Case Study: Serco Group plc boosts Armed Forces support and reservist engagement with NHS Employers

Serco's golden commitment to the Armed Forces

Serco Group plc, a UK public services company with more than 30,000 employees, wanted to strengthen its support for reservists, veterans and other Armed Forces personnel while balancing the operational needs of the business. Working with NHS Employers, the company aimed to formalize its commitment through the Armed Forces Covenant and build a more military-friendly workplace that could attract and retain reservists.

NHS Employers highlighted Serco’s solution: a comprehensive support package for reservists, including 12 additional days of paid leave for training, manager guidance, skills recognition in performance reviews, internal networking, public promotion of reservist opportunities, and stronger links with local reserve units. The approach helped Serco earn an Employer Recognition Scheme gold award in January 2016, and the company reported benefits such as improved skills, productivity, motivation and reduced absence among reservists, with a further goal of increasing reservist and female reservist participation.

Serco Group plc