Since joining the Royal Signals Charity in 2019, Colonel (Retired) Dave Craft has brought with him not only a wealth of military experience but a deep-rooted passion for supporting the Corps family. As both Chief Executive of the Royal Signals Charity and General Secretary of the Royal Signals Association, Colonel Dave is at the heart of efforts to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
Having served for nearly thirty years in the Royal Corps of Signals, Colonel Craft served extensively in Germany and the UK, with operational tours in Bosnia, Northern Ireland and Iraq.
His transition from military service to Chief Executive of the Royal Signals Charity was driven by a strong desire to give back to the Corps that shaped his life. “I was aware of the great work that the charity did for our whole Corps family through my predecessor’s work and taking this post was an opportunity for me to give something back to the Corps that had given me 30 fantastic years of professional challenge and variety,” he explained.
As Chief Executive, Colonel Dave brings clear intent and energy to the role. “I hope that I bring a passion for the Corps and a drive to do everything that I can to make the lives of Signallers better,” he shared. That drive is evident in his day-to-day commitment and his vision for the charity’s future.
He speaks with genuine pride about the people he works alongside and the impact the Royal Signals Charity continues to make:
“I am humbled by the commitment and dedication of our charity board, whose direction and guidance I work to deliver and who give of their time generously and freely. Their drive to make the Corps as good a place as possible to serve in is what drives me on. I am also privileged to work with a small, dedicated team in Corps HQ who work tirelessly to support Signallers past and present. Finally, I am proud of the difference that the charity makes to the lives of Signallers on a daily basis.”
That impact spans a wide spectrum—from providing urgent assistance to individuals, to funding initiatives that enhance morale and support professional development. Whether it's a hand up during tough times, support for unit projects, or enabling Corps events, the charity plays a vital role in Corps life.
Looking ahead, Colonel Craft is ambitious about expanding that impact even further:
“There is always more that I would like us to be able to do. We never have enough money to do everything that we want to! Our recent drive to increase income into the charity will, if successful, allow us to do even more for Signallers everywhere. More support for unit projects to enhance the lived experience or simply to provide facilities to individuals (financial support for e-sport is an example), more money to spend on delivering Corps events, more funds to improve sport and adventurous endeavour, more funds to drive professional development and more funds to drive the fun back into soldiering.”
Under Col Craft’s leadership, the Royal Signals Charity continues to grow as a vital force for good—ensuring that the values of service, camaraderie, and support remain at the heart of the Corps family.
