The Royal Air Force Robson Academy of Resilience became the first military organisation to receive the Princess Royal Training Award, presented by HRH Princess Anne in a ceremony at St James’ Palace. The award recognises the excellence of the resilience training delivered in the RAF EAGLES scheme.
The Princess Royal Training Award is confirmation of the world-leading excellence of the Royal Air Force’s resilience training. Feedback from those undertaking the training has shown that it results in positive behavioural changes when dealing with the challenges of Service life and improved well-being, significantly contributing to the welfare of the RAF family and community. Getting a royal seal of approval further validates the efforts of those delivering the scheme in 21 interventions across the UK and internationally.
Developed in 2012, the RAF EAGLES scheme includes multiple adventurous personal development activities and experiences related to significant RAF historical events. The scheme commemorates RAF history, celebrates the Service’s achievements and inspires commitment in our personnel. The RAF recognised that developing individual and team resilience has a positive impact on performance and the EAGLES scheme aims to combine aspects of physical and psychological wellbeing.
The Princess Royal Training Awards honour employers who have created outstanding training and skills development programmes which have resulted in exceptional commercial benefits.
“Many employers are making positive contributions to our wider communities and economies by up-skilling and empowering their employees. The Princess Royal Training Awards provide a platform for such employers, giving them the accolade they deserve.”
HRH The Princess Royal
Group Captain Smith, Commandant of the Robson Academy, said: “It was an honour to receive the Award on behalf of the Academy and we must ensure that the RAF benefits from the significant opportunities afforded by the Princess Royal Training Award Scheme”
Emma Newman, one of the recipients at the ceremony said: “It was a very humbling experience to attend the Princess Royal Training Awards and understand the remarkable achievement this was for all involved, both Service and civilian, in the Eagles schemes and delivery. The standard of recipients was astounding and I was very proud to be there representing the Robson Academy of Resilience”
“…elements of Exercise Dambuster Eagle allowed all participants to reflect on what it means to be in the Royal Air Force. Operation Chastise brings together the very best of what we do in UK Defence as a whole force: ‘big thinking, industrial innovation, engineering excellence, perseverance, courage, professionalism, and selflessness.”
Wing Commander Butcher
Officer Commanding 617 Squadron and a participant on the EAGLES training