Volunteers' Week: Could you be a Cadet Leader?

We are always looking to recruit new volunteer cadet leaders to support our cadet programme and share knowledge and experience with young people.

Could you be a Cadet Leader? Read on for details about what the role entails and how you can apply.

Cadet Leader Spencer Bull, with our Cadets, at Spalding Flower Parade

What is the Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC)?

The Volunteer Police Cadets is the nationally recognised police uniformed youth group throughout England. It is open to teenagers from all backgrounds aged between 13 and 18.

The aims of the VPC are to:

• Promote a practical understanding of policing amongst all young people
• Encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship
• Support local policing priorities through volunteering and give young people a chance to be heard
• Inspire young people to participate positively in their communities

What does the cadet leader role involve?

Cadets are supported by volunteer cadet leaders who lead, supervise, and deliver sessions on a variety of policing topics. We are always looking to recruit new leaders to support our cadet programme and share knowledge and experience with young people.

Roles and tasks may vary, but will include:

• Assisting in the delivery of the cadet programme
• Gaining and delivering a broad understanding of policing and passing on that knowledge to cadets
• Undertaking other administrative tasks in support of the cadet corps
• Facilitating community based activities for cadets
• Safeguarding cadets

Prior experience in or knowledge of police duties and tasks is advantageous, although not essential.

Additionally, we are looking for people who are:

• Confident delivering group work, and providing advice and information
• Able to work flexibly and as part of a team
• Have experience of or an interest in working with young people and the police

Cadet sessions are held on Wednesday evenings during term times between the hours of 6pm and 9pm (depending on the cadet corps). Cadets are offered further opportunities to support Lincolnshire Police and their local communities through extra duties and other volunteering activity outside of usual sessions.

Commitment can be flexible and volunteers are asked to arrange attendance alongside other leaders to ensure we have adequate ratios of leaders to cadets at sessions for safeguarding purposes.

Our Boston Cadet Leaders

We currently have cadet corps in:

• Boston.
• Bourne.
• Grantham.
• Lincoln.
• Skegness.
• Spalding.

We currently need more leaders in the Grantham and Bourne areas to secure the future of these corps and ensure they can continue in September.

What does cadet leader recruitment look like?

The cadet programme follows the safer recruitment guidelines set out by the National VPC to ensure our young cadets are in the safest hands.

Application form

An application form is completed to ensure we hold correct and up to date details.

Interview/observation

There is a chance to meet the volunteer team and existing cadet leaders whilst observing a cadet session.

Vetting

Security vetting is completed for all cadet leaders.

Medical

A medical check is required from all volunteers to ensure they are fit to perform the role, we can make any reasonable adjustments as required, and we are meeting our duty of care to volunteers.

References

References will be sought from two referees (character and employment where possible).

DBS

An enhanced DBS check is completed online.

Induction

The Volunteer Team provide an induction that explains local systems used to record hours and claim expenses, as well as some further details of the cadet programme.

Training

There is some mandatory online safeguarding training delivered by the National VPC team via MS Teams, as well as e-learning provided by Lincolnshire Police.

What support is there for cadet leaders?

The Volunteer Team provides ongoing support to cadet leaders through a structured cadet programme that includes a curriculum, lesson resources, an online volunteer platform, regular contact, planned extra duties, and training opportunities.

The National VPC offer networking, training opportunities, events, and regular contact to support forces with their leaders, recruitment, and cadet programmes.

Want to learn more?

If you would like to find out more about the recruitment process, what is involved in the role, or to observe a cadet session, please get in touch:

• Visit the Volunteer Team at HQ (first floor, opposite L&D corridor)
• Call us on 01522 947064
• Email us at [email protected]

We can also put you in touch with existing leaders to hear about their experiences and how they balance the role alongside work and family life.