Following an extensive selection process, Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) has appointed its first ever volunteer Group Captain to serve as Senior Volunteer Advisor.
Group Captain Andy Pass MBE will take up the role on the 29th June 2021, reporting to Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Tony Keeling with a remit to ensure that the volunteer perspective is represented in policy areas and influence the RAFAC Senior Leadership Team on the change programme to support the RAF Air Cadets Astra programme.
RAFAC relies heavily on the support of its 16,000 volunteers, who take on the majority of the day-to-day running of the organisation and deliver the programme of events that makes the Air Cadets one of the premier youth organisations in the UK. This role will ensure that the voice of the volunteers is heard at senior level in the organisation.
Group Captain Pass joined the RAFAC in 1988 as a cadet with 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron – eventually reaching the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. From 1996 he started his Adult Volunteer career with the organisation, commanding several Squadrons before moving to become a Wing Staff Officer holding various roles including; Sports Officer, Adult Training, Safeguarding Officer, Health & Safety Officer, Aviation Officer and Deputy/Acting Officer Commanding South & East Midlands Wing. In 2017 he became took over full responsibility for the Wing, a role he has held until now.
Commenting on his appointment, Group Captain Pass said:”I am truly honoured to have been appointed in the new role of RAFAC Senior Volunteer Advisor and I look forward in the opportunity to provide a constructive volunteer voice on the Senior Leadership Team. The volunteer cadre are pivotal to the organisation and it’s right that representation is reflected in any evolving changes. The RAFAC Strategic Review provides a real opportunity to reflect on the Cadet offer, how it’s delivered and how this contributes to RAF Air Cadets ASTRA.
“I am excited by the challenges ahead for the organisation and the opportunity to influence real change. Equally, I very much look forward to meeting & listening to the cadets & volunteers from across the footprint of the organisation. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the RAF Air Cadets – from Cadet through to OC Wing. It’s an organisation I care deeply for and in my new role, I recognise the unique opportunity I have to represent the views of the volunteers for which the organisation depends on.”
Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Tony Keeling, said: “We are delighted to appoint Group Captain Pass into the role of Senior Volunteer Advisor to the Air Cadets Senior Leadership Team where he will represent our wonderful CFAVs and inform the development of our programme of change. Without our Volunteers the RAF Air Cadets would be unable to deliver its brilliant offer to young people, so we need to ensure that Cadets and Volunteers have a senior voice which will contribute to informing key decisions that may affect the whole organisation. I believe it is important that we properly consider different perspectives and diversify our thinking when we update policies and develop RAF Air Cadets Astra, that’s why we need a Senior Volunteer Advisor. Gp Capt Pass – welcome to the team!”