Adecco and Akkodis have been selected by Serco to assist in providing recruitment services for the UK’s Armed Forces. This groundbreaking approach will introduce the first-ever joint recruitment service for the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, including Strategic Command roles. The contract marks a major step forward in modernising the recruitment process.
As members of ‘Team Serco’, Adecco and Akkodis will join a consortium of partners led by Serco, the international provider of critical government services and prime contractor for the contract. Together, they will deliver a comprehensive, end-to-end recruitment service, covering everything from candidate attraction and assessment to enlistment and onboarding onto initial training. The initiative will involve a blended workforce, including military personnel, and the management of all Armed Forces Career Centres across the UK.
The group brings together leading technology and specialist partners to create a holistic recruitment and skills solution. Adecco will be handling candidate management through to onboarding, while Akkodis will have responsibility for delivery of the IT solution and integration of all the different components of the tech stack. The collaboration is designed to accelerate the recruitment process, enhance the candidate experience, and meet the evolving needs of the Ministry of Defence, ensuring the Armed Forces have the talent and capabilities required to meet future challenges.
Commenting on the selection, Niki Turner-Harding, Country Head, Adecco UK & Ireland, said: “We’re honoured to partner with Serco and our consortium partners to lead the charge in redefining Armed Forces recruitment, and we’re extremely proud of what we’ve built together. Both Adecco and Akkodis have a long history of working with the UK Public Sector and supporting the MOD, and bring to the table knowledge, expertise and a sterling track record of challenging the status quo.
“Through ‘Team Serco’, we’re leveraging the best of both technology and experience to create a candidate-at-the-heart approach, underpinned by data. It’s a partnership that underscores our commitment to driving meaningful change and making work mean more.”
Dave Harwood, Head of Operations, Akkodis, added: “We’re proud to play a pivotal role in this transformative initiative. As principal digital solution integrator, we’re able to combine our deep technical expertise with innovative solutions, helping to build a candidate-centric, digital first and future-ready recruitment system that meets the evolving needs of the UK Armed Forces. We’re excited to support the delivery of a seamless, integrated recruitment experience that empowers both candidates and the Armed Forces.”
Other partners include Pegasystems, TMP, Optima Health, PA Consulting and Military Preparation College for Training (MPCT), and the selection follows a rigorous competitive process. A 21-month mobilisation period is expected to begin in April 2025 with the new service commencing in early 2027.
