A strong sense of duty and a willingness to serve

As a company that is committed to supporting Veterans and Reservists in the workplace, this Reserves Day, we hear from proud Reservist and Smiths Group colleague, Richard Hanson, on what inspired him to become a Reservist, and how that experience has shaped his life. 

Read more in the Q&A below...

Tell us a little bit about you, what is your role in Smiths and in the Reserves?

At Smiths, I am Associate General Counsel and Senior Compliance Officer, dealing with Legal Operations and our Ethics & Compliance programme across the Group.

Outside of work, I serve with the Honourable Artillery Company, part of the British Army Reserve. It’s the oldest regiment in the British Army and plays both an operational and ceremonial role, including gun salutes at the Tower of London. I am currently completing my ‘trade’ training, which is physically and mentally demanding — and entirely different from my day job.

What inspired you to become a Reservist, and how has that experience shaped your personal or professional life?

I joined because I felt a strong sense of duty — a belief that if others are willing to put themselves on the line, then I should contribute.

I also wanted to test my limits, push beyond my comfort zone, and be part of something enduring and bigger than myself. The experience has given me new perspective on teamwork, resilience, and leadership — lessons that carry over into my civilian work.

How do you balance your civilian role with your responsibilities as a Reservist, and what skills have you found to be transferable between the two?

It is more a question of being well organised — drill nights, weekend training, and physical preparation all require time and discipline. It helps if you can switch between identities quickly and focus on the situation in front of you — the Army directing staff remind us Reservists of the need to ‘switch on!’ as soon as you pass through the regimental gates.

There’s also a surprising overlap: clarity under pressure, the ability to give and take direction, and a focus on the bigger mission — all of which are just as valuable at Smiths as they are in the field.

What does Reserves Day mean to you, and what would you like others to understand about the role of Reservists in the Armed Forces?

For me, Reserves Day is about visibility and respect — recognising that many people around us quietly serve alongside their day jobs. It is also a reminder that service comes in many forms. Reservists are trained to the same standards as regular soldiers and can be deployed in the UK or overseas.

But they also bring their civilian skills to the table — whether legal, medical, technical, linguistic or logistical — creating a unique hybrid capability that adds real value to national defence. It would be great if more people understand that, and perhaps even consider joining.

Richard Hanson is Associate General Counsel and Senior Compliance Officer at Smiths Group