Page 20 - Cadet Review Spring 2025

 The Cadet Review at 20 years
COLONEL FRED OWEN
A Journey of Leadership, Service,
and Transformation
For Colonel Fred Owen, the past 20 years have
been an extraordinary journey. From guiding young
people in the Army Cadet Force to transforming
organisations in his civilian career, Fred’s story
is one of resilience, innovation, and a steadfast
commitment to making a difference.
His journey with the ACF began in 1991 as an
instructor at Hornsea Detachment. What started as
a way to give back to the community quickly became
a lifelong passion. Over three decades, Fred climbed
the ranks, taking on increasingly challenging roles
and leaving an indelible mark at every level.
As Commandant of HSY ACF, Fred leads one of the
UK’s largest ACF Counties. “We focus on ensuring
the right people, with the right skills, are in the
right place to deliver the best cadet experience,” he
recalls.
Fred’s commitment to excellence extended to his
earlier roles where he designed impactful training
programmes to nurture cadets and adult volunteers
alike; one highlight was planning and executing,
taking 450 cadets to Sennelager in Germany for
annual camp.
His contributions also reached beyond the county
level, holding national brigade level appointments,
managing national first aid competitions and training
hundreds of first aid instructors. Fred ensured the
highest training standards across three brigades.
Recognised together with other awards he was
also appointed as a Member of the Order of St John
(MStJ).
Over the past 20 years, he has held key roles in the
public, private, and third sectors, each marked by
significant achievements.
As Chief Executive of RSPCA Hull & East Riding,
Fred has transformed the charity into a beacon of
hope for animals and vulnerable people alike. He has
spearheaded innovative programmes, such as using
animal therapy to support veterans and individuals
Extract from the
Spring 2005 edition of
The Cadet Review
We focus on
ensuring the
right people,
with the right
skills, are in
the right place
to deliver the
best cadet
experience
Annual Camp 2024
with mental health challenges and has redefined the
organisation’s culture with a focus on inclusivity and
collaboration.
Before joining the RSPCA, Fred held leadership
roles in the Ministry of Justice, Ambulance
Healthcare Services, and other organisations, where
he managed multimillion-pound contracts, leading
cultural transformations, and improving operational
efficiency. His expertise in quality assurance,
safeguarding, and public relations has made him a
highly respected leader across sectors.
Of course, the community is in his blood, Fred has
been a Trustee for a Multi Academy Trust, is a Trustee
for Age UK Hull and East Yorkshire and a Chair of
Governors for a local Hull based Academy.
In both his ACF and civilian roles, Fred has
consistently demonstrated a rare blend of strategic
vision, operational expertise, and people-centred
leadership. “Leadership isn’t just about giving orders;
it’s about inspiring others to believe in a shared
purpose and empowering them to achieve it,” he
explains. Whether mentoring young cadets, leading
an organisation, or representing the ACF at national
conferences, Fred has always prioritised making a
positive difference. “To those starting their journey
in the Cadet Force or any walk of life, my advice is
simple: embrace challenges, value teamwork, and
never stop learning,” he says.
The Editor is sure that Fred would be amused to
find that an extract from the Mushroom Soldier (the
forerunner to The Cadet Review), following Annual
Camp 2002, was still hiding in the vaults and has
been reproduced opposite...
20 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2025