On Tuesday, 4 February 2025, the Forces Employment Charity (FEC) celebrates 140 years of providing life-long, life-changing support, jobs and training opportunities to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their spouses, partners and children.
Birthday wishes from our Royal Patron
On the day we turn 140 years of age, we are proud to publish a special letter received from our Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
It is with great pleasure that I write to mark the 140th anniversary of the Forces Employment Charity.
The skills, dedication and sacrifices demonstrated by the British Armed Forces are unparalleled. I am delighted to be Patron of an organisation that not only recognises the incredible attributes of the Forces community, but also ensures that anyone who has served, and their families, are given the best tailored support they need to succeed in the civilian world.
I wish to thank everyone who works for the Forces Employment Charity for your continued commitment, professionalism, and passion for your work, which has changed lives, and saves lives via Op NOVA, throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. The life-long, life-changing employment support, training and opportunities you offer to the military community is truly outstanding.
Like the remarkable men and women the charity has proudly served every year since 1885, the legacy of the Forces Employment Charity cannot be underestimated, and I look forward to supporting you and your important work for years to come.
Anne
Our history over 140 years
Founded on 4 February 1885, the charity has evolved over 140 years, assisting Victorian-era veterans to become the UK’s leading military employment charity. It has constantly adapted to the changing needs of those who have served.
Upon its foundation, the FEC was called the National Association for Employment of Reserve and Discharged Soldiers before becoming known as the Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA) in 1967. In January 2022, the RFEA and Officers’ Association (OA), founded in 1920, announced their intention to merge their employment services, which led to the establishment of the Forces Employment Charity in May 2022.
From the start, RFEA emphasised the importance of preparing Armed Forces personnel for civilian roles. The OA was founded in 1920 to find work for veterans rather than provide ongoing payments and actively sought the support of the government and employers.
The aftermath of World War II increased demand for both charities. This culminated in RFEA’s recognition by the Ministry of Labour and its growth to 48 branches by 1964. In 1998, RFEA began delivering employment services through the Career Transition Partnership, a relationship which continues today.
Supporting our beneficiaries in today’s employment market
Over the decades, we have assisted hundreds of thousands in transitioning into meaningful employment. We have provided expert guidance, training, and connections to supportive employers. Our unwavering commitment has led to groundbreaking initiatives, including specialised programs for spouses, partners, and young people from military families. All to ensure that the entire Armed Forces community receives the support they need to thrive. The introduction of Project NOVA, now Op NOVA in England and NOVA Scotland, has allowed us to provide life-changing support for veterans in the justice system.
Last year, FEC supported 28,193 beneficiaries across all programmes. A notable rise of over 5,000 from the total number supported in 2023.
We have developed strong partnerships with businesses across various industries, advocating for the value of military experience in the civilian workforce and breaking down barriers to employment. Our work has also evolved to address the changing job market landscape. We are embracing digital innovation, remote opportunities, and tailored career pathways. All to meet the unique needs of those we serve, especially today, through our specialist industry and sector-led programmes, TechVets and Op PROSPER.
Looking beyond the 140 years
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain dedicated to empowering the Armed Forces community with the opportunities and support they deserve. Always ensuring that their skills, resilience, and dedication continue to benefit society for future generations.
Forces Employment Charity Chief Executive Alistair Halliday says:
“While much has changed in the past 140 years, the one thing that has not changed is the life-long, life-changing support that we offer to members of the military community. With nearly 200 staff now located across the United Kingdom, we are proud to deliver our vision of a UK where all who have served and their families lead fulfilling working lives, enabling them to reach their full potential.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the charity for the last six years and to see it reach its 140th year, serving more beneficiaries than ever before. I look forward to making this our most successful year yet, reaching even more Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families. Always supporting them as they transition into civilian life.
“For a charity to have survived 140 years and grow from strength to strength is truly remarkable. This would not have been possible without the support of our funders and partners! So, I would like to thank everyone who contributes to the work we deliver as a charity. Their support is more critical than ever, and I hope we can rely on continued support as we move into our next 140 years of service delivery.”
Activities and events throughout 2025
Throughout our 140th year, we will be running activities and events to involve our whole community, past, present and future, to help remember our remarkable history, celebrate this milestone year and highlight why the support and work delivered by the Forces Employment Charity continues to be as important today as it was 140 years ago.
