Sea Cadets is proud to share the exciting news of awards for a national employee and a London Area volunteer in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours.
Paul Wilkinson awarded an MBE for services to youth work
We’re delighted to celebrate the announcement that Paul Wilkinson, our Director of Young People, Volunteer & Business Support, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his outstanding service to youth work.
Paul’s decades of tireless volunteering and charity leadership have enhanced the lives of thousands of young people across the UK and beyond. Through his work with both Sea Cadets and the Scouts, Paul has been an inspirational champion of youth development and has pioneered the expansion of activities in marginalised communities.
Reflecting on his achievement, Paul said:
“I am really honoured to have been awarded an MBE for youth work. I know the difference Sea Cadets makes in launching young people for life and I have been passionate about making it available to even more young people across the UK. It is of course a team effort, and I simply couldn’t have achieved this without the support of hundreds of volunteers, colleagues and others over the years.”
Over the years, Paul has:
- Led Sea Cadets’ response to Covid-19, transforming online support and enabling a swift and safe return to face-to-face training.
- Driven the ‘Future Ready’ strategic plan to deliver sustainable growth for Sea Cadets, overseeing the opening of 100 new sections in underserved areas.
- Given over 5,000 young people from disadvantaged communities the opportunity to discover boating and water sports through Sea Cadets’ ‘On the Water’ project.
- Helped sea cadets shape their experience and influence their charity’s direction through the ‘Cadet Voice’ programme.
Paul has also been a volunteer for over 40 years with the Scouts – a charity where he played a major role in growing numbers, developing ‘flexible volunteering’, and leading inclusivity initiatives that have increased access to youth programmes nationwide and internationally.
This well-deserved honour recognises a career – and a calling – dedicated to creating brighter futures for young people. Congratulations, Paul!
Nina Villa awarded a British Empire Medal for her contribution to Cheshunt Unit
We are also thrilled that the unstinting dedication of Sea Cadets volunteer Nina Villa has been rewarded with a British Empire Medal for services to young people. A former cadet who stayed on as a volunteer, Nina rose through the ranks to become Commanding Officer at the former Willesden & St Marylebone Unit before becoming a valued leader at Cheshunt Sea Cadets – where she has had a transformative impact in recent years.
Nina’s honour was in recognition of her achievements since becoming Chair of Cheshunt Unit in 2018. “I came out of uniform and joined the UMT around 2018 to help get Cheshunt back on its feet and am still their Vice Chair, as well as Area Chair for London,” said Nina, who manages her volunteering commitments around her day job as Executive Director of Membership at Royal British Legion.
During her time as Chair, Nina oversaw the stabilisation of the Unit Management Committee and inspired an impressive increase in fundraising. Together with her tireless work to build public and local council support, this funding allowed Nina to secure permanent new premises which have boosted unit morale and created a platform for sustained growth and success. Her inspirational efforts have also allowed further investment in facilities and equipment, giving cadets many more opportunities to gain qualifications and take part in community events and competitions.
The British Empire Medal is a fitting reward for such outstanding leadership and commitment to developing young people. BZ Nina!
