Meet VSC Club Secretary & CEO, Colin Francis CBE

Welcome to our new Club Secretary and CEO, Colin Francis CBE. In this Q&A, he tells us a little bit about himself, his interests, his vision for the Club and his plans to enhance the community and facilities.

How did your career path prepare you for your role at the Club?

Having joined the Army at the earliest opportunity, aged just 16, I served with 1 Squadron Royal Corps of Transport, deploying on Gulf War 1. Upon return, I attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, commissioning in April 1993 into the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC). Over three decades, I was fortunate and privileged to command at every level up to Commanding Officer on operations and led the RLC as its Corps Colonel. Much of the last two decades was spent in ‘Joint’ appointments, working closely with Royal Navy and Royal Air Force colleagues. After 36 years of military service, I joined the Oil and Gas sector, honing corporate skills now being used to manage the Club. These skills, allied to my military experience, will be central to my efforts in continuing to deliver the world class service demanded of this unique All-ranks, Tri-Service club, whilst ensuring that the wonderful culture remains as the bedrock of its success.

What drew you to logistics, and do you think your Army experience was a good background to a career in industry?

Logistics in the Army is all about supporting and sustaining operations, no matter the scale. This foundation translates well into any industry because every sector needs efficient supply chains and support systems. I’ve had a brilliant military career and my experience in logistics has provided me with a robust skill set that’s highly transferable.

What attracted you to the VSC and the position of Chief Executive and Club Secretary? 

The primary motivation was the opportunity to give something back. Reflecting on my role with the Royal Logistic Corps, where I helped generate a sense of belonging and family, I saw a similar ethos here at the Club. I had previously visited the Club for a reunion and was struck by the feel of the Club and the welcoming atmosphere. I wanted to continued the legacy of my predecessors, particularly Nigel, and focus on the Welfare and Respite aspects of the Club. I’ve seen firsthand how a brief respite can make a significant difference in people’s lives, and I want to ensure the Club continues to offer this valuable support.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I like to think I am inclusive and personable. I like to engage with people because I’m interested in finding out about them and understanding their perspectives. I’m also detail-oriented and focused on the business and maintaining high standards. I’m very comfortable with the team contributing their opinions and ideas and ensuring that everyone feels that what they are doing makes a difference.

What motivates you?

What drives me is the opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to something meaningful. I’m excited about the chance to give back, work with a dedicated and exceptional team, and take pride in our collective achievements. It’s about seeing the tangible results of our efforts and understanding the value and benefits of the improvements we are making.

What message would you like to send to the VSC members as you begin your tenure as CEO?

It is a real privilege to build on the legacy Nigel and the team have created. I take this responsibility seriously, am thrilled to be your new Club Secretary and CEO and remain committed to the Club’s ongoing success. My immediate priorities include ensuring the efficiency of operations by reviewing audits and financials and listening to member feedback. I’ve been engaging with members to understand their needs and preferences, aiming to balance cost-effectiveness with high-quality services and facilities while continuing to reinforce the wonderful culture that exists.

How do you envision the future of the Club under your leadership?

I will be building on the strong legacy of previous leaders while ensuring the Club remains a close-knit, family-oriented environment. I’m keen to have a regular drumbeat of communication with members, perhaps through regular updates or short videos. I also want to ensure we manage room availability effectively to accommodate as many members as possible during busy periods. My goal is to keep the Club’s charm and personal touch while implementing improvements that enhance its operations and services and the number of events we can host.

Are there any specific initiatives or projects you’re particularly excited about? 

One key project is the refurbishment of the third and fourth floor bathrooms at the Club. I’m looking forward to overseeing this project to ensure minimal disruption for members and a high-quality upgrade. The aim is to maintain the excellent standard of our rooms and facilites, continuing the improvements that started with the second floor.

How important for the VSC is collaboration with other organisations?

Collaboration is crucial. Partnering with other charities and clubs can enhance our outreach to engage with more members and share best practices. Engaging with other organisations allows us to spread awareness about the Club and learn from their experiences. I’m interested in exploring how we can collaborate on events and initiatives that benefit both our members and the broader military community.

How do you plan to enhance the experience for members?

I haven’t been here very long yet, and all the feedback and comments mentioned to me have been very positive. That said, there are often small things that a fresh pair of eyes may see. I’ll be focusing on areas such as the condition of some of the older accommodation and continuing to refine some of our services. Ensuring that every member feels valued and that their needs are met will be a key focus. I am also keen to ensure that the member events are refreshed to ensure they meet everyone’s expectations and needs: more to follow on this as I look to develop the 2025-2026 programme of events.

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the Club?

A key challenge is balancing membership between serving and former serving personnel and particularly, improving communication about the benefits the Club offers, especially for those members within the M25. Strengthening ties with charities and organisations and exploring how we can collaborate on events and initiatives that benefit both our members and the broader military community will expand our outreach. I’m also eager to work with the team to maximise the use of our world-class event and conference facilities.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

Family is very important to me. I’ve been married to Maria for 30 years, and we have four children. Our eldest son is an officer in the 16 Air Assault Brigade, our eldest daughter is the environmental specialist for Cancer Research UK, our youngest daughter recently finished university and our youngest son, having just finished his A-levels, has just started university. The final member of the family is our Goldendoodle, Saffy. I’m passionate about sports, particularly rugby, cricket and football. I am a lifelong Everton FC fan, which stems from my mum’s side of the family, who worked at the Everton football ground.

What are your long-term goals for the VSC?

My long-term goals for the Club include ensuring its sustainability and relevance for future generations. I aim to build on our legacy by innovating our services, expanding our community outreach and maintaining a strong focus on member satisfaction and support.

We plan to stay relevant by continually assessing and adapting to the changing needs of our members. This involves staying informed about industry trends, actively seeking feedback from our members and investing in modernising our services and facilities. Our focus will be on delivering exceptional value and ensuring that we meet the evolving expectations of our community – be that our members, their guests or the many organisations that hold events here.