Posted on: 18/09/2025

Thought Leadership

Rachael Simpson argues that veterans bring vital skills — resilience, leadership, and adaptability — to strengthen public services at a time of rising demand. For veterans, this means meaningful second careers where their experience makes a difference. For public sector employers, it’s a call to adapt recruitment, development, and culture to fully unlock this talent.

By Rachael Simpson Chartered FCIPD, Principal Consultant HR

As our public services face ever more complex challenges, from resource constraints to growing demand, we need the resilience, leadership, and implementation focus that veterans bring. This isn't just about providing employment opportunities for those who've served (though that's a worthy goal in itself). It's about strengthening our public services with proven capabilities when they're needed most.

The opportunity is clear: by better recognising, valuing, and integrating veterans' transferable skills, we can transform public service delivery while providing meaningful second careers for those who've served.

This requires bold change, in recruitment processes, development pathways, and organisational mindsets. The reward is twofold: more effective, resilient public services and meaningful second careers for those who’ve already proven their commitment to serve.

I believe we stand at a moment of opportunity. With increasing recognition of veterans' potential, growing examples of successful integration, and the pressing need for exactly the capabilities veterans offer, the time is right to build stronger bridges between military service and public sector careers.

Our communities need effective public services. Our public services need the skills veterans bring and our veterans deserve the opportunity to continue serving in meaningful second careers. By connecting these needs, we can create powerful positive change.

Veteran Perspectives:

Skills in Practice Speaking with veterans currently employed in council roles within the West Midlands Region highlights the practical impact of their military experience:

Former Royal Navy Aircraft Engineer: "Military service taught me to navigate constant change—a skill that's invaluable in my current position. There's also that military mindset of simply getting things accomplished."

Former Army Personnel: "The key fundamental transferable skills include collaborative teamwork, clear communication, strong interpersonal skills, and adaptability; flexibility to handle diverse responsibilities and timekeeping.”

The phrase “adapt and overcome” was referenced. For me, this perfectly captures Local Government, and the challenges faced daily.

The real challenge isn’t proving veterans’ value—it’s creating the pathways to fully unlock it. The time for action is now, and with decisive leadership, we can transform both public services and the veteran employment landscape.