Compass marks Armed Forces Week 2025

This week, Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK’s largest food and support services company recognised Armed Forces Week - highlighting its long-standing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, both within and outside of the organisation. The business has over 1,000 colleagues with an Armed Forces connection and its active Armed Forces Committee identifies what is needed to support its thriving Armed Forces community.

Activities that have taken place to mark Armed Forces Week included:

Camilla Howard, Co-Chair of the Armed Forces Committee took part in the Military Spouse UK (MilSPo) podcast, talking about her work on the Compass Armed Forces Committee.
Held an Armed Forces community lunch and networking meeting with Robin Mills, CEO, Compass Group UK & Ireland and members of the UK & Ireland executive team. Over 100 members of the Compass Armed Forces Community – made up of Veterans, Reservists, Spouses and Cadet Instructors came together to hear from Co-Chairs of the Armed Forces Committee – Camilla Howard and Angela Lewis. They shared an update on the ongoing activity, initiatives and contributions that continue to make a positive impact on the community, both within and outside of Compass. Attendees also heard from colleagues from the Armed Forces community based around the country via “Roving Reporters” dialling in.
British Forces in Business Awards 2025 - was awarded “Highly Commended” in the 'Advocate of the Year (Business)’ category at last night’s awards. The event is the world’s largest celebration of veterans in second careers, with winners chosen from a record-breaking 950+ nominations. The commendation is a result of Compass’ work as a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, which includes a number of pledges in relation to supporting those currently serving in the forces, veterans and Armed Forces families. These range from paid leave for reservists and tailored support for military spouses, veterans’ breakfasts, Forces Families Days and a growing internal network.
Compass Group UK & Ireland has also been included in the top 50 “Great British Employers of Veterans Guide”. The comprehensive guide of leading companies can be used by military veterans and other members of the Armed Forces family as they look to build a meaningful career outside of the Armed Forces.

Last year, Compass was awarded Gold revalidation of the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme status. This achievement signified Compass' ongoing commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community, having originally signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2016 and achieved Gold status in 2018. Work in this area includes its Spouse Policy, which supports military spouses with job relocations, extra leave for deployments and recognition through an annual Spouses Day. This was expanded last year with the launch of Spouse & Advocacy roundtable events, sharing best practice with over 20 companies to inspire similar initiatives, fostering a growing movement of cross-sector collaboration.

In April, Compass was honoured to win the ‘Business Award’ at the Celebrating Forces Families Awards, in recognition of the key initiatives that have been implemented in support of the global Armed Forces community.

Camilla Howard, Co-Chair of Armed Forces network said: “As an RAF veteran and Army spouse myself, this is an important week for me and my family, as well as colleagues, clients and customers. It was wonderful to bring together the many different people who make up our Armed Forces community in Compass, providing an opportunity for support networks to be made, as well as sharing ideas and best practice in this area.

“Whether our colleagues are Veterans, Reservists, Spouses or Cadet Instructors, they all bring a fantastic can-do attitude, resilience and team spirit. Our Armed Forces Committee is proud to represent them and do all that we can to ensure the right support is in place, whether they are adjusting to life as a civilian or coping with a partner on deployment.”