Forces Employment Charity appoints Matt Bazeley OBE as new Chief Executive

The Forces Employment Charity has announced the appointment of Matt Bazeley OBE as its new Chief Executive, marking the next chapter in the charity’s 141-year history of supporting the Armed Forces community.

Matt, who retired from the Army in 2022 as a Brigadier, brings more than 30 years of military, leadership and strategic experience to the role. Since enlisting in 1992, he has served around the world, including deployments to Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Afghanistan, South Asia and Africa.

During his Army career, Matt completed an MBA (Defence) with Cranfield University, became a Fellow of the Institution of Royal Engineers, and developed extensive expertise in operational and strategic planning. He also held numerous senior leadership appointments, including during multiple tours of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Following his retirement from the Army, Matt became Chief Executive of the Civil Service Sports Council, where he led wide-ranging governance improvements and business model enhancements designed to improve the experience of members.

In March 2025, Matt was appointed to a voluntary, non-executive role as Chair of BaseballSoftball UK, helping to support grassroots development of the sports and prepare national teams for competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Matt remains closely connected to the Armed Forces community. He serves as Vice President of the Royal Engineers Association and Chair of its Benevolence Committee. He is also President of Royal Engineers Cricket and represents Oxfordshire Cricket at Over-50s level.

Speaking about his appointment, Matt said:

“I am honoured to have been appointed as the next Chief Executive of the Forces Employment Charity. It is an organisation with a proud heritage that provides a truly transformative impact to veterans and their families as they seek civilian employment – something I personally experienced as I left the military in 2022.

“Building on its strong foundations and recent growth, I look forward to working with colleagues to deliver its vital mission at national scale. I am particularly focused on strengthening partnerships, expanding sustainable opportunities, and ensuring lasting impact for the Armed Forces community.”

Matt will take up the position at the end of July, following a transition period with outgoing Chief Executive Alistair Halliday, who is retiring after more than seven years leading the charity.

Ben Farrell, Chair of the Forces Employment Charity, said:

“On behalf of the Board, I would like to express our deep gratitude to Alistair for his extraordinary leadership, passion and dedication. He has not only strengthened this charity, but his unwavering belief in those we support has spurred us on to make an even greater impact on the Armed Forces community. His legacy will be felt for many years to come, and we wish him a very happy and much-deserved retirement.

“Thanks to the foundations laid by Alistair, we are looking forward to an exciting future. Matt joins us at a time of real momentum, and we are confident that his experience, energy, and commitment to the military community will guide this charity into a new phase with purpose and ambition.”