Our Chief Executive, Alistair Halliday, has announced his intention to retire at the end of July 2026 after leading the Forces Employment Charity for over seven years.
Alistair took charge of the RFEA – Forces Employment Charity in January 2019 and, in a career-defining moment, led its 2022 merger with the Officers Association to form the Forces Employment Charity, a single charity delivering life-changing employment and justice support to the Armed Forces community.
Since then, he has driven significant growth as the charity secured NHS England commissioning to deliver justice support through Op NOVA – now expanded across the devolved administrations, 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.
Prior to joining the Forces Employment Charity, Alistair’s career spanned senior roles in the military, media communications, strategy and business development, including high-level Corporate Communications in government and running Raytheon’s training business.
While serving in the Royal Navy, Alistair commanded three ships. He had several senior MOD appointments, including Director Defence Public Relations and Director Reserve Forces and Cadets, and later founded the acclaimed Forces Media Academy at BFBS to support veterans transitioning into media careers. Alistair has always been passionate about helping those who have served transition successfully into civilian employment.
Ben Farrell, Chairman of the Forces Employment Charity, said:
“I want to thank Alistair for the significant contribution he has made as an exceptional Chief Executive. He has led the charity through enormous change and growth during his tenure, while ensuring that every year more than 25,000 Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families receive specialist support of the highest quality.
“In addition, he has helped to change the narrative and public perception of our veterans and the amazing skills and experience they bring to the workplace of thousands of employers across the UK.
“On behalf of everyone at the charity, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Alistair for his outstanding leadership, vision, passion and dedication. He has the full support of the Board, and we wish him a very happy and healthy retirement.”
Alistair said:
“Being able to lead the Forces Employment Charity over the past seven years has been the immense privilege of my life. It has been uplifting and inspiring, making a difference to many thousands of Service leavers, veterans and their partners as they embark on their new careers, and I have been immensely proud of what has been achieved. Of the many highlights, I must say that the passion, professionalism, and great character of our people have stood out for me – it has been an absolute honour to work alongside so many talented, committed and lovely people.
“I will leave the Forces Employment Charity ready and well placed to continue to develop and enhance its support to the veterans and the wider Armed Forces community for many years to come.”
The charity will begin the process of recruiting Alistair’s successor this month.
