Our Service Affiliations

Support for the reserve forces

Many of the older Livery Companies have long established links with the voluntary military services that form part of our active reserve forces. In keeping with this worthy tradition, the Worshipful Company of Insurers has forged a relationship with the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry, which holds strong ties with the insurance market, the City of London and the home counties.

The Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry has a long and proud history with strong links to serving squadrons from the Army Reserve: C (KSY) Squadron The Royal Yeomanry (RY) based in Croydon and 265 (KCLY) Support Squadron based in Bexleyheath.

• We also have an affiliation to the 71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment, an Army Reserve regiment that forms part of 11th Signal Brigade.

Support for those on active service

HMS AUDACIOUS

The Company has also been granted an exclusive affiliation to HMS Audacious, an Astute-class nuclear submarine which is home to 98 crew.

The Royal Navy’s Astute-class nuclear-powered submarines are among the most sophisticated underwater vehicles ever constructed. HMS Audacious, the fourth submarine in the range, was launched in April 2017 and formally commissioned in September 2021.

HMS Audacious

Our involvement includes trips to the yard to see her when she is in dock at her base at the HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane.

Support for cadet forces

Middlesex and North West London ACF

In Middlesex and North West London ACF there are 34 Detachments, with over 1000 cadets, which meet twice a week in locations all over the North West of London. The WCI works closely with the cadets and they serve as carpet guards at some of our official events. We fund specific events, such as a training and development tour to South Africa and Exercise Outback in Australia and are regular visitors to 21 Company’s events, including attendance at their annual camp in August when public health conditions permit.

New Zealand Expedition 2023 – More Information and report

Exercise Outback Cadet 16 - More Information and report

RAF 1034 (Surbiton) Squadron, ATC

The Air Training Corps is community-based and open to anyone aged between 13 and 20 years who is eligible. It is organised into more than 900 squadrons around the country and the WCI supports the unit that serves Surbiton and Esher. Among the many adventurous training opportunities on offer it is the largest operator of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

RAF Air Training Corps

Middlesex and Northwest London ACF

Royal Marines Cadet Band

Support for cadet forces expands

The WCI has formed an affiliation with the Royal Marines Cadet Band Unit in Gosport.

The Court has extended the WCI’s existing Royal Navy affiliation with the addition of a cadet unit, the Voluntary Cadet Corps (VCC). The Royal Marines Cadet Band operates as part of the VCC, and their Gosport Unit was selected as the “anchor” unit for our affiliation.

The Band unit currently has a complement of 21 volunteers and 56 cadets.

Following Court and Charity Trustee approvals, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in April that provides for an annual grant (£4000 in 2025) to assist with the purchase of instruments and uniforms; expenses relating to the annual Cautley Cup competition held at the Lympstone RM Commando Training Centre; and WCI prizes for meritorious cadet achievements.

Brigadier Ged Salzano, Commander RN Cadet Forces, confirmed that “the affiliation with the WCI is timely and supports the aim of the recent Strategic Defence Review announcement. There is a great enthusiasm for this affiliation from the highest level within the Royal Navy Cadet structure. Your support of finance and time will help the Volunteer Cadet Corps grow and provide important life skills for young people. “

The Chair of Military Affiliations Working Group, Dexter Bransby, expressed his “delight to welcome our newest military affiliation to the Worshipful Company of Insurers. This partnership not only strengthens our bond with the Armed Forces but also reflects our shared values of service, integrity, and excellence. We look forward to fostering a meaningful and supportive relationship in the years ahead.”

Band's Facebook Page

• We are hopeful that the Band Unit will play during the Lord Mayor’s Show and at other WCI events.