Alistair Halliday, CEO of the Forces Employment Charity, has been awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
The honour recognises Alistair’s exceptional dedication to Service personnel, veterans and families across the UK in his leadership of the charity.
Alistair took charge of the charity in January 2019 when it was known as the Regular Forces Employment Association. In a career-defining moment, he led its 2022 merger with the Officers Association to form the Forces Employment Charity, a single organisation delivering life-changing employment and justice support to the Armed Forces community.
Since then, Alistair has driven significant growth as the charity 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.
Prior to joining the Forces Employment Charity, Alistair’s career spanned senior roles in the Royal Navy, 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, 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 a 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 be able to work alongside so many talented, committed and lovely people.”
