A Fond Farewell to our Chairman, Major General (ret’d) Seumas Kerr CBE

How did you become the Chair of the VSC?

My journey to becoming Chair of the Victory Services Club was quite serendipitous. While serving, I hadn’t heard of the Club which is something I now see as a shortcoming we must continue to address. I was introduced to the VSC through a friend, Lieutenant General Sir Robert Fry, who was President at the time. We lived near each other in Dorset, and he asked if I’d ever considered becoming a trustee. That’s where it all began. I became a trustee eleven years ago and I was then appointed Chairman five years ago, just as whispers of COVID-19 were beginning to surface. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling experience and I feel genuinely passionate about the Club. The time has flown by and I’ll be very sad to step down this July.

What has been the most personally rewarding part of your involvement with the Victory Services Club?

Without a doubt, it’s the people. I’m often out in London in the evenings, but I try to get back to the Club around 9:30pm because one of the highlights of my day is chatting with members. The heart of the VSC is about making everyone feel at home, safe and comfortable. The VSC is open to all ranks from Private to General, spanning the Army, Navy, Royal Air Force, NATO allies and the Commonwealth. There’s a sense of community that’s truly special, and I love catching up with members and hearing their stories. I then make my rounds to thank the staff, from reception to the dining room, and then I head into the kitchens to fist-bump the staff still hard at work washing up. That camaraderie is what makes the Club so unique, and I go to bed each evening feeling on a high.

And what has been the most challenging?

COVID-19 was, without question, the most difficult period on my tenure. Pre-pandemic, we were operating at 95-98% occupancy, but when the lockdowns hit in March 2020, the Club suddenly emptied. It was a daunting moment. I work in the corporate world and have seen what happens when businesses run out of cash, so I was acutely aware that, although we’re a charity, the VSC needed to be run with the same financial discipline as a business. Before furlough schemes were even announced, we had to make the agonising decision to lay off 100 staff out of 160—something no one ever wants to do. Despite the challenges, we kept the Club open for key workers, hosting people including Professor Chris Whitty and Professor Jonathan Van-Tam during those difficult months.

What has been the most significant change during your tenure as Chair?

One significant internal change was the restructuring of the governance of the Club. When I arrived, the board was a large group of 20 senior officers which could be too unwieldy for effective decision-making. We streamlined it into a board of 12, bringing in professional expertise from hospitality, marketing, estate management and catering, alongside senior military representatives.

This shift in governance and the professionalisation of the board has enabled us to run the Club more like a business, maximising income while staying true to our charitable mission. We have grown the revenue from events, increasing it from around £400,000 to over £1 million, with the aim of reaching £2 million in the future. This has allowed us to invest in continuous improvements such as the current refurbishment of 38 bathrooms. Importantly, we’ve done this while maintaining affordable rates for members, ensuring that the Club remains accessible to all ranks.

How has your position as Chair of the VSC Board benefitted you?

Every leadership role is a learning experience and the VSC has certainly helped me grow. Coming from the military and business worlds, leading a charity presented new challenges and required a different style of leadership. What I’ve learned here has influenced my roles in other organisations; I’m also Chair of a museum and the Pakistan Society. The VSC has broadened my perspective on governance in the charitable sector and deepened my understanding of how to balance financial sustainability with social impact.

Personally, the Club has also been a source of joy and energy. I thrive on connecting with people and the VSC’s community has been a constant source of inspiration. It’s a place where stories are shared, friendships are formed and where service and camaraderie are always at the heart of everything we do.

What would be your number one wish for the VSC in the future?

Securing the freehold remains the most critical goal. While we currently hold a 100-year lease, owning the freehold would give the Club greater control over its future and the ability to make more long-term investments. The VSC is more than just a building; it’s a haven for service personnel, veterans and their families. Owning the freehold would solidify that legacy and allow for even greater investment in facilities and welfare initiatives.

More broadly, my wish is for the Club to continue thriving while remaining true to its inclusivity, affordability, and community values. It’s essential that future leaders maintain the spirit that makes the VSC so unique – a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of rank or background.

Finally, what message would you like to share with the staff, members, and trustees of the Victory Services Club?

A heartfelt thank you.

To the trustees, thank you for your guidance and your commitment over the past eleven years. Strong boards thrive on healthy debate and I’m grateful that we’ve moved from simply nodding through decisions to having meaningful discussions that shape the Club’s future.

To the staff, what an extraordinary team. Your passion, dedication, and warmth are the lifeblood of this Club. From the porters who greet guests at the door, to the kitchen staff, housekeeping, and receptionists, each of you plays a crucial role in creating the welcoming, respectful environment that defines the VSC. I’ve loved seeing the camaraderie among the team, whether it’s the playful banter before breakfast service or the joy of the staff parties where everyone comes together to celebrate.

And to the members, thank you for your loyalty and for making this community what it is. The VSC exists for you and it’s been an honour to serve as Chair.

I know the Club will continue to flourish, thanks to the dedication of its people and the strength of its values.