BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a leading UK defence company delivering advanced technology across air, land, maritime and cyber domains.
Since 2022 Murray McLeod-Jones MBE, a former Parachute Regiment officer with 30 years’ service, has been employed by BAE Systems as Head of Veterans and Reservists Recruitment. His role was established to formalise and expand what had previously been a small but steady intake of veterans. Murray explained that “The focus has been on raising internal awareness, improving external visibility, and supporting better translation of military experience into civilian roles, while recruitment delivery is managed by an external contractor. BAE’s organisational structure, with multiple sites and functions broadly analogous to the maritime, land, air and digital domains, enables the company to direct veterans into a wide range of roles aligned to their skills and preferences”.
The strategy developed in 2022 remains in place, supported by engagement with organisations such as the Career Transition Partnership and a military recruitment company contracted by BAE, and participation in military employment events and commemorative activities.
Murray continued: “We work with external partners to support candidates through transition, including signposting through specialist organisations. Our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant means that we want to make sure veteran candidates are not disadvantaged when they apply and that’s why our recruitment managers are alerted whenever veteran applicants progress. This means that we can provide additional support if needed for those struggling to pass initial screening, including advice on CVs and articulation of skills. Once recruited, veterans are supported through mentoring and buddying arrangements, and ForcesNet, an employee support group, reinforcing integration and development.”
BAE Systems is also exploring support for spouses, partners and children of service personnel, recognising the wider family impact of service life. This includes ongoing policy development and potential pilot programmes aimed at improving access to employment through tailored roles, flexible working and targeted training. There is an emphasis on identifying potential, supporting transitions into less directly aligned roles, and improving translation of skills through better conversations and emerging tools, including AI.
BAE Systems reports strong retention outcomes, with veterans demonstrating high levels of loyalty and internal progression, contributing positively to business performance. Across its UK operations, BAE Systems employs over 2,640 veterans and reservists, including approximately 1,370 hires since 2022. On average the company is now recruiting one veteran a day. The model has generated increasing demand and is now evolving to focus on scaling, skills development and ensuring good role fit. The company also promotes wider engagement through its Gold Award status in the Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme, supporting other businesses, including SMEs, to improve understanding of veteran employment and available incentives.
