Service takes many forms: Matthew Thorpe’s story
Service takes many forms: Matthew Thorpe's story
Matthew Thorpe, HSEQ Manager on Sodexo's MOJ contract, has a different story to many. While he did not serve in the military, his connection to it runs deep. After being unable to join the Royal Navy due to asthma, Matthew found another way to be part of the community, dedicating more than 18 years to the Sea Cadets as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.
Matthew's journey with the Sea Cadets began at the age of 13 as a cadet at Newton-Le-Willows. Over time, that early interest grew into a long-term commitment, and he now leads the very same unit. It is a full-circle moment that reflects both his dedication and the impact the cadet forces have had on his life.
Although joining the military had been his original plan, Matthew reached a point where he felt unsure about his career direction. A recommendation from a senior prison officer, who also happened to be his commanding officer within the cadets, led him to Sodexo and his first role at HMP Forest Bank. From there, his career developed steadily, and more than a decade later, he now works as a Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Manager within the Ministry of Justice contract.
Throughout his career, Matthew has drawn heavily on the skills he developed through his involvement with the cadet forces. Leadership, teamwork and organisation have all played a key role in shaping how he approaches his work today. His experience extends well beyond weekly sessions, from organising large-scale camps & events for dozens of cadets to delivering structured training programmes that help young people develop both physically and mentally.
He has also been involved in coordinating national events on a significant scale, including an annual parade in London that brings together over 600 cadets and volunteers. Planning such an event takes months of preparation, with countless moving parts, all coming together for just a few hours on the day. For Matthew, seeing everything come together and watching participants take part is what makes it worthwhile.
Alongside these large events, it is the individual impact that stands out most. Over the years, Matthew has seen first-hand how the cadet experience helps young people grow in confidence, develop discipline and build lasting friendships. He recalls one cadet who initially struggled to engage, choosing to stay apart from others, but who went on to lead a group of peers and build connections across the country. For Matthew, these moments highlight the real value of the cadet forces.
The commitment required from both cadets and volunteers is something he believes is often underestimated. Cadets balance school with regular training sessions, weekend activities and extended courses, all while developing valuable life skills. Volunteers, meanwhile, give up significant amounts of their own time to support and organise these opportunities.
These experiences have shaped Matthew's approach to his role at Sodexo and his view on recruitment. He strongly encourages hiring managers to consider candidates with cadet experience, recognising the dedication and values they bring.
You have to give them a chance. They may not have everything on paper, but the commitment, the discipline and the willingness to learn is already there.
For Matthew, being part of the armed forces community has never been about one path. While his journey may be different, it reflects the many ways people contribute, support others and make an impact. His story is a reminder that service takes many forms, and that the skills and values gained through those experiences continue to make a difference every day.