News

August 19th 2020

New Regional Employer Engagement Director for East Midlands RFCA

Photo of Bruce Spencer

Bruce Spencer, new Regional Employer Engagement Director

Major Bruce Spencer has joined the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) as Regional Employer Engagement Director, taking over the role from the recently retired John Wilson, who was in post for over 20 years.

 

Bruce Spencer joins East Midlands RFCA with a wealth of experience in the military, serving as both Regular and Reserve army officer.  Bruce was educated in Cambridgeshire and his first job was as a Trainee Manager in Hoveringham Gravels,  near Southwell, covering the East Midlands, from Milton Keynes to Lincoln and across to Derbyshire.  But he soon set his sights on travels further afield.

Bruce commissioned into the Worcester and Sherwood Foresters as an officer, and subsequently spent 38 years travelling the world, through 30 different countries.  Transferring to the Adjutant General’s Corps in the 90s, his various roles included a spell as the Military Attaché in Kathmandu, and running the Reserves Mobilisation centre in Nottingham.   After a life of adventure, in  2014 Bruce joined 162 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps for a bit more stability!

In various roles with 162, Bruce spent the last 6 years engaged with employers, local government , youth and veterans organisations promoting the Armed Forces and Cadets.  He is now settled in Nottingham, where his wife Louise works at John Lewis Nottingham.  In his spare time, Bruce enjoys ocean sailing, motorcycling, long-distance walking and a pint with friends at the end of a week.

“I am looking forward to my role as the REED. Having deployed on many operations worldwide, I know the broad range of skills and benefits that Reservists bring to the Armed Forces. Equally the Cadets from all three services and the adults (Cadet Force Adult Volunteers) that lead them, are professional and caring people who help Cadets achieve their full potential. Both these areas are supported by partners who unstintingly enable this great work to be done,” said Bruce.

Bruce Spencer and the Employer Engagement team establish enduring relationships with employers and their organisations in order to raise awareness of the Reserve Forces and to encourage employers to support Defence personnel.  They provide information, advice and guidance on all aspects of employing Reservists and work closely with the Regional Employer Engagement Board and all Reserve units. The team also promote the Armed Forces Covenant and the Employer Recognition Scheme Awards.  Get in touch if you’d like to learn more: em-enquiries@rfca.mod.uk

 

“I am looking forward to my role as the REED. Having deployed on many operations worldwide I know the broad range of skills and benefits that Reservists bring to the Armed Forces.” Bruce Spencer