Championing Inclusion at the British Army Multicultural Conference
The Army Cadets have taken an important step toward strengthening their commitment to diversity and inclusion by participating in the British Army’s Multicultural Conference at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. The event brought together regular and reserve Army personnel alongside key voices working to improve understanding, equity and representation across the organisation. For the first time, the Army Cadets were formally represented, highlighting the growing role of cadet voices in shaping future discussions.
Building a Strong Multicultural Network
SI Uashar Badakhshan, Chair of the Army Cadets Multicultural Network, attended the conference on behalf of the entire Army Cadets, accompanied by a small delegation of adult instructors. The invitation marked recognition of the progress being made within the Army Cadets and the importance of aligning cadet initiatives with wider Army values and objectives.
“As the inaugural Chair of the Army Cadets Multicultural Network, I was privileged to attend the British Army’s Multicultural Conference at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, representing the entire Army Cadets alongside a small but exceptional delegation of adult instructors, including Lt Col Rachel Diss, Lt Col Dione Konstantinious and 2Lt Antony Lo.”
The conference focused on education and reflection, particularly around the lived experiences of personnel from different racial, ethnic and faith backgrounds. Sessions explored the importance of moving beyond passive approaches to inclusion and instead adopting active allyship that shapes culture, policy and daily practice within organisations such as the Army Cadets.
A Milestone for Cadet Representation
A historic highlight of the event was the attendance of Cadet RSM Ben Glover from Devon Army Cadet Force. This marked the first time a cadet had been invited to attend the conference and demonstrated a meaningful commitment to including young people in conversations about diversity and inclusion.
“I was very fortunate to have the wonderful opportunity to be able to represent the Army Cadets at the Army Multicultural Network conference held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. At the conference, I learnt a lot about the challenges our army faces regarding multiculturalism and the improvements being made to support the people who defend our nation. I saw parallels in the challenges that our army faces with those that are present within the Army Cadets and have learnt how, as an organisation, we can support our young people and adult volunteers better.”
During the conference, he also had the opportunity to meet senior military leaders, including CSG General Sir Roly Walker KCB DSO ADC, reinforcing the national importance of the cadet experience.
Looking Ahead
Connections made with senior figures such as Brigadier Karl Harris and Major Javed Johl opened the door to future collaboration between the Army and Army Cadets Multicultural Networks. The knowledge and relationships developed at the conference will help inform future strategy and ensure the Army Cadet Force continues to evolve as an inclusive and reflective organisation.
The Army Cadets Multicultural Network will continue this work through future engagement and learning opportunities. The next online meeting will take place on 4 February 2026, followed by an online educational workshop on 28 February 2026. All interested adult volunteers and cadet leaders are encouraged to attend and help shape an inclusive future for Army Cadets.