As part of Volunteers’ Week (1–7 June), we are proud to celebrate the dedication and commitment of our colleagues who give their time to support others in their communities.
One such colleague is Sarah Thompson, a Defence Relationship Manager in our Employer Engagement Team who in her spare time is Officer Commanding with Essex ACF C Company.
Sarah’s day job involves working closely with employers and the Armed Forces community, helping organisations understand the value that reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and military spouses bring to the workforce. Her commitment to supporting others extends beyond her day job, with nearly two decades in the Army Cadet Force.
Inspired by her family background, Saran first joined the Army Cadet Force as a cadet:
“When my dad left the Army back in 1993, I had always been surrounded by all things Army. When we moved out of Army housing and into civvy street, I had no friends and all my network of friends had gone. So I plucked up the courage and joined Essex ACF Canvey Island Detachment.”
The experience proved life-changing:
“The ACF gave me courage and I made lifelong friends who I still talk to today. It also stopped the bullying at school. As the new girl, the first year at school was hell, but the ACF taught me to stand up for myself and be confident.”
This year marks 18 years of involvement with the Army Cadet Force. During that time, Sarah has held a variety of roles:
“My favourite roles have included being County First Aid Training Officer – and my current role as Officer Commanding C Company, which I really enjoy. It’s not an easy job, but I get to do so much for the wider picture.”
Sarah finds the most rewarding aspect of volunteering is getting to see others develop and succeed:
“For me, it’s giving back, but I also enjoy working with the children and adults who need extra time to adjust and find their feet and helping them show what their true abilities are.”
Seeing former cadets go on to successful careers is another source of pride:
“It’s wonderful getting job references and seeing how ex-cadets are now in the Army, police, fire service and ambulance service.”
Volunteering has also helped her develop her own skills:
“I’ve gained confidence and learned how to stand out from the crowd when it comes to jobs, but also the ACF has helped me know my worth. When I was selected to go on the India Exchange out of everyone who attended, it was a shock.”
The experience reinforced how much she had achieved through the organisation:
“It was also a lesson to myself of how far I have come. My ability to lead and utilise my skills as a Major in the ACF has really helped me, including the support from my peers within the ACF, as well as my friends and family.”
We are incredibly proud to have colleagues like Major Thompson within our workforce. Her dedication to supporting young people through the Army Cadet Force, alongside her professional work building stronger links between employers and the Armed Forces community, demonstrates the positive impact that volunteers make every day. During Volunteers’ Week, we thank her for her service, commitment and the difference she continues to make both in the workplace and beyond.
Find out more about becoming a CFAV here.
More stories about inspirational East Anglian CFAVs here.
