For Armed Forces Week, we’re proud to spotlight colleagues whose connection to the Armed Forces community extends beyond their day-to-day roles. For Alanna North, that connection is both deeply personal and long-standing.
Head of security at Morgan Sindall Construction, Alanna has dedicated more than 18 years to working with cadets alongside her career. Today, she serves as a Lieutenant in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), where she plays a central role in shaping young people’s futures.
A dual passion for youth work and the Armed Forces
Alanna’s journey into the cadets began after moving to England. Having completed officer training at university and with a longstanding interest in the military, she discovered cadets as a way to combine two passions: youth development and Armed Forces values.
I had always enjoyed youth work, and I’d always wanted to join the army, she explains. Cadets gave me the opportunity to bring both together.
Since then, her involvement has grown significantly. Alongside her instructor role, Alanna is now Training Officer for her unit, responsible for planning and delivering the annual training programme, managing risk assessments, and supporting communications and PR.
A commitment that goes beyond the working week
Balancing a full-time role in construction with cadet responsibilities requires dedication. A typical week includes travelling over an hour to attend training evenings, planning future sessions, coordinating staff and ensuring compliance with policies and safety requirements.
It does take time – evenings, weekends, even annual leave – but I can’t imagine not having it in my life, Alanna says. Even on the toughest days, it’s still one of the best things I do.
That commitment is driven by the impact she sees on the young people she supports.
Building confidence, discipline and life skills
The cadets programme offers a wide range of activities – from fieldcraft and navigation to adventurous training such as climbing, caving and expeditions. Alongside these experiences, cadets gain recognised qualifications in areas such as first aid and leadership.
But for Alanna, the most valuable outcomes are less quantifiable.
Confidence is the biggest thing, she says. You see cadets come in unsure of themselves, and over time they grow into independent, capable young adults.
She also highlights the importance of teamwork, discipline and respect - qualities that benefit cadets no matter what path they choose.
You watch them go on to become doctors, solicitors, or join the Armed Forces. Knowing you’ve played even a small part in that journey is incredibly rewarding.
Leading with respect
As a female leader, Alanna is particularly passionate about challenging misconceptions around leadership styles.
I often hear girls say they don’t want to take on senior roles because they’re not the loudest, she explains. But leadership isn’t about shouting - it’s about respect.
By modelling a calm, respectful approach, she encourages cadets to lead authentically and confidently.
You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be respected. Strong leadership is about how you treat people.
Skills that translate into construction
Alanna’s experience in the cadets has also shaped her professional approach at Morgan Sindall Construction.
From risk assessment and planning to teamwork and resilience, there are clear parallels between the two environments.
One thing I’ve definitely learned is that plans don’t always go to plan, she says. You need to be ready with contingencies - plan B through to Z.
She also points to the importance of collaboration and working within structured systems.
Both cadets and construction involve working with strict processes, approvals and regulations. It’s about understanding how to work with those frameworks to deliver safely and effectively.
Moments that matter
After nearly two decades, it’s the long-term impact that stands out most.
Alanna recalls being approached by former cadets years later - now adults in their own careers - who still remember her influence.
But one moment captures it best: the annual passing-out parade.
Standing there and seeing all the cadets on parade, knowing how far they’ve come, I feel an immense sense of pride, she says. You can’t get that anywhere else.
Why it matters
For Alanna, involvement with the cadets is about more than volunteering - it’s about giving young people opportunities they might not otherwise have.
It should be accessible to everyone, she says. No matter their background, if they want to be there, we find a way to make it work.
Her message to others considering volunteering is clear:
It’s a big commitment, and you have to do it for the right reasons. But when you see the impact it has, it’s absolutely worth it.
Celebrating Armed Forces Week
With strong family ties to the military, Armed Forces Week holds particular significance for Alanna.
It’s about recognising everything our Armed Forces do, she says. Being involved in cadets allows me to see the armed forces from multiple sides, how it supports our young people in defence as well as its wider contribution.
At Morgan Sindall Construction, we’re proud to support colleagues like Alanna, whose dedication reflects the values of teamwork, leadership and service that underpin both our industry and the Armed Forces community.