OBE is 'such a lovely way to end the year'– Cumbrian Army Cadet volunteer honoured

Neil Jurd, a Cumbria-based former Sandhurst instructor, has received the honour for his work with the Army Cadets.

A former regular army officer, who led Gurkha soldiers on operations in Iraq, Neil held the position of Commandant of Lancashire Army Cadet Force for five years. He helped to transform the lives of hundreds of young adults and help them on their way to becoming confident, independent members of society through creating exciting opportunities and encouraging their talents.

Under his leadership Lancashire ACF flourished as he transformed the organisation: increasing cadet numbers significantly and improving staff morale.

During his tenure more than 500 cadets from Lancashire took part in overseas training, including an exchange trip with Barbados cadets which he initiated.

Concerned that some cadets could not afford to participate in activities, Neil created the charity ‘Friends of Lancashire Army Cadets’ to support disadvantaged cadets.

Neil is now Director of Initial Officer Training for Army Cadets UK, and in this role leads a team responsible for the initial training of all Army Cadet Force Officers.

HONOURED: Neil Jurd

Neil said: “I am extremely honoured to have received an OBE. It’s such a lovely way to end the year.

"There are so many people at the Army Cadets who are deserving of this award, and this is very much for them as well.

“I am acutely aware that these are difficult times for so many people around the world at the moment.

"That’s why I launched the leadership virtual course and the leadership book to help people gain the skills to guide them and their teams through.

“Good leadership is needed now more than ever. With staff having to work in different and difficult conditions, it’s so important that leaders of businesses and organisations change their approach, not only in their operations, but also in how they can support their staff.”

Being awarded an OBE caps a remarkable year for Neil who earlier this year received The British Citizen Award, widely viewed as the nation’s way of recognising extraordinary, everyday people for exceptional endeavour.

One of only 26 recipients across the whole of the UK to receive The British Citizen Award, Neil was recognised for Services to Volunteering.

Neil founded the Michelle Jurd Trust in memory of his wife. The charity, under his guidance, has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for several charities, schools and the development and personal growth of young people throughout the North West.

Neil previously dedicated 25 years to the army where he led a number of overseas expeditions including in Sierra Leone and Bosnia. He also commanded a Gurkha squadron in Iraq in 2006-2007.

Earlier in December Neil launched his first book on leadership - The Leadership Book, A Step-By-Step Guide To Excellent Leadership.

His debut book came hot on the heels of Neil launching a series of leadership videos after successfully transforming his business model during the coronavirus pandemic to offer online coaching for businesses.

Neil, who works with senior leaders across the UK, launched his virtual leadership course to enable business leaders and managers to best equip themselves to lead their teams through any situation.

Bringing together all his experience, Neil’s online leadership course is made up of 30 bespoke videos totalling four hours of leadership and development training.

The videos give users an understanding of leadership, how to build a successful team and how to apply leadership in an effective and positive manner.