Flying Officer Imogen Adkins, is the point of call for Stowe School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Royal Air Force (RAF) section and is responsible for planning and organising the contingent’s Field Days, Air Experience Flight (AEF) days, station visits and summer camps. Flying Officer Adkins joined Stowe School’s CCF in 2022 and was commissioned as a Royal Air Force Air Cadet Pilot Officer in 2024.
Can you tell us about your career so far?
I currently teach Philosophy and Religion at Stowe School, and my husband and I also share the role of Assistant Houseparent of Cobham House (this is one of Stowe School’s Boy’s boarding houses). Before this however, I previously worked as a freelance, interdisciplinary Christian theologian (which included publishing and university teaching). Until July 2018 I also worked part-time as a Finance Manager in the business that I ran alongside my husband. We then both started working at Stowe School in 2018.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing women in the workplace today?
I think the answer to this question varies according to the type of workplace but equal pay remains an issue in several sectors. All too often women and girls still need to be vigilant about sexual harassment and women are often disproportionately burdened with caring for others while maintaining their career.
What positive progress have you seen for women in your workplace and/or volunteering space?
Education has always been a strong workplace setting for women and I’ve always worked in institutions where women can rise to the top in a meritocracy. That to me is the healthiest sign of full equality.
What inspired you to volunteer for the CCF?
When I was a teenager, I was extremely envious of my friends who had such exciting adventures as cadets, but my school didn’t have a CCF and I had too much on my plate to join cadets in the community. When I arrived at Stowe School, I became friends with Colonel Jan de Gale, who ran Stowe CCF at that time. Colonel de Gale was an Army veteran and was (still is) one of the most capable leaders I have ever met – emotionally intelligent, incredible grit with a gift for bringing people together and inspiring the next generation. With her encouragement, I helped with a CCF (Army) Summer Camp in 2019, which was fantastic! Post Covid, I was further inspired by a talk given by our Headmaster to our new intake of Yr 9s. He wisely advised them, ‘Don’t leave Stowe with “if only”’. This resonated with me and so I emailed him a few days later to say, ‘I remembered that I have been wanting to try CCF for a while and so - long story short - I've joined the RAF Section and I start Monday.’
What are your hopes for any future female Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs)?
My hope is that they see the value in the CCF and understand the value that they can bring to it. Female role models are so incredibly important – as my own journey into the CCF testifies.
And what would you say to any females reading this, who might be considering volunteering for the CCF?
Try it! Even if (like me) you weren’t a cadet yourself, give it a go. The CCF is an impressive organisation with clear values and an admirable commitment to enhancing the lives of young adults. It’s a place where volunteers can make a real difference to the direction and outcome of someone’s life.
For example, it’s a genuine privilege watching cadets gain in confidence and leadership skills. Quiet, shy individuals discover that they have immense reserves of resilience and can learn how to command respect from junior ranks. The more domineering cadets learn to appreciate the connection between followership and leadership and come to enjoy being caught up in a larger purpose.
Whether or not cadets go on to pursue careers in the military, they will all leave CCF better equipped for whatever comes next. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that legacy!
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
Try lots of things as part of figuring out what you want to do, and then relentlessly go after it – safe in the knowledge that failure is key to moving forward.
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
It reminds me how talented, courageous, intelligent, driven, ambitious, empathic, resolute women have changed their corners of the world – and as a result, I am standing on the shoulders of giants.
And finally, if you could have lunch with any woman in history, who would it be and what would you want to talk about?
I would like to lunch with Mary, the sister of Martha, who was praised by Jesus because she wanted to sit at his feet and listen to his teaching – at a time when education was reserved for men. I would love to get to know her – I imagine her to be a very focused character, with a fierce intelligence and a deep desire for spiritual truth – and I would love to hear what she learnt.
Thank you so much, Flight Officer Adkins!
We’d like to thank all the amazing women and girls who have taken part in our Women’s History Month series, it is extremely encouraging hearing from females in roles of leadership who are blazing their own trails in their chosen careers and lives.