The Forces Employment Charity is proud to announce that our CEO, Alistair Halliday has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List, in recognition of his exceptional service to the Armed Forces community.
Alistair has led the Forces Employment Charity since January 2019, when we were known as the Regular Forces Employment Association. In a career-defining moment, he led our 2022 merger with the Officers Association to form a single organisation delivering life-changing employment and justice support to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families.
Since then, Alistair has driven significant growth as we secured NHS England commissioning to deliver justice support through Op NOVA – now expanded across the UK, retained the Career Transition Partnership contract to support Service leavers, and won government funding for Op ASCEND, which connects veterans and their families with career opportunities through veteran-friendly employers.
Before joining us, Alistair had a distinguished career spanning senior roles in the Royal Navy and MOD, including Director Defence Public Relations and Director Reserve Forces and Cadets. He also founded the Forces Media Academy at BFBS, supporting veterans as they transitioned into media careers.
Alistair, who retires in July, said:
“It was a wonderful and complete surprise when I heard I’d been awarded an OBE. I’m absolutely delighted to accept this honour, but I do so on behalf of everyone at the Forces Employment Charity. Our staff work tirelessly to deliver life-changing employment and justice support to Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families across the UK. This award is testament to the charity’s exceptional commitment to the military community.
“Being able to lead the Forces Employment Charity over the past seven years has been the immense privilege of my life. I am extremely proud of what has been achieved, and it has been an absolute honour to work alongside so many talented, committed and dedicated people.”
Alistair’s commitment has helped thousands across the Armed Forces community move forward with confidence. A legacy that will continue to shape our work long into the future.
