
As an employer, we positively support staff who are already reservists and those who are thinking of becoming reservists..
Our offer to reservists, in addition to other benefits
- two weeks extra paid leave under the Special Leave Policy (pro-rata for part-time colleagues)) to attend annual reservist training. Additional unpaid leave or annual leave from the employee’s normal annual allocation may be granted for short periods of training, provided adequate notice is given and where such training cannot be undertaken in off-duty time
- a flexible working policy to assist with military commitments
- mfnagement support in preparation for, during and after mobilisation
- Find out more and see our job vacancies here: Working for Oxfordshire (https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/council/working-oxfordshire-county-council)
Armed Forces Volunteers
Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)
The council encourages employees to undertake voluntary work. For those wishing to become a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, the council’s Employee Volunteering policy allows up to two paid days (15 hours) per year for volunteering. Employees must match this with two days (15 hours) of their own time (pro-rata for part-time).
There are a number of Cadet Force Units in Oxfordshire, including the Combined Cadet Force, Army Cadets, Air Cadets and even Sea Cadets.
Find out more about volunteering as a CFAV.