UKAEA Group signs Armed Forces Covenant

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group – comprising the UKAEA National Fusion Laboratory and UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) – has demonstrated its commitment to supporting UK military, veterans, and their families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant.

Growing the fusion skills pipeline is a key priority of the recently released UK Fusion Strategy. To help support this, UKAEA has become increasingly proactive in seeking to attract veterans into the fusion sector, recognising the many transferrable skills developed in the armed forces which can be utilised in bringing fusion energy to the grid.

These include mechanical and electrical technical skills, logistics and project management, and leadership and culture, all of which are in high demand across the fusion sector.

To raise awareness among the military community, UKAEA’s Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) programme has attended a number of career events for Service Personnel seeking to take the next step in their career journey. In addition, during January 2026 FOSTER hosted 40 soon-to-leave or just-left armed forces personnel at Culham Campus, where they heard about pathways into fusion and met a similar number of veterans already working at UKAEA.

The signing was facilitated by Louis Szreider, Defence Relationship Manager from the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations (SERFCA). Wing Commander Alice Tierney, Station Commander at RAF Benson, co-signed the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of Ministry of Defence.

Justin Kingsford, Chief Operating Officer at UKAEA, said:

We are proud to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant, reaffirming our commitment to supporting serving personnel, reservists, veterans, and their families.

As a veteran myself, I recognise the strong cultural connection between the Armed Forces and the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Both are mission-driven organisations, united by a commitment to serve something greater than ourselves.

We share values that underpin success in challenging environments: teamwork, innovation, integrity, selfless commitment, and the ability to operate confidently in the face of uncertainty. Whether protecting our nation or advancing the future of sustainable fusion energy, success depends on people working together towards an ambitious and inspiring purpose.

The skills, experience and leadership that members of the Armed Forces community bring are invaluable, and I am proud that UKAEA is formally recognising and strengthening its support for those who serve, have served, and their families.

Ryan Ramsey, Director of Organisational Performance at UKFE, said:

As a former submarine captain I know first-hand how highly trained the UK armed forces are across a variety of disciplines and a wealth of skills and experience, all of which will be important in delivering the STEP Mission and bringing fusion energy to the grid.

As we develop STEP Fusion as the country’s prototype fusion powerplant we know that our veterans can make a positive and tangible impact.

Louis Szreider, Defence Relationship Manager, South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, said:

Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is a fantastic commitment that creates mutually beneficial partnerships between Defence and employers. By signing today, UK Atomic Energy Authority and UK Fusion Energy are pledging to ensure those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect. We are delighted to welcome both to the forces-friendly employer community, unlocking valuable skills and creating new opportunities for the Armed Forces community.

For more information about the Armed Forces Covenant visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk

For more information about careers at UKAEA and UKFE visit www.careers.ukaea.uk