Kent’s volunteer police cadet programme has gained royal recognition after being handed a prestigious national award.

The cadet scheme, which was established in 2015, has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2024.

It’s the highest honour a voluntary group can receive in the UK - equivalent to a collective MBE - and recognises outstanding work done by volunteer groups and the support they provide their communities.

The award was announced today (November 14), to mark the King’s birthday.

The cadet scheme, which caters for young people aged between 11 and 18, allows youngsters to get involved in activities which support community policing, such as stewarding local events, providing crime prevention advice and advising the force on youth issues and concerns.

Cadets undergo training, learn about responsible citizenship, and take part in voluntary work with police officers in the local community on a weekly basis.

Chief Constable of Kent Police Tim Smith said: “Our cadets and their leaders are valuable members of the Kent Police family, providing vital support to my officers as well as the communities they serve.

“Cadet life is all about challenge, excitement and adventure and it is a testament to their achievements and their cadet leaders that they have been recognised with the highest honour a voluntary group can be awarded.

“Our cadets get the opportunity to contribute to policing and see first-hand what goes into a career of service, as well as learning from how our regular colleagues, special constables and police staff all serve the people of Kent.

“I speak on behalf of everyone associated with Kent Police when I say how proud we are of our cadets and their leaders for this fantastic achievement.”

At present there are 434 Kent Police cadets, supported by 120 active cadet leaders who meet weekly across the county.

Each unit is supported by volunteer cadet leaders while the force also offers junior and mini cadet schemes for those aged eight and above.

As well as supporting community policing, members are also able to obtain qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, complete first aid training, and take part in educational trips during school holidays such as battlefield tours or climbing Mount Snowdon.

While the scheme is not a direct entrance route into a career in policing, cadets do gain an insight into the force and build their employability skills.

Since the start of the programme, many cadets have gone on to become police officers, special constables, or staff members with the force.

It is the second time Kent Police has been recognised for its volunteering programmes, after the Kent Special Constabulary was awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service back in 2014.

Kent Police is the only organisation in the UK to have been awarded both.

Director of Citizens in Policing Gavin McKinnon, who oversees the cadet programme, said: “Being part of the cadets is about encouraging young people to understand what it means to be good citizens.

“It is not a scheme to recruit police officers of the future, but a platform for young people to learn and help them have a successful career, whatever industry that may be in.

There is no higher form of recognition than that from His Majesty The King

“Our cadets are learning valuable and transferrable life skills, becoming skilled at decision making, and creating friendships and memories.

“The cadet program, thanks entirely to the work of our cadet leaders, gives the cadets an edge in life, and in some cases gives them hope and encouragement to achieve their potential.

“I’m so proud of the contribution from every cadet, cadet leader and everyone who works behind the scenes to ensure the success of the scheme.

“There is no higher form of recognition than that from His Majesty The King, and as we approach the 10th year of our cadet program in Kent this is a very fitting tribute to everyone who has given so much to make it deserving of this award for excellence.”

If you’re interested in becoming a cadet, or a cadet leader click here.

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Scott added: “I have been delighted to support the cadets since my election.

“It provides fantastic opportunities for young people across our county and the results speak for themselves.

“I congratulate the leaders and young people involved for this honour for which they can be very proud.”