Meet Our Staff
Our staff team consists of uniformed RAF Air Cadets adult volunteers and civilian instructors, each bringing valuable skills and experience to support our cadets' development.
Working together, our staff aim to inspire, enable and equip young people for success, developing qualities that will serve them throughout their lives.
Flight Lieutenant Ashcroft is the Officer Commanding 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron.
He is ultimately accountable for the unit’s performance, including training oversight, personnel matters, administration, health and safety, and operations.
Sergeant Brown is the Squadron Senior Non-Commissioned Officer and Deputy Officer Commanding.
He is responsible for standards of discipline, dress, and drill across the Squadron, while providing line management to the Cadet NCO team. He oversees the Squadron’s recruitment, cadet induction, initial training processes, and squadron operations working alongside the Officer Commanding.
CI Stewart supports the squadron's training team, bringing creativity and energy to every parade night.
They help cadets grow in confidence through interactive lessons, practical activities, and patient mentoring, ensuring every cadet feels supported.
CI Ashcroft is the unit’s Training Officer, responsible for leading the planning and delivery of the cadets’ development programme.
Drawing on her previous experience as a cadet, she develops a varied monthly training programme covering a wide range of subjects, ensuring cadets have access to engaging activities and opportunities to develop new skills.
Sergeant Titus is the Squadron Media Officer.
Sgt Titus supports the squadron’s technical needs through Cyber training and leads its outreach and media output, overseeing photography, social media, and digital content to expand 485 Squadron’s presence across Birmingham and the wider organisation.
As a former cadet, Sergeant Brookes enthuses the young people in all aspects of fieldcraft and outdoor activities. She also helps manage the stores, issuing uniform and maintaining equipment and resources for the cadets.
Image Coming Soon!
Bio coming soon.
Image Coming Soon!
Bio coming soon.
CI Bhagat plays a vital role in supporting the squadron's day-to-day functions. He assists across various areas, contributing to the efficient running of activities and the overall support of cadets and staff.
CI Dovey has a strong interest in adventure training, bushcraft and the great outdoors.
With experience in fieldcraft, camping and expeditions, he enjoys hiking and outdoor challenges and is passionate about helping RAF Air Cadets build confidence, resilience and teamwork.
Padre
Rev'd Parker serves as the Squadron Padre, providing spiritual and pastoral support.
He is available to support all members of the squadron regardless of faith or belief.
Supernumerary Staff
Plt Off Jarvis supports shooting at the squadron, drawing on skills from his work in the ambulance service to help cadets build confidence and real-world skills.
Warrant Officer Lord serves 485 Squadron on a Supernumerary basis.
A long-serving staff member with extensive experience in shooting and leadership, he supports marksmanship training and mentors the Squadron's SNCOs and Officers, sharing valuable knowledge gained over many years.
Sergeant Kettle supports the squadron primarily in lectures and adventure training such as archery.
Whilst supporting her primary unit, Sergeant Kettle draws upon her academic background to teach subjects within the Senior and Master Cadet syllabuses, whilst also assisting the Squadron SNCO with cadet development.
Civilian Committee
Mr Atkinson is the Chair of the Civilian Committee, overseeing the squadron's governance and leading the team that supports its wider community engagement and fundraising efforts.
Mr Pickup serves as the Squadron Treasurer, managing the squadron's finances and ensuring proper financial oversight.
He plays a crucial role in maintaining the squadron's finances and supporting its activities.
Miss Leaver serves as the Committee Secretary, managing correspondence, records, and administrative support to ensure the smooth running of the squadron committee.
Image Coming Soon!
Bio coming soon.
Image Coming Soon!
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Bio coming soon.
Join Our Team
We're always looking for enthusiastic adult volunteers to join our staff team. Whether you have previous military experience or valuable civilian skills, there could be a rewarding role for you at 485 Squadron.
As a volunteer, you'll:
- Make a positive impact on young people's lives
- Develop your own skills and gain qualifications
- Be part of a supportive and friendly team
- Participate in exciting activities and adventurous training