CVQO: Real Learning, Real Benefits

Measuring the impact of increased expenditure on cadets With the government announcing increased expenditure to set up another 31 cadet units in state schools, it seems timely to try to assess the social impact of the cadet forces, on the young people who attend, the volunteers that run the units and society in general. With this in mind, the MOD, the Combined Cadet Force Association and CVQO commissioned the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact at the University of Northampton to undertake a four year study on this subject. The first interim report has now been issued, and it makes for some interesting reading. The key findings are: “The Cadet Forces deliver impact that is directly relevant to the Prime Minister’s vision of a ‘shared society’ and clearly contributes to increasing social mobility and decreasing social disadvantage.” Of direct relevance to CVQO it was found that: “There is a very strong belief that CVQO courses have great value for CFAVs (Cadet Force Adult Volunteers). The training offered is particularly useful for those CFAVs with few or no qualifications. The qualifications and awards that CFAVs have gained are estimated as providing the current cohort with potential lifetime earnings increases of £15.58 million.” We are very gratified to hear this, in particular as our 2017 Graduation Ceremony will take place on Friday of next week, when over sixty more graduates will gain their CVQO led qualifications. The report makes for some fascinating reading, you can download the online versions from the University of Northampton website.