The definitive national ranking of Forces Friendly employers showcases those setting the benchmark for meaningful pathways into high-value careers for the military community.
The 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme has today published its 2026 ranking of the UK’s top employers for veterans, reservists and military families, recognising the organisations delivering the most impactful and sustained support for the Armed Forces community.
Now in its fourth year, the programme is the definitive benchmark of Forces Friendly employment in the UK and the most in-depth guide for veterans, reservists and military families navigating their civilian careers. Inclusion in the Top 50 demands a genuine, measurable and enduring commitment to the Armed Forces community, embedded across recruitment, development, progression and retention strategies.
As employers compete for skilled talent in a challenging labour market, organisations are increasingly recognising that veterans represent one of the UK’s most underutilised sources of leadership and capability. Every year, around 15,000 highly trained men and women transition from military service into civilian life. The case for dedicated, structured veteran employment pathways has never been stronger.
Yet despite growing awareness of the value veterans bring to the workplace – from high-profile showcase programmes such as the Forces in Business Awards – many face challenges navigating the post-service employment landscape and identifying the organisations demonstrating genuine best practice in recognising and supporting the Armed Forces community.
The 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans was established to shine a spotlight on those employers setting the standard. The programme provides veterans, reservists and military families with an authoritative guide to organisations where support for the Armed Forces community is more than a statement of intent – it is demonstrated through measurable action and long-term commitment.
“Veteran employment has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Increasing numbers of employers now recognise that creating dedicated career pathways for the military community is not an act of charity – it is a source of talent and competitive advantage that can strengthen businesses at every level,” said Ben Rossi, founder of the global Forces in Business Awards series and 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans programme.
“Each year, this ranking raises the bar and the competition to feature in the Top 50 grows more intense, which is exactly what we hoped for. It reflects a maturing ecosystem of Forces Friendly employers who are not simply hiring veterans – they are building the cultures, structures and career pathways that allow military talent to flourish over the long term. Their success provides a powerful blueprint for others seeking to better engage with the Armed Forces community.”
Employers seeking inclusion in the ranking undergo a rigorous assessment process that combines detailed organisational data with independent evaluation by an expert Judging Panel comprising senior business leaders, veterans and subject matter experts. The assessment examines the breadth, depth and effectiveness of each organisation’s support for veterans, reservists and military families across areas such as representation, policy, professional development and wider community engagement.
The Judging Panel includes representatives from major employers, academic institutions and veteran advocacy groups, including Asda, Santander, Pantheon Ventures, Robert Walters, the University of Cambridge, the Standing Tall Foundation, the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance and the World Health Organization.
The 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans 2026 is published today ahead of tonight’s ninth annual British Forces in Business Awards, where the highest-ranked company receives the coveted Employer of the Year accolade. Around 1,200 business and military leaders will descend on Grosvenor House London for the world’s largest business celebration of the military community.
Brigadier (Retired) Andrew Jackson, Executive Chairman of publication sponsor Troopr and member of the Judging Panel, said: “With more than 14,000 signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and a growing number of competitive entries, securing a place among the 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans is a significant achievement. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all who submitted entries and offer my warmest congratulations to the organisations recognised in this year’s Top 50.
“This publication continues to showcase exceptional initiatives, pathways and programmes dedicated to supporting the UK Armed Forces community. Notably, 23 of this year’s winning organisations have retained their position in the Top 50 for the past three years, and their rising mean scores over this period demonstrate that consistent commitment leads to consistent improvement. We hope they inspire even more employers to embrace the immense value that military talent brings to the workplace and further improve the transition journey for veterans.”
A digital copy of the full 50 GREAT British Employers of Veterans publication is available for free digital download through this link.
Top 50 Employers 2026
1st. Serco
2nd. BAE Systems
Joint 3rd. Babcock
Joint 3rd. Company X Consulting
5th. Amethyst Risk Management
6th. Bombardier Services UK
7th. Landmarc Support Services
8th. Inzpire
9th. VIVO Defence Services
10th. Avove Utilities
11th. Carbon60
12th. Calian UK
13th. SA Group
14th. MBDA UK
15th. John Deere UK
Joint 16th. FDM Group
Joint 16th. Thanos Renewables
18th. VodafoneThree
19th. M&C Saatchi World Services
20th. Galliford Try
21st. SUEZ in the UK
22nd. Microsoft
23rd. Balfour Beatty
Joint 24th. AtkinsRéalis
Joint 24th. CSPM
26th. Mott MacDonald
27th. AAA Caring Caretaker
28th. Ascent Flight Training
29th. GXO Logistics
Joint 30th. Leonardo UK
Joint 30th. Lloyd’s
Joint 32nd. Kuehne+Nagel
Joint 32nd. M Group
Joint 32nd. Northrop Grumman UK
35th. Morson Group
Joint 36th. Digital Realty
Joint 36th. United Infrastructure
Joint 38th. NHS Scotland
Joint 38th. QA
40th. Northumbria University
41st. Mitie
42nd. Leidos
Joint 43rd. Engage Technical Solutions
Joint 43rd. Royal British Veterans Enterprise
Joint 43rd. Siemens Mobility
Joint 46th. SP Energy Networks
Joint 46th. Veolia UK
48th. British Airways
49th. Compass Group UK & Ireland
50th. Airbus
The Forces in Business Awards is the world’s largest celebration of military veterans in second careers. Our mission is to showcase, highlight and promote the huge value that ex-servicemen and women bring to employers in all sectors and the wider economy, often enabled by the skills and values they gained during their time in the military. Click here for more information.
