Compass Group

Compass Group UK & Ireland is a global leader in catering and support services, employing 55,000 people across its six UK sectors. With a focus on facilities management, cleaning, vending, guest services and catering, Compass delivers behind-the-scenes expertise that supports countless businesses, institutions and communities. Alongside this operational excellence is a deep commitment to the Armed Forces community, recognising the unique value that veterans, reservists and military families bring to its business.

Identifying veteran employees, Compass proactively identifies members of the Armed Forces community from the very beginning of the employment journey. New starter forms capture whether applicants are veterans, reservists, spouses or other members of the military family, ensuring support and tracking is built into the onboarding process. This allows internal teams, including resourcing and HR, to offer tailored help and highlight appropriate development opportunities. Recruiting veterans, veteran recruitment at Compass is strategic and well-networked.

The company promotes its roles on platforms such as Forces Families Jobs, Career Transition Partnership (CTP), the White Ensign Association, and the Forces Employment Charity. It also runs bespoke webinars for service leavers and produces a comprehensive Resettlement Pack to support their transition. Work experience placements are actively promoted, offering veterans a hands-on route to finding their ideal role. These placements are supplemented by “work experience chats” with internal recruiters, helping veterans and military family members understand the business and find the right fit.

Compass also includes Armed Forces-specific links on its own website, offering further accessibility for military applicants. Dedicated pathways, at the heart of Compass’s Armed Forces commitment is a structured, supportive recruitment and onboarding system. A veterans recruitment pillar within its internal Social Partner Hub automatically diverts queries and applications to experienced resourcing team members who understand military CVs and career paths. The variety of roles across Compass’s six sectors – from hospitality to facilities management – ensures that there is something for almost every background and skillset. Those joining the business are offered access to webinars, CV support, and practical guidance to navigate the transition into civilian employment.