Both uniform and non-uniform members of staff supervise the cadets during parade evenings and during organised activities. All staff are security checked to ensure that they are suitable for working with young persons.

Uniform members of staff include commissioned officers of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reservers (Training) and Air Training Corps Adult Warrant Officers. Non-uniform members of staff are known as Civilian Instructors.

How Do I Become a Member of Staff?

The first step is to make contact with the Unit that you wish to assist at either by attending a parade evening or by contacting the Officer Commanding by one of the listed means. Use the Wing map and contact list to obtain details. You must be a minimum of 20 years of age to become a Civilian Instructor. It will be necessary to complete a form with details of yourself. All staff undergo security checks including with the Criminal Records Bureau. This is to ensure the safety of all cadets.

Once your security clearance has been approved you may serve as a Civilian Instructor. There is a three month probation period to ensure that both you are suitable and that you are happy as a Civilian Instructor. For further details click here

Civilian Instructors who wish to give additional support by being in uniform can apply to become a member of uniform staff.  Uniform staff consist of ATC Senior Non Commissioned Officers and Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training) Commissioned officers. Uniform staff are selected through interview boards from Civilian Instructors who apply for the role. All uniform staff are required to pass courses relevant to their rank to ensure they are suitable and to provide them with the information they will require for the role. Uniform staff are required to give a minimum of 12 hours service a month, this includes cadet parade evenings. Both ATC Senior NCOs and RAFVR(T) commissioned officers have ranks which mirrors that of the regular RAF. Uniform staff are paid for attending certain activities. Wing Staff Officers are commissioned officers normally of rank of Squadron Leader who are assigned to manage a number of activities and to liaise with a designated squadrons and detached flights. Each Wing is commanded by a Wing Commander.

Civilian Committees consist of a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee Members. They are usually parents of cadets though other interested persons may also join the Committee.

The Civilian Committee is responsible for the welfare of the cadets and assists in raising funds for the Unit and ensuring that the funds are spent correctly. Committees usually meet at the Unit premises for about an hour every other month, though times will vary from committee to committee, and will receive a report from the Unit Commander on the activities of the cadets. Thus this is an ideal way for parents to be kept informed of activities.

While there are Civilian Committees for each Squadron there is also a Wing Civilian Committee which overseas the welfare of the Wing. Representatives from Squadron Committees are invited to the Wing Committee meetings.