Birmingham (Sherbourne) Unit 41 Of The Sea Cadet Corps
Charity 522889
http://www.sea-cadets.org/birminghamsherbourne/home.aspx
Overview
Summary
Birmingham (Sherbourne) Sea Cadets appears to be a locally rooted delivery unit within a national Sea Cadets system, using nautical activity as a structured route into wider youth development. Its role is broader than recreation: the stated purpose combines education, leisure, citizenship and personal development, while its local presence seems to depend on both facilities and volunteers. The available evidence suggests a youth organisation that connects Birmingham residents to national naval traditions, opportunities and safeguarding infrastructure, although its local reach and day-to-day offer remain unclear.
Operational geography
Evidence and reasoning
Supporting evidence
Bournville and Cotteridge
Confidence: high
The unit publicly identifies a single regular meeting venue in Cotteridge. The council's current ward map identifies Cotteridge within the Bournville & Cotteridge ward. The organisation's own wording describes its work as being in its 'local community', supporting a neighbourhood-based interpretation.
- Sea Cadets Birmingham (Sherbourne), Get in touch page
Direct evidence: the unit says 'We meet at' Sea Cadets Birmingham (Sherbourne) and gives recurring Tuesday and Sunday sessions for Sea Cadets aged 12–18 and Junior Cadets aged 10–12. - Birmingham City Council, Sherbourne Sea Cadets directory entry
Direct evidence: the council lists Sherbourne Sea Cadets in Cotteridge, with activities for young people aged 10–18 on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. - Birmingham City Council, Bournville & Cotteridge Ward Map (Polling District Review 2024)
Direct evidence: the council's current ward map identifies Bournville & Cotteridge as the ward covering the Cotteridge locality.
Remaining uncertainties
- The evidence identifies one regular operational base but does not establish the residential catchment of cadets; it should not be assumed that all participants live within Bournville & Cotteridge.
- The unit has participated in Mercia District regattas and other ceremonial or competition events, but the available evidence does not show that these are regular service-delivery sites or create an ongoing operational footprint in other Birmingham wards.
- The Charity Commission records Birmingham as the formal area of benefit. This is a governing-document description, not direct evidence that the unit currently delivers services citywide.
- Marine Society & Sea Cadets and the Mercia District provide organisational affiliation and competition opportunities, but the available material does not evidence a Birmingham-based partnership that materially extends the unit's routine service geography.
Additional evidence needed
- A current annual report, unit development plan or impact report identifying the geographic origin of cadets or the unit's intended local catchment.
- Current information on any recurring off-site training, water-sports, school, youth-service or community-venue arrangements within Birmingham.
- Confirmation from the unit or Sea Cadets of whether Mercia District facilities are used routinely for delivery rather than only for occasional competitions.
Areas of work
- Amateur Sport
- Education/training
- Environment/conservation/heritage
- Religious Activities
Who they help
- Children/young People
- People With Disabilities
- The General Public/mankind
How they help
- Provides Buildings/facilities/open Space
- Provides Human Resources
Discoveries involving this organisation
The Atlas has not published any Discoveries involving this organisation yet.
Observations
Nautical activity is the vehicle, not the end goal
The organisation appears to use maritime-themed adventure and Royal Navy traditions as a distinctive framework for developing confidence, resilience, citizenship and practical life skills, rather than primarily training young people for maritime careers.
Why it matters
This clarifies its civic role: it may be best understood as a youth-development organisation with an unusually strong experiential identity, potentially complementary to other youth providers rather than directly comparable with sports clubs or training programmes.
Show evidence
“The charitable purpose is to promote young people's physical, intellectual and social potential through education and leisure time activities using a nautical theme.”
Source:Charity Commission“The unit says it is transforming local young people into confident, resilient young people who thrive in a complex world.”
Source:Organisation
A local unit embedded in national infrastructure
Birmingham (Sherbourne) appears to operate locally while drawing legitimacy, ethos, communications and opportunities from the Marine Society & Sea Cadets network. Its identity is therefore both neighbourhood-facing and institutionally connected.
Why it matters
This may give local young people access to resources and pathways beyond a standalone local youth group, while also making the unit dependent on national standards and structures.
Show evidence
“Activities are provided in accordance with the principles, ethos and practices of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets.”
Source:Charity Commission“The website includes national impact, national contact details, Marine Society links and Sea Cadets safeguarding information.”
Source:Organisation
The unit may be a civic space as well as a programme provider
Its reported provision of buildings, facilities or open space, alongside volunteering, suggests the unit may function as a recurring local venue where young people and adult volunteers form relationships over time.
Why it matters
If so, its value may include social connection, trusted adult relationships and community capacity, not only the activities delivered to participants.
Show evidence
“The charity reports providing human resources and buildings, facilities or open space.”
Source:Charity Commission“The website invites people to get involved locally and promotes volunteering at Birmingham (Sherbourne).”
Source:Organisation
- The number, age range and geographic distribution of young people reached locally are not provided.
- It is unclear how the unit supports disabled participants in practice.
- There is no evidence of local partners, referral routes, fees or barriers to participation.
Remaining uncertainties
- Recent local attendance, demographic and retention data, including accessibility information.
- Evidence of local partnerships, volunteer capacity, facilities use and outcomes for participants.
Additional evidence needed
Charity Commission profile
Activities
Sea Cadets aim to give young people the best possible head start in lift through nautical adventure and fun, based on the traditions of the Royal Navy
Charity objects
The charitable purpose of the Unit (the Purpose) is to promote the development of young people in achieving their physical, intellectual and social potential as individuals and as responsible citizens by the provision of education and leisure time activities using a nautical theme and in accordance with the principles, ethos and practices of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC).