Deputy Commandant

Lt Col E Sandham the Deputy Commandant is an integral part of the senior management team of the County HQ. His post requires him to report directly to the Commandant and carry out such duties that may be specifically assigned to him by the Commandant.

The Deputy Commandant's responsibilities will vary widely, depending on personalities.

However his duties will/may include many of the responsibilities listed below:

a.     Deputising for the Commandant in his absence.

b.     All matters relating to the Management, Training and Welfare of all ranks

c.     Guiding and supporting Company HQs and Detachments in the implementation and administration of current policies and objectives.

d.      Advising on the deployment, development, discipline, safety and welfare of the Officers, Adult Instructors and Cadets in the Company.

e.       Monitoring the effectiveness of Company and Detachment training and APC(ACF) achievement.

f.       Identifying, with Company Commanders, possible locations for new detachments.

g.       Identifying strengths and areas for development within the Companies and advising the Commandant accordingly.

h.       Monitoring of the Annual Military Skills Test.

i.        Building an effective team of staff, having the common purpose of pursuing and achieving excellence in all that is done.

j.        Visiting Company and Detachment activities.

k.       Attending regular, weekly meetings with the Commandant and CEO.

l.        Maintaining regular and effective contacts with the CQM, Training Major and other County HQ Staff Officers, in person and by telephone.

m.      Liasing with Regular and Territorial Army units, other cadet and civilian organisations within the County.

n.       Ensuring that the County is kept in the public eye, using the County PRO as appropriate.

o.       Contributing to the production of the County’s Annual Forecast of Events.

p.       Attending, and contributing to the Commandant's conferences and meetings, as identified on the Annual Forecast of Events.

Lt Col Ed Sandham has given the County 45 years of valued commitment and has a vast wealth of experience behind him to help further the aims of the County.

Joining Wolverhampton Grammar School CCF in 1957 he left in 1961 having attained the rank of Cdt RSM before serving with the Parachute Regiment (1962 - 63) on a "S"type engagement. Returning back to Staffordshire ACF in 1964 he served as a Detachment Commander at various locations for both A & B Companies before taking the post of Adjutant for A Company for seven years, and in 1989 he became their new Officer Commanding.

During his long service with the ACF Lt Col Sandham has held the post of D of E Officer, and Training Col before taking his new post as Deputy Commandant in 2003.

In 2000 Lt Col Sandham became a member of the ACFA UK D of E Advisory Panel and is still active to date.

Married to Gabrielle, Lt Col Sandham has 2 daughters a stepson and 3 grandchildren and works as a Local Government Officer for Staffordshire County Council.