What Is the Civilian Committee?
Every RAF Air Cadet squadron is supported by a Civilian Committee — a group of local volunteers who work behind the scenes to ensure the squadron can operate safely, legally, and sustainably.
At 2353 (Ystrad Mynach) Squadron, the Civilian Committee plays a vital role in enabling the cadets’ activities while allowing uniformed staff to focus on training, leadership, and safeguarding.
Why the Civilian Committee Exists
Although RAF Air Cadets is part of the Royal Air Force family, it is not fully funded by the Ministry of Defence.
The MOD provides:
The RAF Air Cadets framework and syllabus
Some buildings and maintenance
Core insurance and governance
However, many things that directly benefit cadets are not funded, including:
Modern IT and training equipment
STEM resources and classroom technology
Subsidies for camps, flying, gliding, and trips
Transport costs, enrichment activities, and welfare support
👉 This is where the Civilian Committee comes in.
What the Civilian Committee Does at 2353 Squadron
The Civilian Committee exists to support the squadron and its cadets, not to run training or discipline.
Key Responsibilities
The committee:
Manages the squadron’s Non-Public Funds (NPF)
Oversees fundraising and grant applications
Holds and protects donations and public funds
Owns and safeguards equipment and assets
Approves expenditure solely for the benefit of cadets
Ensures good governance, transparency, and accountability
What the Committee Does Not Do
It does not deliver cadet training
It does not discipline cadets
It does not command staff
It does not interfere in military matters
How the Civilian Committee Is Structured
Like most RAF Air Cadet squadrons, 2353 Squadron’s Civilian Committee is made up of volunteers from the local community.
Typical roles include:
Chairperson – leads the committee and liaises with the Squadron Commanding Officer
Treasurer – manages accounts, budgets, and financial reporting
Secretary – records meetings and maintains governance documents
Committee Members – support fundraising, decisions, and events
All roles are voluntary and unpaid.
How the Committee Works With the Squadron
The squadron and the Civilian Committee operate as two parallel but cooperative structures:
They work together, with mutual respect, to deliver the best possible experience for cadets.
Charity Status Explained (Important)
Is the Civilian Committee a Charity?
Yes.
The Civilian Committee supporting 2353 (Ystrad Mynach) Squadron operates as an Excepted Charity under UK charity law.
This means:
It is a charity in law
It must follow charity legislation and guidance
It does not need to register with the Charity Commission, provided it meets the criteria
Is the Charity the Same as the Squadron?
No — they are legally separate.
RAF Air Cadet SquadronCivilian CommitteeMOD / RAFAC organisationIndependent civilian charityCannot fundraise publiclyCan fundraise and accept donationsCannot hold public fundsHolds and manages funds lawfullyMilitary command structureCivilian governance body
This separation:
Protects public donations
Ensures financial transparency
Shields volunteers and staff from personal liability
Allows the squadron to fundraise legally
Why This Matters to Parents & the Community
Thanks to the Civilian Committee:
Subscriptions are kept as affordable as possible
Activities can be subsidised so no cadet is excluded
Equipment and facilities can be modernised
The squadron can continue serving young people in Ystrad Mynach and the surrounding communities
Without a functioning Civilian Committee, a squadron cannot operate sustainably.
Want to Get Involved?
The Civilian Committee is always keen to hear from:
Parents and carers
Former cadets
Local residents
People with skills in finance, admin, fundraising, or governance
You do not need military experience — just a willingness to help support young people.
👉 If you’d like to know more or get involved, please contact us.
