Matters of Interest
Five Minutes with Steve Smith MBE, New Trustee at the Veterans’ Foundation
March 18 2026
- What inspired you to become a trustee of the Veterans’ Foundation, and what stood out to you about its work?
As a veteran myself, I have colleagues suffering the devastating consequences of serving in conflict zones. Their injuries vary from multiple amputations to severe and lasting mental scars. As the collective memory of recent wars recedes, it’s all too easy to forget those whose wounds remain for life. I have been awestruck and heartened that the Veterans’ Foundation has achieved so much in such a short time. It is a true force for good, and I want to be a part of that.
- Can you tell us a little about your background and career to date?
My career to date has spanned both military and charity sectors. As a career Army officer, I served on operations in Northern Ireland (appointed MBE), the Balkans and Iraq. Highlights included being a bomb disposal operator on the streets of Belfast, leading a multinational battalion as part of NATO’s only immediate reaction force, and commanding the 2,500 troops engaged in providing logistics, construction engineering, and medical support to the deployed British Force in Iraq. I was also responsible for delivering the UK’s counter-terrorist bomb disposal capability world-wide for three years.
After leaving the Army, I moved into the charity sector, holding three CEO roles and several board appointments. My work has focused on supporting those affected by armed conflict, including landmine clearance, child protection, agricultural and poverty reduction programmes across Africa, and assistance to refugees overseas, in France and in the UK.
- What are you most looking forward to in your role as a trustee?
I really hope I can use my experience to support the Foundation’s incredible executive team in the most effective way possible, whilst also re-engaging with the military community.
- What do you hope the Veterans’ Foundation will achieve over the next few years?
As with all charities, the need will always outstrip the ability to provide. But I know the Foundation is rising to the challenge, and I hope it grows to the point where it can meet as much of the need as possible. It is now a major player in the field, and I would like to see its name better known.
- What skills or experience do you feel you bring to the Board?
I bring an interesting combination of skills to the Board: a deep understanding of the military mindset and the experiences veterans have been through, allied with strong leadership, management and charity governance credentials. I also have considerable media and presentational experience.
- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time when you’re not working?
I love travelling, time with friends and family, and maintaining a passable level of fitness. I’m a published author in both the fiction and non-fiction fields, and I continue to write.
- What does supporting veterans personally mean to you?
I came out of the Army fit and healthy, and my transition to civilian life was relatively straightforward. Not everyone is so lucky. But, as veterans, we are all part of a family. And you don’t let family members fall by the wayside.
- Is there a cause within the veteran community you are particularly passionate about?
Having been deeply immersed in the bomb disposal community for many years, I am particularly passionate about supporting those who have suffered traumatic amputations and the long-term deleterious effects of PTSD. As a charity leader, I conceived a project to bring high mobility/low-cost prosthetics to amputees in Africa, so I have some experience in this area.
- One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have visited Area 51. And, no, I cannot tell you!
- Favourite travel destinations?
I’ve travelled to over 50 countries and tend to enjoy the unusual and exotic: Central Asia and the Far East are favourites. But I don’t think you can beat the Cornish coast – which, happily, is where I happen to live.
