The Royal Signals Institution (RSI) marked a landmark moment last week as it hosted its highest-attended Autumn Seminar and Awards Dinner to date, bringing together serving members of the Royal Corps of Signals, industry partners, veterans and distinguished guests for a full day of professional dialogue, insight and celebration.
Hosted at BT HQ for the daytime seminar and followed by an impressive dinner and ceremony at The Dorchester, Park Lane, the event showcased the strength, cohesion and forward momentum across the Corps and its wider community.
Seminar summary
The Seminar explored the Corps’ evolving role in an increasingly complex digital battlespace within the context of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025. The opening presentation from Air Vice Marshall Ola Fashade, Director Strategy and Military Digitalisation unpacked the SDR through to Defence Reform, covered Cyber & Specialist Operations Command and his leadership of C4I and the Digital Warfighter Group.
The day’s programme was concluded by Brigadier Brian Jeffery, Comd 1 (UK) Signal Brigade who set out the vision for the Royal Signals - one shaped by the ongoing SDR and the concept of the Integrated Force. He emphasised the centrality of the emerging Digital Targeting Web, an interconnected system linking sensors to effectors to deliver precision, speed, and information dominance. The full vision will be published in the next issue of the RSI Journal.
Awards ceremony
Nearly 400 people attended the RSI Dinner and Awards Ceremony at The Dorchester that evening which was opened by keynote speaker General Sir Jim Hockenhull, Commander of Cyber & Special Operations Command. He provided a timely and compelling assessment of the strategic landscape and the critical importance of information advantage. His remarks reinforced the growing centrality of cyber and multi-domain integration in modern competition and conflict.
Lieutenant General Paul Griffiths, Master of Signals later emphasised that “This is our space to own,” he stated, calling on officers and soldiers to “Secure and Connect the Integrated Force to Fight and Win in Every Domain.” The Master of Signals also highlighted strong progress across the Corps over the past year, including:
- A 30% rise in recruitment, driven by increased interest in Electronic Warfare and Power Engineering.
- A reduction in voluntary outflow among soldiers to 5.2%.
- The launch of a pilot lateral-entry route for individuals with advanced cyber and technical expertise.
- The introduction of a new Level 3 Apprenticeship supporting professional development.
The RSI itself continues to build momentum, with increased engagement across the Corps and industry. Corporate membership has grown from 35 organisations in 2023 to 43 today, supported by the introduction of a new tiered membership model offering Bronze, Silver and Gold partnerships. Feedback during the 2026 transition year will help refine this framework further.
This year’s programme included a wide range of events delivered with corporate partners and subject-matter experts, such as the Home Office’s Emergency Services Network update, Deloitte’s support to the RSI Spring Seminar, technical and historical talks including Turing Among the Robots, and career-focused initiatives with the Worshipful Company of Information Technologists. The BT-hosted Autumn Seminar served as the capstone to an impactful calendar year.
The evening concluded with the prestigious RSI Awards, celebrating excellence, innovation and outstanding contribution across the Corps. “These honours reflect the very best of our community,” the Master of Signals noted, congratulating all recipients for their achievements and service.
In closing his speech, Lieutenant General Griffiths expressed gratitude to the RSI’s corporate members: “Your support directly enables the Institution to deliver professional development, education and recognition across the Corps. We simply could not deliver this programme without you.” He also announced that, due to continued growth, next year’s RSI Awards Dinner will move to a larger venue at The Guildhall, City of London, on 17 November 2026.
The RSI extends its thanks to all members, partners and guests who contributed to a truly memorable and forward-looking day for the entire community.
Award recipients were as follows:
The RSI Silver Medal:
Capt E Potter, 30 Sig Regt.
Capt A Kirtley, 299 Sig Sqn.
Capt D Allen.
Sig S Acar, 13 Sig Regt.
Master of Signals Award:
Maj Matt Hill, D Futures, Army HQ.
Capt Samual Beckett, JDCU Defence Digital.
Capt James Firth, HQ R SIGNALS.
WO2 (SMI) Scott Macdonald, 11 (RSS) Sig Regt
WO2 Clint Sherratt, 10 Sig Regt.
LCpl Thomas Cogley, 299 Sig Sqn.
Mr S Hall, Royal Signals Association.
Team Award: 2 Sig Regt.
RSI Award for Adventurous Endeavour:
Capt Sam Robbins, 32 Sig Regt
