[quote]Erm I would say it displays a total lack of understanding of the practicalities … but then should we be too surprised? It’s a new bloke in post looking to make a name for himself, just like all senior managers they feel compelled to change things to something nonsensical, when what’s already in place, by and large works.
[/quote]
Seems to “have made a name for himself” elsewhere…
http://www.pprune.org/military-aircrew/533085-no-2-flying-training-school-no-2-fts-reforms.html
Ultilaugh - I thought my work e-learning/briefing/training on-line system had its issues - & then I experienced Ultilearn - & stopped complaining about my work system.
How on earth could someone design/build such a clunky & inflexible system that requires menu management for astro-nuclear physicists??
So many “off the shelf” options available too…
ROFL and rupturing several internal organs.
Why would HQAC want to do this, they wouldn’t be able to handle the comments and ideas, as far too much commonsense and proper experience of the Corps would come to bear.
controversial never, how can it be controversial to be on a team that recommends the establishment of a flying command post then get that same job a few months later. 
the system of progressive GIC until 16 then a GS is the current system. The proposed new system is slightly different more unwieldy and currently being reviewed…again!
:ohmy:
controversial never, how can it be controversial to be on a team that recommends the establishment of a flying command post then get that same job a few months later.
the system of progressive GIC until 16 then a GS is the current system. The proposed new system is slightly different more unwieldy and currently being reviewed…again!
:ohmy:[/quote]
From what i’ve heard, without OC 2FTS, we wouldn’t have had the proposed tender/contract brought under control enough to become sustainable and affordable…
[quote]I’m sure with Middleton providing the sort of outstanding leadership, coolness under pressure, legendary diplomacy, graceful tact and wonderful human touch that he displayed during his loved and respected command tour with 25(F) Sqn, that 2 FTS will be the truly become a place of great happiness for all those reserve officers lucky, neh privileged, enough to serve there.
I salute thee. [/quote]
“the heavy heavy” - 20140201
:woohoo: :lol: :lol: :lol:
controversial never, how can it be controversial to be on a team that recommends the establishment of a flying command post then get that same job a few months later.
the system of progressive GIC until 16 then a GS is the current system. The proposed new system is slightly different more unwieldy and currently being reviewed…again!
:ohmy:[/quote]
From what i’ve heard, without OC 2FTS, we wouldn’t have had the proposed tender/contract brought under control enough to become sustainable and affordable…[/quote]
Which contract?
e]
Getting back to the original question - I can’t help but get a sense that the “Reduction in Admin” referenced won’t equate in a benefit for the Volunteer on the shop floor, but for the higher elements of the CoC. Notably changes (read removal) to VR(T) Commissions - in order to remove the right of redress from the AFB.
Whilst the removal is recognised as a negative factor for the volunteer in the DYER report and subsequent Action Plans, I can’t help but get a sense of a fudge - not covered in chocolate - coming our way…
[quote=“noah claypole” post=16029]Getting back to the original question - I can’t help but get a sense that the “Reduction in Admin” referenced won’t equate in a benefit for the Volunteer on the shop floor, but for the higher elements of the CoC. Notably changes (read removal) to VR(T) Commissions - in order to remove the right of redress from the AFB.
Whilst the removal is recognised as a negative factor for the volunteer in the DYER report and subsequent Action Plans, I can’t help but get a sense of a fudge - not covered in chocolate - coming our way…[/quote]
Did you read the Comdt AC’s letter regarding this on sharepoint?
[quote=“pEp” post=16037][quote=“noah claypole” post=16029]Getting back to the original question - I can’t help but get a sense that the “Reduction in Admin” referenced won’t equate in a benefit for the Volunteer on the shop floor, but for the higher elements of the CoC. Notably changes (read removal) to VR(T) Commissions - in order to remove the right of redress from the AFB.
Whilst the removal is recognised as a negative factor for the volunteer in the DYER report and subsequent Action Plans, I can’t help but get a sense of a fudge - not covered in chocolate - coming our way…[/quote]
Did you read the Comdt AC’s letter regarding this on sharepoint?[/quote]
Yes - but I would have liked a bit more of a Newsflash Headline to draw attention to it. It contained some familiar themes in it;
Para 1 - "…cost-effective delivery…"
Para 2 - "…to meet very tight deadlines imposed by Ministers…"
Para 5 - “…we must all appreciate that a degree of compromise may be required…”
Whilst I personally trust Comdt AC to fight the good fight, with the ingredients above and Seniors/Ministers wanting ‘quick wins’ to solve these issues (the real rationale of why they are ‘issues’ is opaque), we will only go 1 of 2 ways - stay as we are, or accept a fudge to try and appease all - fudged as a result of trying to meet arbitrary deadlines, without the manpower to do research the issues effectively.
I will say that my issue/concern is not with anyone in the ACO and leave it there.
Looking at the CAC’s stategy document I cannot see anything that suggests a brighter by which I mean lesser burden for the CFAV of any colour. I know that senior management have to talk in grandiose terms, otherwise their future is jepoardised, but looking at things like :-
Cadet CV, pointless document : All that you need is a button on SMS to produce a document that can be emailed to a cadet to use whichever parts on their real CV’s and or application forms they see fit. Having a stand alone document is a complete nonsense.
T&C of CFAV : [quote]comprehensive review to address, inter alia, the status of volunteers, selection, progression, training, remuneration, etc. The aim is to develop a package that supports recruitment and retention of high calibre adult volunteers[/quote]
Looking at this certain words, while good for the document they are in, IMO completely misunderstand the concept of the volunteer. I am and have been on a number of volunteer groups over the years and the one thing that never happens is saying to someone who has shown the interest to poke their head around the door, saying “can I / I would like to help”, is saying ■■■■■■ off we don’t want or need you. If you get someone who’s not what you would ideally want, is utlilise them such that they feel they are contributing. All the twaddle about “recruitment and retention of high calibre adult volunteers” is meaningless hyperbole, but looks good for the intended audience. Unless you are a sqn overflowing with staff that aren’t going to move/leave, that can all turn up every single parade and are all available for every single activity, can anyone afford to turn anyone away? What will and does happen regardless, is they will come along and decide it’s not for them. Just like cadets do.
However what we do need be they high or low calibre, if we stand any hope of retaining them, is a vastly more streamlined application process to ensure those that do come along aren’t hanging around, before they can get stuck in as the single biggest turn off is a process from that from initial query to full involvement that takes months. But there doesn’t seem to be anything to address this. The vast majority of volunteering opportunities do not require anything like the BS the Corps puts in place, it’s not like we’re that special. The most that might be needed by people accepting volunteers is a DBS.
When I see the phrase high calibre I tend to think of people who while they may be good but not exactly good in a team. On an ATC sqn you need people who are prepared to roll up their sleeves and muck in, rather than being a prima donnas expecting to run it in a couple of weeks. What qualities define high calibre?
Couple this with a recruitment campaign that if it’s anything like the previous ones will be hopelessly under-funded and poorly targeted and you won’t realise the ambition.
Admin buden reduction will bring no tangible benefit to the coalface. The shinies up the chain will have things they won’t have to deal with anymore, but the CFAV will retain all of their current admin tasks. I saw a report that it is being recommended that schools won’t have to ask for parental consent for every single trip. Now maybe there is a leaf from a book the ATC can steal with pride.
[quote=“Gunner” post=15841]Despite our previous disagreements, I have to agree wholeheartedly with GHE2 on this one. If these initiatives that have been spouted from on high at HQAC had come to fruition, I feel that we’d all be seeing\would have seen a huge improvement in the lot of the volunteer as well as admin processes over the years.
But I for one, simply haven’t.[/quote]
In my experience, attitudes at HQAC are changing. But it’s going to take a very long time for them to change sufficiently that the impact is seen at squadron-level…
So happy New Year and welcome to 2020 - thought it was an ideal time to dig this thread up.
for those who need reminding the Action Plan can be found > here
(I confess i required digging to not find it on SharePoint (all links broken) and needed Googling)
So what do we think?
(my numbers added to ease referencing)
FLYING AND GLIDING
Achieved
1)Revised glider recovery plan approved.
2) Future of conventional gliding secured and retention of as many key sites as possible achieved in light of Defence Basing Review.
3) 1st Aerospace Camp held at RAF Syerston Aug 15 with 120 cadets attending.
4) New HQ at 2FTS delivered, with infrastructure enhancements also delivered at key VGS sites.
5) Delivery of remainder of the 25 part-task glider trainers, funded by the RAF Charitable Trust, continues.
6) Cadet and staff gliding opportunities via RAFGSA and BGA continue.
7) Tayside Aviation delivering increased nos of Flying Scholarships.Ongoing
8) Plans for 75th anniversary Aerospace Camp in place.
9) Glider recovery continues, with revised date for full operations now Mar 17.
1+2 = i guess this happened
4 = this the new Glider entre of excellence?
5 = I presume there are 25 out there?
6 = nope
7 = has there been an increase?
9 = are new now at “full operations” almost two years after this March 2017 target?
REVIEW OF ADULT VOLUNTEERS ENGAGEMENT, RETENTION AND APPOINTMENT (RAVERA)
Achieved:
10) Standardised TORs for OC Wgs, aligned with WgExOs’ TORs, introduced Oct 15.
11) Standardised TORs for WO cadre at Corps, Reg and Wg approved.
12) Policy for SNCO accelerated promotion due to prior Armed Forces service agreed.
13) Upper age limit for uniformed adult volunteers (non-flying) raised to 65, with annual exts thereafter.
14) Policy for support to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender adult volunteers approved.
15) Revised maternity absence policy approved.Ongoing:
16) Policy for adult volunteers’ medical, fitness and disability remains under review.
17) Policy for standardised progression of VRT officers nearing completion.
18) CV for adult volunteers to start design work early 2016.
19) Absence and Non-Effective Pool policy under review.
20) TORs for Sector Cdrs and OC Sqns to be standardised.
21) Work to introduce a photo ID card for chaplains and CIs continues
14 = lots happening with this
17 = is this OASCs introduction?
18 = nope
19 = not sure I have seen anything new
21 = completed…
THE CADET EXPERIENCE
Achieved
22) Air Cadet Council approved retention of cadets over 18, subject to enhanced training and TORs.
23) Cadet CV live on BADER autumn 15.
24) Major Drill & Ceremonial Camp delivered 2015.
25) 1st ACO STEM courses delivered 2015 by RAF Early Engagement staffs.
26) Review of Corps sports completed end 15.
27) Exam leave policy standardised across the ACO.Ongoing
28) Work on 18+ cadets’ training and TORs.
29) Implementation of Sports Review recommendations.
30) Dacre competition to present swords to both top male and top female cadet; Dacre Brooch to be presented to new Honorary Air Commandant
28 = only movement or talk seems to be how to get rid of 18+s
6 years on we are no clearer imo if they are staying long term…
29 = anyone heard the results of the review?
TRAINING
Achieved
31) Communications syllabus rewritten to incorporate cyber modules; first advanced cyber camp at RAF Cosford delivered.
32) Dacre Regional Finalists experienced trip of lifetime to the Hong Kong Air Cadets leadership camp and a visit to mainland China.
33) New Adult Training Facility opened at RAF Cranwell.Ongoing
34) Progressive Training Options to be launched during 2016. This will include awards at blue, bronze, silver and gold levels being available for radio & cyber, music, leadership, first aid and
shooting.
35) Introduction of an ACO pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at blue level to include a National Navigation Award.
36) Training portal to be launched to promote the range of training activities and opportunities available.
37) Development of an engineering syllabus, camps and activities.
38) New summer camp at Sennerlager in Germany to be available for 80 cadets.
39) Senior Staff Officers course to be delivered by the Adult Training Facility.
40) Air Rifle Range Conducting Officers courses to be delivered.
41) 25 new air rifle ranges to be commissioned.
42) Implementation of the Shooting Review recommendations.
34+35 = very much in place
36 = Cadet Portal? @james_elliott
37 = STEM Camp?
38, 40, 41 = anyone heard anything?
39 = i think i have heard this has occurred
42 = anyone heard the recommendations?
ADMIN PROCESS MANAGEMENT TEAM
Achieved
43) A comprehensive program of targeted IT Training visits.
44) The introduction of ‘mail drops’ to replace traditional e-mail traffic.
45) The introduction of document scanning to enable Electronic Ways of Working (EWOW).
46) Improved access to BADER for volunteers, including access via mobile devices.
47) Centralised production of BTEC certificates.
48) Electronic registration and production of 1st class cadet logbooks.
49) Introduction of the BADER Analysis Tool (BAT) for management and planning applications.
50) Electronic filing: The HQ Personnel team moved to e-filing in Jan 16.Ongoing
51) Introduction of a BADER based activity approval process: Automated payment of volunteer Home to Duty (HTD), T&S and > Volunteer Allowance.
52) Electronic, on-line forms to enable volunteers to conduct simple administrative tasks securely via any mobile device. Forms for changes of address or change of bank details to be introduced
early in 2016.
53) Streamlining of electronic processes for hastening and action of extensions of service.
54) BADER & SMS training: The development of on-line BADER training using a series of interactive guides (this work is quite advanced and should begin to be rolled out early in 2016).
55) Further volunteer access to BADER Sqn Management System.
49 = the what system?
51 = not yet? one for Cadet Portal?
52, 53, 54 = yet to see these
ADULT VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT
Achieved
56) Internal campaign July 2015 to encourage existing staff and parents to consider uniformed service.
57) New pull-up boards designed and procured – one for each Sqn to be delivered early Jan 16.
58) Chaplains’ recruitment flier completed.
59) Hon Ambassador Carol Vorderman regularly promoting adult volunteering in the ACO via social media and on national TV.Ongoing
60) External recruitment to be lead regionally according to squadron needs; Reg M&C staffs to develop plans accordingly.
61) A toolkit to be produced to support units.
62) Good practice guide to be available as a pdf.
63) Regional training workshop programme under development to train the trainers in marketing, PR and sales.
64) PR opportunities linked to 75th events to be scoped and all events to carry adult recruitment messaging.
57 = any Squadron receive their personal copy?
61 = anyone get theirs?
62 = anyone seen it?
TOTAL SAFETY
Achieved
65) ACO Total Safety Directive and Supervisory Care Directive published.
66) 3 new Child Protection posts established.
67) 3 new Health and Safety Advisors established
68) 6 WO FTRS Training Safety Advisors established.
69) All 6 Regions managing Functional Safety with mix of permanent > and volunteer staff.
70) No of sqns achieving H&S star awards continues to rise.
71) Revised policy for fieldcraft introduced.Ongoing
72) Risk to Life activities under further scrutiny to ensure risks are > Tolerable and As Low As Reasonably Practical (ALARP).
73) Safe storage of weapons and ammunition under review.
74) Frequency of Child Protection refresher training under review.
73 = i know of two units which are 60% complete in having alarms fitted but that has taken 6 months and no sign of when they’ll be ready
CAMP REVIEW
Achieved
75) Evidence for the review has been gathered on blue, green and specialist Camps. Report published late 2015.Ongoing
76) Implementation of recommendations post Air Cadet Management Board endorsement.
meh
SHOOTING REVIEW
Achieved
77) Report published mid 2015 and endorsed by Air Cadet Management Board autumn 2015.Ongoing
78) COS has lead for implementation of recommendations arising from the Review.
78 = anyone seen those recommendations?
Engagement and ATC 75 Planning
Achieved
79)Significant engagement by Hon Ambassador Gp Capt Carol Vorderman VRT throughout 2015 achieved national TV and newspaper coverage.
80) Progress meetings held throughout 2015 to ensure all key 75th events are on track.
81) New Royal Patron HRH The Duchess of Cambridge announced as Honorary Air Commandant of the Air Cadets 16 Dec 2015.Ongoing
Final planning for key events:
82) ATC Sunday Church Service, Reception and Hendon Museum 75th exhibition.
83) 75th Parade, Reception and Music Concert at RAF Cranwell 13 Aug 16.
84) Torch Relay from John O’Groats to Cornwall - summer 2016.
85) Squadron Sports Challenge - summer 2016.
86) Cross Channel swim attempt by cadets and staff teams - June 2016.
87) Major presence at RIAT, Farnborough and RAF Cosford Air Shows 2016.
88) Drill and Ceremonial, Band culper and Aerospace camps planned for Aug 2016.
89) Time capsule to be buried at HQ AC Nov 2016.
90) Tree planting across the UK to mark the 75th and WW1 centenary.
91) Professional art work commissioned to commemorate key 75th events.
92) Development of Air Cadet Development Trust .
83 = went ahead and was well reported on positively
84 = depending on who you talk to was either very good or poor
85 = happened, but nothing since
86 = i recall hearing about this as one of our Cadets applied but did it happen?
89 = this happened i am sure i recall seeing an article
90 = nope can’t say i recall that
92) the what trust?
Assume this is the bursary thing they set up for ATC 75. I managed to get some money the first year they were set up, not sure how well it’s going now.
They were delivered… Not sure how many went to rot though…
An example of an executive decision made without consultation or choice: “Here, have a tree. What? Your Squadron is a tarmac square in the middle of an urban, developed area? Have we what? No, in that case you have to find somewhere to put it, get permission, arrange the planting, advertising, and media if you want it.”.
RFCA didnt allow us a memorial tree… suspect they wouldnt have allowed this!
What a list of lost opportunity, undelivered hopes and shambolic waste from HQAC.
Roll on the bye bye tour of the twitter queen.
If I was being picky, I would say that the ID card has fallen by the wayside, and the (pointless and waste of money imo) membership card has been introduced instead
But a brilliant thread to resurrect!
Certainly seen air rifle courses run in my area, and indeed in the last six months we have seen a considerable number of air rifle ranges delivered, albeit thanks to RFCA and not HQAC.
SA(AR)12 course is delivered routinely now and I know a LOT of TS25s have been delivered across regions, significantly more in 1 region than the 25 there.
Nice to see that the majority of the achieved are mostly things that don’t / didn’t enhance the cadet or CFAV experience and those listed as ‘cadet experience’ aren’t really mainstream. Many of them are HQ functions or things they would sort out as part of their day to day. Should things like this really be included or should they be just things that benefit us and cadets.
I’m not sure the raft of tick box things for staff and cadets should really be part of a master plan like this, as they are easy things for someone in an office to do, without any real positive on what we do day to day.
It does seem the things that make the ATC a better organisation for its membership are on the awkward list, as it actually requires detaching thumb from sphincter.