Bernard’s association with Foresters^TM began in 1962. Since that time he has held various Branch and Regional Council Officer positions, as well as Chairman of the U.K. Regional Councils’ Benevolent Fund. He has also served as Chairman and Chief Executive of The Foresters’ Fund for Children from 1997 to 2003. Bernard was awarded the Grand Cross in 1989.

An Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute, Bernard Bloom’s career was largely spent with the Sun Alliance Insurance Group, where he held the positions of Senior New Business Manager and Branch Manager. In 1992, Bernard became an Independent Insurance Consultant, dealing with life, investment and general insurance.

In 1981, Bernard was appointed Justice of the Peace as a Lay Magistrate. In this capacity, he sits with the Hampshire Magistrates and Youth Courts as Chairman. He also assists with the training and development of new Magistrates.

Bernard volunteers with the Sun Alliance Pensioners group to provide a visitors service to the more elderly pensioners, and social and welfare programs for the active pensioners.

Bernard has been a member of Foresters Board of Directors since May 2000, and currently serves on the Board’s Fraternal, and Ethics & Governance Committees.

Bernard and his wife Maureen, also an active Forester, have two children and three grandchildren, and live in Southampton, England.