Military and veterans

Our UK business is proud to hold the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, which recognises employers who support defence and the armed forces community, and who align their values with the Armed Forces Covenant. The scheme includes bronze, silver, and gold awards, and is open to both private and public sector organisations. We achieved gold status in 2020 and 2025, a recognition that lasts for five years. 

To retain this status, organisations must demonstrate ongoing commitment and improvement in their support for defence and the armed force community, ensuring that veterans and reservists, military spouses, and partners are not only treated fairly, but that their unique needs are recognised and pro-actively met.

Supporting service leavers, veterans, reservists, and their families to transition and thrive in the workplace

Creating a safe place to land

We have a Military Network (MILNET) for those from the Armed Forces community. The network offers somewhere that feels familiar where individuals can build their internal network and settle into civilian working life. The network is for anyone looking to remain connected to the Armed Forces, and offers knowledge sharing opportunities, defence keynote speakers, and even a military book club.

Supporting the wider defence community

Each year, we actively support the UK’s Poppy Appeal. In 2025, over 100 volunteers from across PA were joined by members of the public and military personnel to sell poppies and launch this year’s appeal on London Poppy Day 2025. For the seventh year in a row, we led the volunteering operations at London Victoria and South Kensington train stations. Throughout the day, we were visited by several government figures, including the Mayor of London and Minister for the Armed Forces. In addition to collecting at the stations, teams of PA and military volunteers visited nearby offices across central London to collect donations.

Throughout 2025, we have deepened its partnership with The Poppy Factory, supporting their mission through both financial grants and hands-on activities. The PA Foundation has provided substantial funding, complemented by pro bono consulting. The Poppy Foundation has a long history of creating supportive environments for veterans with mental and physical health conditions, helping them transition into meaningful employment.

Offering inspiration for those leaving miliary service

Transitioning from military service to civilian employment can be a daunting prospect, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. We recognise these challenges and are committed to supporting service leavers through a series of regular commercial Insight Days. These quarterly sessions have consistently been oversubscribed, reflecting the strong demand for practical guidance and support. Each event provides a welcoming environment where attendees can explore what a career in management consulting might look like, drawing on the firsthand experiences of PA colleagues who have themselves made the transition from military to civilian roles.

Caring proudly for our reservists

In 2025, we introduced a new and improved Reservists policy, ensuring robust support for colleagues deployed on active duty and smooth reintegration upon their return. We provide 10 days additional leave and offer personalised support for deployed reservists, through regular communication and monthly welfare parcels. On demobilisation, reservists receive dedicated coaching to smooth their transition back into their civilian role.

Celebrating women in defence

For well over a decade, we've played a supporting role in the development and growth of Women in Defence UK, including their annual awards ceremony. This year’s event marked the largest awards yet at a new venue in London and its 10th anniversary, with the defence and security sector coming together to celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of its women.

Supporting entrepreneurs from the Armed Forces community

MilNet’s relationship with Heropreneurs, part of the Forces Employment Charity, exemplifies our dedication to supporting entrepreneurial ventures within the military community. In 2025, we hosted our annual business mentoring day, bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs from the Armed Forces and experienced mentors from across our firm. The event featured both personalised one-to-one sessions and collaborative group workshops, with seven different businesses ranging from a charitable coffee company to a financial health app, receiving strategic guidance tailored to their unique challenges.

Building Military networks

In 2025, MilNet hosted their inaugural ‘network of networks’ event in Central London. This networking event saw attendees from 15 other organisations, as well as strong representation from across PA hosted at the Cavalry & Guards Club, where attendees had the opportunity to connect on common goals, share ideas, and hear an inspirational story about resilience, teamwork, and fortitude.