At East Anglia RFCA, we pride ourselves on being a supportive employer, fostering a healthy work-life balance for our staff. A testament to this commitment is Jim, a dedicated employee and avid cyclist, who has been with us for several years. Recently, Jim has been able to take his passion for cycling to the next level, balancing his professional responsibilities with his cycling ambitions.
Jim, who represents the Infantry as a Masters Veteran, has been granted additional leave by East Anglia RFCA to compete in the Army Cycling Union (ACU) Race Series. Major Jim Cousen is the Cadet Executive Officer of Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force; comprising 40 units, 1200 cadets and 220 adult volunteers who train them. The CEO acts as the principal staff officer and professional adviser to the County/Sector ACF Commandant and senior management team. Responsibilities include overseeing the daily administration of the Headquarters and Cadet Training Centre, managing county staff, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations, and serving as the Designated Safeguarding Lead. The CEO also manages financial and security matters, supports cadet and adult welfare, and engages with local communities and relevant authorities.
In conversation with Judy Mond, Jim shared his excitement about attending the ACU events and keeping us updated on his cycling adventures. The ACU events encompass a variety of cycling disciplines, including Mountain Biking, Gravel Racing, Road Bike Racing, and Time Trial Racing, all of which encourage participation from veterans and MOD civilian staff.
Jim recently completed the ACU Zwift winter race series, an indoor virtual racing event, where his Infantry team clinched the Inter-Corps 2024 virtual championship. This achievement highlighted the fun and competitive spirit within the virtual space from January through March 2024.
Last week, Jim competed in the ACRRS road race series at Colchester, finishing 6th in his category. Ahead of the race, Jim humorously noted, “I will be measured up against other like-minded Army racers, but I’ll be reminding myself that I am the grandfather and not a young whipper-snapper anymore!”
Looking ahead, Jim plans to selectively participate in ACU events and train rigorously. He aims to qualify for the UCI Gran Fondo Championships at the Isle of Man in July, with hopes of representing GB at the UCI World Gran Fondo Championship Final in Aalborg, Denmark, in September.
Jim’s journey exemplifies our dedication to supporting our employees’ passions and fostering a work-life balance. His cycling pursuits, backed by our company’s encouragement and flexible leave policies, demonstrate how we empower our staff to achieve their personal and professional goals.
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