PRESS RELEASE : FCDO to recruit more armed forces veterans [October 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 1 October 2023.

The FCDO will implement new measures to increase the number of staff employed with military backgrounds.

Plans will encourage applications from veterans to the department and improve their chances of successful appointment. Roles are open to veterans in both the diplomatic service and in jobs across the UK. This will include FCDO representation at career fairs for veterans of the armed forces, and promotion to increase take-up of a guaranteed interview scheme for people who have served in the military.

Once recruited, plans are being developed to encourage career progression. This includes a bespoke mentoring scheme to support veterans to reach the Senior Civil Service.

Data on the number of veterans recruited will be published next year to demonstrate progress made against this ambition.