Looking for meaningful work after service? Top routes into public sector careers for UK veterans and families
Your military career gave you discipline, leadership, resilience and a commitment to public service. These are all qualities the public sector is actively looking for. If you’re a veteran, or you’re about to become one, find out about the best routes into public sector careers after service.
Here’s a guide to help you get started.
Time to read:
Thinking about the Civil Service?
There are 3 main supported pathways for veterans and families looking to start a career in the Civil Service.
These are:
- the Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme
- the Going Forward into Employment scheme
- the Advance into Justice scheme
Why veterans thrive in the Civil Service
You’ve already worked in high‑pressure environments where integrity and service to the public come first. The Civil Service values:
- problem‑solving
- teamwork
- adaptability
- accountability
- planning and decision‑making
Great Place to Work for Veterans
scheme
If you’re interested in working in government, the Great Place to Work for Veterans scheme is designed specifically for you.
What the scheme offers
You can opt in during the application process, and if you meet the minimum criteria, you’ll automatically progress to the next stage for most Civil Service vacancies – usually an interview or online test.
Appointments are still made on merit, but this scheme ensures your service is recognised and you don’t get filtered out early.
Being a veteran is my sense of identity…I’ve brought the high standards and values I learned in the military to my role.
Stephen Commander – veteran and current employee of Department for Transport
How to get started
Going Forward into Employment
scheme
The Going Forward into Employment scheme is another scheme designed specifically for veterans and their families.
This scheme offers opportunities across government through its Life Chance Pathway for Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners programme.
Who it’s for
Veterans of the UK armed forces.
Those in their resettlement period and due to leave the armed forces within a reasonable timeframe to take up a new role.
Spouses and partners of serving personnel.
Spouses and partners of someone who had left the armed forces in the last 12 months.
What the scheme offers
Access to cross-government roles in multiple departments.
A supportive entry route that recognises military experience.
Roles across areas such as operations, project delivery, policy support, HR, digital and corporate functions.
A foundation for long‑term careers in government, not just short‑term jobs.
Why this route works
The Going Forward into Employment Scheme is designed around the reality of service life and transition. It:
- recognises transferable skills rather than job titles
- reduces barriers at recruitment stage
- supports both veterans and military families
- keeps you aligned with public service values
This route can be particularly useful if you want flexibility, stability or a broad choice of departments.
How to get started
Email: GFIE@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Advance into Justice scheme
If you’re looking for a role with real impact, the Advance into Justice scheme offers entry into the justice sector exclusively for:
- veterans
- service leavers within 18 months of discharge
- spouses or civil partners of service leavers or veterans (if discharged within 12 months)
What’s included
A 2‑year fixed‑term contract.
The chance to move into a permanent role after 1 year.
Clear career progression pathways.
Opportunities for both you and your partner.
Justice roles are a great match for veterans with skills in communication, safety, decision‑making and supporting people in challenging circumstances.
How to get started
Public sector careers in local government
Local authorities across the UK are actively looking to recruit veterans, reservists and armed forces families.
Every council has signed the Armed Forces Covenant, which means they are committed to supporting those who have served.
Why local councils want veteran talent
Local authorities know veterans bring:
- leadership and reliability
- community‑minded values
- strong teamwork and problem‑solving
- experience in safeguarding, public protection and logistics
- the ability to deliver under pressure
Many councils proudly describe themselves as forces‑friendly employers and work hard to make their recruitment processes accessible to veterans.
What kind of roles can veterans enter?
There are opportunities at every level, including:
- community safety
- emergency planning
- housing services
- transport and logistics
- youth and community work
- environmental services
- project management
- HR, finance, IT and digital roles
- regulatory and inspection roles
Whether you want something frontline or office‑based, fast‑paced or analytical, councils offer a huge variety.
Why this public sector career route suits veterans
Councils value armed forces community experience.
Many offer guaranteed interview schemes for veterans (check your local area).
Some run employment support and signposting apps.
They understand military life and its pressures on families.
They recognise new skills brought by reservists and veterans.
How to get started
Visit the website for the council where you want to work.
Search for ‘Armed Forces Covenant’ or ‘forces-friendly employer’.
Look at local job boards for current vacancies.
If you’re unsure, contact the council’s HR or armed forces lead – they’re used to helping veterans navigate opportunities.
This is a sector where your service is seen as a strength, not something you have to explain away.
Which public sector career routes is right for you?
| Career route | Best if you want… |
|---|---|
| Great Place to Work for Veterans | Structured roles, clear progression, and a guaranteed opportunity to demonstrate your suitability. |
| Going Forward into Employment Scheme | Cross‑government roles, a supported entry route, and pathways for veterans and military spouses or partners. |
| Advance into Justice | Frontline, people‑focused work with structure and long‑term progression. |
| Local authorities | Community‑based roles, local impact and a wide range of career options. |
Tips for selling your military experience
Translate job titles into plain English.
Use STAR (Situation–Task–Action–Result) examples.
Highlight leadership, safeguarding, communication and risk management.
Show how you adapt quickly and improve systems.
Emphasise teamwork, integrity and accountability.
You’re not starting again. You’re transferring a proven track record of professionalism into a new environment.
You’ve served your country: now bring your skills to public service
Whether you want to join the Civil Service, step into the justice sector or contribute to your local community through council work, the public sector is full of opportunities tailored for veterans.