Get involved and shape the future!
Get involved and shape the future!
Do you believe in the power of young people? Are you ready to inspire the next generation and make a meaningful difference in your community? As a Volunteer Police Cadet Leader with Leicestershire Police, you’ll do exactly that - empowering 13 to 17-year-olds to grow in confidence, leadership, and purpose, all while exploring the world of policing.
This is more than just a volunteer role - it’s a chance to be a mentor, a guide, and a role model. You’ll lead engaging sessions, support exciting community events, and help young people discover their potential. If you’re enthusiastic, a great communicator, and passionate about working with youth, we’d love to welcome you to our team. The time commitment is small, but the impact you’ll have is huge.
As a Volunteer Cadet Leader, you’ll:
Support and supervise Cadets during their activities and deployments
Help build confidence, discipline, and community spirit among young people
Be a positive role model and part of a supportive team
Take Cadets on residential trips and take part in adventurous activities with the Cadets
Deliver Cadet sessions and teach them about policing, along with life skills
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you have strong communication skills and a team-oriented mindset? Leicestershire Police is looking for dedicated Volunteer Cadet Leaders to support our thriving Volunteer Police Cadet (VPC) Scheme. Since its launch in 2015, the VPC programme has grown significantly, now supporting nearly 120 cadets across four active units in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. Our Volunteer Cadet Leaders play a vital role in guiding and mentoring these young people.
As a Police Cadet Leader, you’ll be giving back to your community in a meaningful way. You’ll help bridge the gap between policing and the public, all while gaining valuable experience and making a real impact. You will also be given the opportunity to gain new skills and experiences throughout your time as a Police Cadet Leader.
To become a Police Cadet Leader you will need to meet the eligibility criteria
Age
You must be 18 years of age or above on the date of submitting your application.
Education Requirements
No formal qualifications are needed but you will need to meet all of the eligibility criteria.
Skills
Good communication and leadership skills and a desire to commit to the Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) programme.
Citizenship
All applicants must be a United Kingdom (UK) citizen, European Union citizen with Settled or Pre-Settled, a Commonwealth citizen or Foreign National with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom (UK).
Below are some of the most common questions we are asked about by potential Cadets. If you have a question which is not covered below please do not hesitate to contact the VIP Team via email vip@leics.police.uk.
Cadet units meet once a week in the evening, during school/college term-times. There may be additional involvement in weekend activities and during school holidays.
Cadets aim to volunteer three hours per month in support of local policing.
You are not expected to attend every session, but we hope you will be able to attend at least half of the sessions throughout the year and notify us if you are unable to attend. At every unit, the sessions are run between 18:00 hours and 20:00 hours, in the hope that Cadet Leaders will be free to participate, as a number of leaders are operational officers.
Cadets Leaders must be 18 years old. There is no maximum age to apply for a Cadet Leader.
All Cadet Leaders will be subject to Police vetting checks and will be required to have a DBS check completed on them. In addition to this, you will need to adhere to the Leicestershire Police Cadets’ Policies and Procedures.
Cadet Leaders will be able to claim mileage within the Leicestershire borders. You will be made aware of any further expenses you may be able to claim upon completion of the training.
All Cadet Leaders will be provided with a uniform, which they are responsible for keeping clean and tidy. The Cadet uniform will need to be worn to every Cadet session unless you are advised otherwise by your Cadet Unit Head.
No, when you join as a Cadet Leader, you will be able to choose which unit you’d like to volunteer with.
The following criteria may prevent you from applying, so please be open and honest throughout the recruitment process. Be sure to check all criteria before applying!
Membership of some organisations
If you have been or are a member of a group or extreme political organisation such as BNP, National Front or Combat 18 that stirs up racial hatred and violence, a proscribed terrorist organisation, group or a similar organisation.
Existing or pending convictions
Are awaiting to appear in court or have any serious convictions or recent cautions, bind-overs or findings of guilt
Substance misuse
This includes the misuse of drugs, solvents and anabolic steroids. However each case is considered upon its own merits.
Offensive tattoos
If you have tattoos on your face, neck or hands which could cause offence. However the nature, location, size, prominence and appearance of tattoos will be considered.
Financial checks
If you have any current County Court Judgements (CCJ) against you or be the subject of an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA). If you have been registered bankrupt, you may only apply if it is at least three years since the date your debts were discharged
Conflicts of interest
You also can’t apply if you work in certain roles. For example, a magistrate, bailiff, security guard, or some medical and emergency service roles. If you’re in the Armed Forces, you can only apply once discharged. But Reservists can apply at any time.
We currently have Police Cadet units in 4 locations across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. When applying, you’ll be asked to choose your preferred location, and we’ll do our best to place you in a unit near your school or home. While we can’t always guarantee your first choice, we’ll try to make it work as best we can.
Central Leicester
Orchard Mead Academy
Tuesdays 18:00-20.00
Kibworth
Kibworth Mead
Mondays 18:00 - 20:00
North Leicester
Woodbrook Vale School
Mondays 18:00-20:00
Hinckley
Hinckley College
Wednesdays 18:00-20:00
I began as a Police Cadet with Lincolnshire Police in 2012, enjoying incredible opportunities - including forming a guard of honour for the late Queen Elizabeth II. Since 2016, I’ve proudly served as a Cadet Leader in both Lincolnshire and Leicestershire. Supporting residential trips like Light the Lakes and watching young people - especially vulnerable or neurodivergent Cadets - grow in confidence is why I give my time. Their passion and dedication inspire me daily. Whether they join the police or not, I’m proud to help shape their journey.
Sorry, we currently have no vacancies in this area. Why not take a look at all our current vacancies or register for our job alerts by email service? Simply use the links below.
If you, or anyone you know, has concerns about the safety of anyone involved in the Volunteer Police Cadets, please report these to Leicestershire Police via their main website ( Home | Leicestershire Police ), via Facebook or ring 101. Alternatively you can contact our National Safeguarding Manager at vpc.safeguarding@vpc.police.uk.
If someone is at an immediate risk of harm then always call 999.
Other points of contact are:-
The NSPCC helpline 0800 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk
The Independent Office for Police Conduct 0300 020 0096 or cadets@policeconduct.gov.uk
