Volunteers’ Week Spotlight: Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Oxford

Inspiring the Next Generation Through Volunteering 

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we are celebrating the dedicated adults who give their time, energy and expertise to support young people through the cadet experience. One of those volunteers is Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Oxford from the ਆਕਸਫੋਰਡਸ਼ਾਇਰ ਆਰਮੀ ਕੈਡੇਟ ਫੋਰਸ, whose journey with the Army Cadets spans more than three decades. 

A Lifelong Connection to the Cadets 

Lt Col Oxford is a Clinical Research Associate Manager alongside her role with Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force. Her cadet journey began in 1992, when she joined Hertfordshire Army Cadets. 

Over four years, she achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and completed her 4 Star qualification before leaving in 1996 to attend university in Oxford. It was there that she joined Oxfordshire Army Cadets as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV). 

Reflecting on what inspired her to continue volunteering, Sarah said she wanted to give back after gaining so much from her own cadet experience. 

“The cadets helped me develop confidence, teamwork and teaching skills. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted to give back that experience to others whilst also continuing to develop my leadership skills. I’ve never looked back.” 

Developing Skills Through Training 

Throughout her time as a volunteer, Lt Col Oxford has completed a wide range of qualifications and training courses, helping her develop both personally and professionally. 

Her qualifications include: 

• Level 3 Award in Education and Training 

• Walking Group Leader 

• Camping Leader 

• ਮੁਢਲੀ ਡਾਕਟਰੀ ਸਹਾਇਤਾ at Work 

• M Qualification Exercise Conducting Officer 

• Range Management Qualification (RCO) 

These opportunities have enabled her to take on greater responsibilities while supporting cadets across a variety of activities and experiences. 

Helping Young People Grow 

For Lt Col Oxford, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a CFAV is seeing young people develop in confidence and ability. 

“I love helping people grow and develop, building confidence and skills to go out into the world and achieve what they want from life.” 

She also values the role the cadet experience plays in helping young people understand the importance of community and citizenship. 

Embracing Challenges and Growth 

Although Lt Col Oxford has never served in the military, she has embraced the challenge of developing a military mindset and pushing herself outside her comfort zone. 

“I’ve always wanted to be the best that I can be, so I made an effort to get qualified and use those qualifications to maximum effect.” 

She believes the experiences and development opportunities she has gained through the cadets have been invaluable both in her volunteer role and in her civilian career. 

“I’ve no doubt my work has benefitted from the development opportunities and experiences I’ve had in cadets and vice versa.” 

Advice for Future Volunteers 

Lt Col Oxford encourages anyone considering becoming a CFAV to take every opportunity available to them and enjoy the experience. 

“It’s a fantastically rewarding hobby. You don’t need to rush up the ranks. Take every opportunity to learn and grow, and progress will happen.” 

She also highlights the importance of reflection, feedback and maintaining a positive mindset. 

“Approach things with a growth mindset. Receiving feedback is the best way to learn and grow.” 

Above all, she believes volunteers should enjoy seeing the positive transformation in cadets as they develop into young leaders themselves. 

ਭਵਿੱਖ ਵੱਲ ਦੇਖ ਰਿਹਾ ਹਾਂ 

Just over a year ago, Lt Col Oxford was appointed Deputy Commandant of Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force, a role she says she never imagined holding when she first joined as a volunteer. 

Today, she works closely with the Commandant, Regimental Sergeant Major and key stakeholders to improve opportunities for cadets and strengthen the organisation’s future. 

“We are working towards becoming a centre of excellence for the delivery of the cadet experience.” 

Sarah remains passionate about the opportunities volunteering can offer adults and young people alike. 

“You get out of cadets as much as you put in. It’s a great platform for helping adults develop themselves and become great leaders too.” 

For the original article, go to the SERFCA website.