Scotty’s Little Soldiers operate remotely, but when the team came together this month at the historic IWM Duxford Airfield, it was a powerful opportunity to strengthen connections, deepen understanding of the charity’s military roots, and reaffirm their shared purpose.
Scotty’s is 100% focused on supporting bereaved British Armed Forces families, and the team that delivers this service is passionate about all things military as well as a having a deep understanding of bereavement. Duxford, with its rich RAF and WWII history, was the perfect setting for a Team Day.
Originally built in 1917, Duxford Airfield played a key role in the Battle of Britain and was later home to the American 78th Fighter Group, which provided air cover for Allied forces during the D-Day landings. Now part of the Imperial War Museum, the site serves as a powerful reminder of service and sacrifice – which aligns with the final of Scotty’s four core values, Remember, Every Day.
Following the strategic decision last year not to renew the lease on its office, Scotty’s now operates as a fully remote charity. The 17-strong team stays closely connected through regular virtual meetings on Microsoft Teams, but in-person meetups throughout the year remain essential. A Team Day, held annually, is an opportunity not just for collaboration but also to build bonds, recharge, and stay grounded in the charity’s mission. At Duxford, the team took part in team-building activities while exploring the museum’s remarkable collection – from Spitfires to the legendary Lancaster bomber – and connecting with the history that underpins their work.
This year’s Team Day came at an exciting time for the charity, with two new members recently joining the organisation. Graham Jones has taken up the role of Head of Finance, bringing extensive experience from the charity sector, including his recent post as Executive Director: Finance and Commercial at Kidney Research UK. Graham’s expertise in enhancing finance functions and managing complex partnerships will be instrumental in driving Scotty’s strategic growth and long-term impact.
Also new to the team is Sarah Bunn, who has joined Scotty’s as Corporate Fundraising Manager. With two decades of experience at Break – a charity supporting young people in care – Sarah brings a wealth of insight across communications and fundraising.
So far in 2025, Scotty’s has supported over 740 bereaved military children and young people, offering a range of services that include educational support, wellbeing care, personal development, and long-term bereavement programmes. Every member of the small team is an expert in their field, working collaboratively and using resources efficiently to deliver vital, life-changing support.
Looking ahead, Scotty’s is preparing to expand its services even further. Later this year, the charity will launch pioneering pre-bereavement support for military families, following a £96,745 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. This new programme will provide children and young people with dedicated support from the moment a parent receives a terminal diagnosis, helping to build resilience, maintain communication and offer continuity through one of life’s most difficult journeys.
Scotty’s is also undergoing a planned evolution that will allow it to support a wider range of bereaved individuals within the Armed Forces community. The charity’s Objects are being broadened to permit support for anyone affected by military bereavement.
Commenting on the Team Day, Scotty’s CEO Stuart Robinson said:
“We still think of ourselves as a small team but working within our niche we actually have a team of almost 20 dedicated to working with bereaved military families. Now that we work remotely, we have to be very deliberate in how we maintain the great culture we have at the charity, and the Team Day is one way we do this. It’s one of 6 mandatory in-person days we have during the year and allows the team to connect and build stronger relationships with one another. Some of our in-person days focus on strategy or training, but the Team Day is all about our people spending time together.”
For more information, visit www.scottyslittlesoldiers.co.uk.
