Dr Spencer Pitfield OBE is the Founder and Director of SPL Strategies, a UK-based advisory firm supporting organisations to engage effectively with policymakers, build strategic partnerships, and deliver impactful programmes across the UK and internationally.
With over 30 years’ experience spanning politics, government, education, and the private and charitable sectors, Spencer is particularly recognised for his work at the intersection of policy, skills, and international collaboration. He has built a strong reputation as a trusted advisor to organisations seeking to better understand and navigate the UK policy landscape, and is well known across Westminster for his ability to convene senior stakeholders and translate policy ambition into practical, deliverable outcomes.
Throughout his career, Spencer has worked closely with ministers, parliamentarians, senior officials and industry leaders, helping organisations to position themselves effectively, communicate with clarity, and build long-term, trusted relationships. His approach is grounded in partnership and delivery, ensuring that strategy is not only well-formed, but actionable and aligned with real-world policy and market conditions.
Spencer has developed a significant and growing international portfolio, with a particular focus on strengthening UK-India relations. Through SPL’s strategic partnership with Rajneethi Advisory, he works closely with government, institutional and corporate partners to support bilateral engagement, market entry, and cross-border collaboration. This includes facilitating high-level delegations, supporting inward investment opportunities, and advising on education, skills, innovation and infrastructure partnerships between the two countries.
His work in this space reflects a broader commitment to supporting organisations as they expand internationally, helping them to navigate new markets, understand political and regulatory environments and build meaningful partnerships that deliver long-term value. He is particularly interested in the role of skills, education and innovation in underpinning economic growth across international markets.
Alongside his international work, Spencer continues to play a leading role in the UK’s skills and training landscape. Through SPL’s Skills and Training Hub, he supports employers, training providers and education institutions to develop future-ready programmes, respond to evolving workforce needs, and align with national policy priorities. This includes work across technical education, vocational training, green skills, and lifelong learning.
He is actively involved in a number of initiatives focused on innovation in education and training, including engagement with the Green Skills Advisory Panel and the development of new models for delivering skills in emerging sectors. His work often focuses on ensuring that SMEs, training providers and educational institutions are able to engage effectively with policymakers and play a meaningful role in shaping national skills policy.
Spencer began his career as a professional orchestral clarinettist and teacher, a role that continues to inform his people-centred approach to leadership, communication and skills development. This grounding remains central to his belief that strong organisations are built on clear communication, effective training, and a deep understanding of people.
In addition to his professional work, Spencer is a Fellow of St George’s House, Windsor Castle, where he contributes to discussions on leadership and public policy. He served for over 16 years as a Magistrate (Justice of the Peace), and was awarded an OBE for political service in 2016.
Does your organisation need to:
- Navigate UK policy, build relationships with decision-makers, or position itself more effectively in Westminster?
- Develop or deliver skills, education or training programmes that align with government priorities and future workforce needs?
- Explore opportunities between the UK and India, including partnerships, market entry, or strategic collaboration?
If so, contact us now to secure this highly experienced, well-connected speaker.