Meet Major General (Retd) Rich Spencer, Controller of the Royal Signals Charity
Major General Rich Spencer was appointed as the new Controller of the Royal Signals Charity in March 2024. This position involves working with the Charity Directors, overseeing the charity’s operations and ensuring it continues to provide vital support to past and present members of the Royal Corps of Signals and their families. The charity’s work focuses on welfare, community support, enhancing the ‘lived experience’ and preserving the rich history of the Royal Signals.
With a distinguished career in the British Army, particularly within the Royal Corps of Signals, he has served in various roles that have strengthened his leadership capabilities and deepened his understanding of military service and the challenges faced by those in the Armed Forces. Before taking on this new role, his service included senior appointments both in the UK and abroad. His career has spanned a range of operational, staff, and leadership roles, all of which have contributed to his comprehensive understanding of military operations and personnel welfare.
Major General Spencer is excited by the new role, citing his long-standing respect for the Corps Charity and the crucial role it plays in supporting the Corps family. He stated “I feel privileged to be part of a team that not only helps to look after the welfare of the serving and retired Corps family, but also fosters a strong sense of camaraderie within the Corps and beyond”. Joining the Royal Signals Charity was an opportunity for him to continue to live up to the Sandhurst motto of ‘Serve to Lead’, to serve the Corps and wider community beyond his regular career. He is eager to help strengthen the bond between the serving Corps and its veterans.
Looking ahead, he wants to work closely with the Directors and staff of the charity to enhance its visibility and impact, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving needs of its members and their families. His priorities include improving the welfare services provided to veterans, increasing engagement with the wider Royal Signals community, and ensuring that the charity adapts to future challenges. He is also keen on building stronger partnerships with other military charities and organizations to ensure that the Royal Signals Charity remains at the forefront of supporting those who have served in the Corps. A final area is to look to the Corps to help itself, noting that charity ‘starts at home’ and is keen that Royal Signallers think about raising funds directly for the Charity or consider donating a small percentage of any fund raising to our Charity.
Through his and the Charity Board’s leadership, Major General Spencer aims to ensure that the Royal Signals Charity not only sustains its current services but expands its outreach, ensuring its work is recognized and valued for generations to come.
