On Friday British Forces Gibraltar (BFG) took part in a Whole Workforce Day of fun and challenging team building tasks. 

Fittingly for the theme of the day, the event was jointly organised by personnel from across British Forces, with representatives from HR and Business Management teaming up with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and military Physical Training staff to plan, design and implement the tasks for the teams. 

The 10-teams of 12 participants mixed together from the civilian workforce, the RAF, Army, Royal Navy and Gibraltar Defence Police (GDP) set off to complete a range of exercises that required both mental and some physical skill. Creating tasks that required effective coordination and communication was the main driver behind the thought process when designing the events to really test the teamwork of the groups. For nearly everyone this was the first time they had worked with the other people in their team. Solving problems as they moved through ten stands broke down barriers and brought the teams together. 

From the start of the activities there was a positive atmosphere. A palpable sense of apprehension filled the gymnasium at Devils Tower Camp to begin with, closely followed by the noise of teams communicating and enjoying themselves, and embracing the spirit of the day. 

The day proved to be a success, mainly down to the enthusiasm and willingness to take part from everyone once the apprehension had subsided. The spacious and well-equipped gymnasium was the perfect environment for fostering comradery and enhancing individual physical and mental wellbeing. 

Nadine Chipolina from HR said, “It was wonderful to see so many people working together, embracing the “one team” ethos, in an environment different to their daily routine. There were activities for all tastes and abilities, promoting the differences between team members and that there is room for all in a team, with everyone contributing positively in one way or another. Hopefully, the positive feedback received will spread and the next event will attract even more participants.” 

Warrant Officer Liam Potter, one of the organisers of the day said: “It was a great opportunity to create new professional and personal relationships. A lot of my job as a Physical Training instructor is making a positive impact through physical and mental activity. I thoroughly enjoy delivering this kind of activity, watching people grow, develop, and enjoy the exercises leaves me with a great sense of job satisfaction. There is appetite for more of this activity across BFG, so watch this space for spring 2026.” 

Commodore Tom Guy, Commander British Forces, who took part in the event, said: “Unity of effort across all three services, our civilian staff and the GDP is fundamental to our success at British Forces Gibraltar. We are a proud joint civilian and military overseas base and a Whole Workforce team event gave us all the opportunity to bond together doing something outside the office and outside the ordinary. The teams were all mixed for across the work force which meant HR was teamed up alongside an RAF mover, and IT was teamed up with a soldier from the RG. A truly whole work force experience. The tasks were challenging yet enjoyable, and it was a pleasure to see everyone getting involved and working together”.