VCC Response to COVID-19

Published on 24/03/2020

As life slowly gets back to a sense of normality, getting back together as both Royal Navy and Royal Marines Cadets has finally happened.

I would like to start by thanking our cadets, but also their parents and principle guardians for allowing them to remain engaged in the Volunteer Cadet Corps during this extremely difficult time. I know that many cadets have been actively participating in virtual activities throughout this time, and I am grateful of our Adult Volunteers who have been facilitating these activities. The overarching aim has been to show all cadets, that we have been thinking about them as well as allowing them to continue to develop and enjoy their time as members of the Volunteer Cadet Corps. It gives me great pleasure, that the time has now come where we hope they will all return to their units for ‘face-to-face’ training for at least part of our activities.

My staff at Headquarters and at Unit level have been working tirelessly in the planning and implementation for opening all VCC Units in our Bases and this begins on the 21 September 2020, but we must note that not all Units will open at the same time due to a number of restrictions. More information will be issued in due course, please keep an eye on Units social media pages and direction sent via email by your Admin Office.

This has been an extremely difficult period for us all and whilst we are looking forward to being back in business, it is emphasised that the safety and security of our cadets is paramount at all times. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Son/Daughter/Ward’s Unit Admin Officer for information. 

Unit social media platforms will be updated on a regular basis to provide up to date information on how and when your Cadet can return to VCC activities. Timings may have had to change as well as locations within the bases, so please check before they return.

Please rest assured that all my staff and the MOD Staff have worked extremely hard to prepare the training locations to ensure the cadets can operate in a COVID-19 secure manner. I am grateful to the Royal Navy for their support and for the support from the Parent Establishment Liaison Officers in getting everything in place for activities to start again, but I would like to echo my previous sentiments that my most sincere thanks goes to all of the Adult Volunteer Staff who have maintained what we call ‘Battle Rhythm’ for the Cadets and have endeavoured to maintained their interest throughout these difficult times.

To the staff, cadets, and their families I say welcome back! It is great to see things returning to something approaching normal and I am sure that you are all delighted for the VCC to be Back in Business– enjoy your time together but please stay safe! I look forward to catching up with you all soon.

Yours Aye,
Lt Col Terry Wing VR VCC
Commander VCC

Due to the ongoing situation surrounding COVID-19, there is a slight delay in the enrolment process. Keeping staff and cadets safe are our main priorities, in line with Government guidelines. We are doing all we possibly can to work as effectively as possible, however, there may be unavoidable delays with some applications.

24 March 2020
The health, safety and welfare of our cadets and adult volunteers is our primary concern and as such you will not be surprised to learn that we have suspended all face to face cadet activities and training whilst the Covid (Coronavirus) situation is ongoing.  We are supporting our people as best we can, and engaging with them through emails and social media.  Our cadets and staff are very much part of the VCC family and whilst we can’t conduct normal activities we will do our best to keep the organisation informed and connected during these challenging times.

We are working hard behind the scenes to re-plan our activities for later in the year, and remain committed to ensuring the cadet experience will return to normality as soon as possible.  For those recruits who were just about to ‘Pass Out’ we’ll get new dates arranged as soon as we can, and for new cadets and adult volunteers who were just about to join us we will reschedule induction evenings at the earliest opportunity.

In the meantime I send my best wishes to everyone and encourage you all to follow NHS guidance on staying safe and well.

I extend my thanks to everyone in the VCC, to our external stakeholders across the country, and to the many healthcare, emergency services and essential workers keeping us safe and supported right now.

We Will Be Back!

T Wing
Lt Col RMVCC
Comd VCC