Serco announced it has selected Adecco and Akkodis to support recruitment for the UK’s armed forces.

The contract has an estimated value of £1.0 billion over the initial seven-year term and up to £1.5 billion should the Ministry of Defence (MOD) elect to exercise all three one-year extension options beyond the initial term.

The contract marks the first-ever joint hiring service for the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and strategic command roles. The initiative aims to modernise and streamline military recruitment.

Adecco and Akkodis will join a consortium of partners led by Serco, an 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.

Akkodis is the technology consulting unit of the Adecco Group. Akkodis recently acquired Australia-based Barhead Solutions and US-based Raland Compliance Partners.

The initiative will involve a blended workforce, including military personnel, and the management of all armed forces career centres across the UK.

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. 

“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,” Niki Turner-Harding, Country Head, Adecco UK & Ireland, said in a press release. “Both Adecco and Akkodis have a long history of working with the UK public sector and supporting the MOD (Ministry of Defence), and bring to the table knowledge, expertise and a sterling track record of challenging the status quo.”

The firms said 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.

We’re proud to play a pivotal role in this transformative initiative,” Dave Harwood, Head of Operations, Akkodis, said. “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 in ‘TEAM Serco’ include:

• enterprise transformation and platform solution provider, Pegasystems,
• recruitment marketing agency, TMP,
• employee health assessment provider, Optima Health,
• professional services/consulting firm, PA Consulting, and
• vocational education and training provider, Military Preparation College for Training (MPCT)

A 21-month mobilisation period is expected to begin in April 2025 with the new service commencing in early 2027.

SIA reached out to Adecco for further comment.