RBVE Impact Report 2025

Impact Report 2025

Chairman’s Foreword

2025 marked a major milestone for the charity, now Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE). The new name better reflects the mission: to create jobs, provide homes, and build inclusive communities that empower veterans and people with disabilities to live independently.

Three years into our strategy, I’m proud to say we’ve made significant progress. We’ve sharpened our operations, strengthened financial sustainability, and deepened our impact across every division. Across leaner, more focused teams, we’re delivering life-changing support with clarity and purpose.

This year we changed our charity’s name. It was essential for us to do this. In an age of digital searching, we had to differentiate so that our beneficiaries can find us, and our vital services, more quickly and more easily. But I must stress that only our name has changed. All our services, including our Lifeworks programme, remain the same.

This year saw the completion of key facilities within The Centenary Village, including the Army Benevolent Fund Community Centre. This is a vibrant new space with an accessible gym, welcoming café, and the Sir Donald Gosling IT Training Centre. It’s already a thriving hub for recovery, personal growth, and connection.

Our social enterprise model continues to grow, offering paid employment and skills development to veterans and people with disabilities. We’ve shown that inclusive workspaces don’t just change lives but also raise expectations across the UK for veteran care and disability employment.

On a personal note, I want to thank Barratt Redrow, BAE Systems, and the thousands who took part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out. Once again, this campaign exceeded all expectations, raising awareness and vital funds to tackle veteran homelessness head-on.

VE and VJ Day served as powerful reminders of why our work matters. They honour the sacrifices of the past and reinforce our duty to support veterans today. That legacy lives on in the jobs we create, the homes we provide, and the communities we build.

To all RBVE staff and supporters: thank you for helping us deliver real change. It’s clear to see that this exceptional charity has a very bright future.

Steve Rowbotham Chairman November 2025

Chief Executive’s Foreword

This year has been transformative. With our strategy now firmly embedded, we’re building on our momentum, expanding our reach, and deepening our impact. The announcement of our new name, Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE), better reflects not just who we are, but how we work.

We’ve made major strides this year. We completed fundraising for The Centenary Village, our £28 million capital development project that will provide an additional 100 homes for 100 veterans and their families by 2027. These are homes built to the standard every veteran deserves and rooted in community.

Meanwhile, planning permission for our new £15 million social enterprise factory has been approved, and we’re on track to create hundreds of new jobs and skills opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities once completed. We know that employment is about more than income; it’s a pathway to independence.

This year, our Reducing Veteran Homelessness study evidenced that 72% of veterans who transition to independent living do so because they’ve secured paid work. It’s why employability remains at the core of everything we do.

RBVE continues to be agile and responsive to changing needs. This year, we opened the UK’s first multi-occupancy home for female Forces veterans, offering wraparound support and employment within walking distance. We’re proud to be setting the pace for social value delivery, aligning with the Government’s Procurement Act and raising expectations across the UK for veteran care and disability employment.

In 2025, we measured our wider impact using the nationally recognised TOMS (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) Framework, which quantifies the social value created through improved health, mental health outcomes and job creation. I am proud to say that our work achieved £2.4 million in social impact across disability employment in our factories, reinforcing what our own data

shows: when people with disabilities secure stable, meaningful work, the benefits extend far beyond the individual’s health, wellbeing and participation to generate real savings for society.

This Remembrance, with war still devastating Ukraine, we have all been acutely aware of the need for our Armed Forces and grateful for the freedoms they protect.

We also take a moment to reflect on the incredible life of our dear colleague and friend, Judy Barsby, whose passing deeply touched us all. Judy was a cherished member of our fulfilment team and a much-loved beneficiary of our charity. She brought warmth, determination, and a radiant energy to everything she did. Her presence reminded us daily of the purpose behind our shared mission, and her story was one of strength, kindness, and irrepressible joy. Judy’s legacy reaches far beyond her role. She was a beacon of resilience and positivity, often the source of laughter in the room and always ready with a kind word. She never let adversity dim her enthusiasm, and her commitment to her team and to RBVE was unwavering. She will be deeply missed.

To our supporters: you’ve shown that people do care what happens to our Forces after service, and people do believe in creating opportunities for them. We couldn’t do any of this without you.

Lisa Farmer, OBE Chief Executive November 2025

Impact

£2.4 million generated in social value impact across disability employment in our factories

100% occupancy in our purpose-built homes

300+ veterans and their families live in our village

150+ veterans enjoying membership at our new Summit Gym

134 beneficiaries working in our social enterprise

Over 70% of our social enterprise workforce are veterans and/or disabled

£7.5m secured and pledged by donors

1,000+ veterans and spouses reached via the Lifeworks programme 475 people supported with intensive work coaching

14,500 people fundraised through The Great Tommy Sleep Out

5,000 hours given by our volunteers

80% of Lifeworks participants moved into paid work, training, or volunteering within a year

250,000 road, rail, and commercial signs manufactured per year through our social enterprise

Our Reach

Our Legacy

Since 1919, our mission has always been consistent: to create jobs, provide homes, and build communities to empower veterans to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Through our work with disabled veterans, we’ve been able to extend that support to others facing similar barriers and now also offer stable employment to non-veterans with disabilities within our social enterprise factories.

RBVE was founded to support WWI soldiers discharged with tuberculosis. Preston Hall became a specialist hospital for veterans, marking the beginning of the RBVE Village we still have today.

Her Royal Highness

The Duchess of Kent visited the Village and became Patron, strengthening our long-standing Royal support. 1956

An on-site factory began manufacturing wooden toys and soap, employing veterans in the village and enabling them to support their families. This was the start of our social enterprise model, providing work opportunities. 1921

1960s

RBVE’s factory expanded to include a cutting-edge reflective signs department, employing hundreds of workers with disabilities. This growth laid the foundations for the manufacturing legacy we continue today.

Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II bestowed the Royal prefix, recognising our national contribution to veteran support and communities.

1980s-1990s

We built more homes tailored to different needs: emergency accommodation, supported living, and long-term homes. This ensures veterans can access the right support at the right time.

RBVE delivered major national programmes supporting disabled people into work, becoming a national expert in disability employment.

To mark the WWI centenary, artist Martin Barraud created a powerful installation in Penshurst, placing Tommy figures in every pew of the village church. Each figure represented a young man communities had lost.

Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited The Centenary Village, our £28 million development that will deliver 100 new homes for veterans and their families by 2027.

The Princess Royal opened 40 brand-new homes at the Centenary Village, meeting veterans, supporters, and corporate partners. During her visit, she asked: “How do we replicate this community all over the UK?”

We launched Lifeworks in partnership with The Parachute Regiment to support injured Afghanistan veterans. Today, Lifeworks reaches more than 1,000 injured and sick Armed Forces veterans every year, as well as military family members.

RBVE’s social enterprise is rebranded as Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), operating factories in Kent and Surrey. In 2018, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC) opened its doors.

The Tommy Club launched during the COVID pandemic. The Great Tommy Sleep Out, growth of Tommy merchandise, and VE Day 75 Tommy in the Window campaign all help keep disadvantaged veterans in work.

Our name changed to Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE) and planning permission is secured for a new state- of-the-art social enterprise factory.

What We Do

We create jobs, provide homes, and build communities to empower veterans and people with disabilities to achieve independence and take charge of their future.

We know that paid work is key to achieving independence.

Our Reducing Veteran Homelessness study found that 72% of those who successfully moved into independent living did so because they had paid work. That’s why we place employability for veterans and people with disabilities at the heart of everything we do.

Our charity is ambitious in the belief that people overcoming life-changing injuries, long-term health conditions, learning difficulties, and the transition to civilian life after service can live independently and thrive in employment. No other charity invests as deeply in employment pathways for those facing the toughest barriers to work.

But getting a job alone is not always enough. Without secure housing, paid work can quickly become unstable. For many veterans who face housing insecurity and isolation, this becomes a real risk. It’s why we don’t stop at creating jobs. We provide homes and build communities to ensure independence is sustainable.

We are agile, innovative, and bold. We change what doesn’t work. We deliver results. And we’re asking philanthropists to back our vision and real social impact.

More than 300 veterans and their families live in tailored homes within our Kent village.

Our veteran village and work communities bring together people of all ages and backgrounds.

72% of those who successfully moved into independent living from our village did so because they had paid work.

Creating Jobs

We are fundraising £15 million to scale our social enterprise and create new job opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities.

We know that paid work is the turning point, the moment independence becomes possible. That’s why creating jobs is a core part of what we do.

Across our social enterprises, we employ veterans and people with disabilities to deliver high-quality work for national clients across manufacturing, embroidery, print, and fulfilment services. Beyond the factory floor, Lifeworks helps veterans and military families find lasting employment.

Social Enterprise

RBVE’s social enterprises, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC) create real opportunities for confidence, independence, and stability. More than 70% (105 people) of our paid workforce are veterans, people with disabilities, or both. Many have faced barriers to employment: low confidence, inaccessible recruitment processes, or employers overlooking military and disability-related experience. At RBVE, they find skilled roles, supportive teams, and workplaces where they can thrive.

Together, our factories champion British manufacturing, national pride, and disability employment, contributing £2.4 million in social value each year.

The New Procurement Act

In February 2025, the Government’s Social Procurement Act came into force for all national projects, placing social value at the heart of every stage of the supply chain. It’s a shift that plays directly to RBVE’s strengths: social impact is built into our ISO-certified manufacturing model.

For partners, that means a straightforward way to meet social value and ESG expectations without compromising on quality or reliability. Working with RBVE delivers measurable impact and exceptional delivery, every time.

Sector Reach

Our factories produce over 250,000 road, rail, and commercial signs each year, supplying major infrastructure projects and clients. This year, our teams produced over 140,000 square metres of road, rail, and commercial signage.

In 2025, we celebrated 60 years of partnership with Network Rail and saw the National Highways Social Value Challenge double to £1.6 million. Our signage and manufacturing services are helping more clients meet their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals and improve their Armed Forces Covenant rankings.

Meanwhile, our Solar Tommy, a symbol of remembrance and respect, is now stocked in more than 70 garden centres nationwide.

Trusted by:

Investing in infrastructure

Strategic investment in new machinery has increased production capacity and created more work opportunities for our beneficiaries.

At Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) in Aylesford, the addition of a CNC cutter and Bubble-Free Roller has launched our new Traffic Management Signage cell.

At BBMC Leatherhead, two new embroidery machines are already producing branded merchandise.

And at Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC), a second Mimaki flatbed printer and laminator are enhancing output for reflective and commercial signage.

John Scott Charitable Trust

Scottish Veterans Fund

Retail

rbveshop.org continues to grow as demand for our products increases. The shop generates a rising share of our charitable income and provides consistent employment for veterans and people with disabilities.

Supporters choose rbveshop.org because every purchase has purpose. Increased demand this year has strengthened our social enterprises, created more paid roles, and brought our mission into homes and communities across the UK.

George, BBMC Kent

George first came to Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) to gain work experience and build his confidence. He had never worked before, but he wanted the chance to contribute, learn and be part of a team.

George spoke about what mattered most to him: being part of a team and knowing that the work he did made a difference. That sense of purpose helped him grow in confidence and capability, and it was clear to the team that he had more to offer.

George is now employed full-time as a Manufacturing Operative, packing shop orders as part of our social enterprise workforce.

Employment and Progression

This year, we created new positions for two permanent bank veterans, one team leader, and two trainees in Scotland, one of whom is now permanent. As a Disability Confident employer and Real Living Wage organisation, we ensure that every team member is supported fairly. On average, we provide 1.5+ support staff per beneficiary employee, offering personal and professional development opportunities that help individuals thrive.

Judy, BBMC Kent

Judy sadly passed away in 2025, having worked at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company for over a decade. During her life, she suffered from health conditions, including epilepsy, as well as severe anxiety about travelling on the train. This did not stop her from getting to work. Judy was an affectionate and gregarious person who loved people, and she is deeply missed by all her colleagues. She loved to tease people by giving them nicknames and lit up the room with her cheeky banter. During the summer, in the run-up to Remembrance, she spoke about what her work on Tommy products meant to her. “It’s important to get out and to be with people and be confident. If people are sick, I phone them up and I say “get back in here”. I do. It’s boring being at home. I enjoy it here because it feels like family sometimes. I love what I do with the Tommies. The solar light Tommy especially, that’s my creation. I like to meet guests who visit us and celebrities. When I get paid, I treat myself to Tottenham stuff. I like key rings. I collect them. And I like Harry Kane.”

Rest in peace, Judy, our dear colleague and friend.

Anil, BBMC Kent

Aged just 23, Anil was serving in Afghanistan when he stepped on an IED and lost his leg. He thought his life was over. But after rehabilitation, he found a new beginning with RBVE.

We welcomed Anil into Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), our social enterprise supporting veterans and people with disabilities. Today, he works as an Operations Administrator, part of the team producing road, rail, and commercial signs for clients across the UK.

Anil is always pushing himself and has competed in the Invictus Games twice, bringing home a GB gold medal and a GB silver medal. He has also reached Everest Base Camp, and has completed the 150km Tommy Ride to Ypres.

With RBVE’s support, Anil is now undertaking a business apprenticeship at MidKent College to further progress his career at BBMC.

£2.4 million generated in social value* by employing people with disabilities in our social enterprise

Neil, BBMC Surrey

When Neil joined the Leatherhead factory in October 2012, he brought with him years of experience from Remploy—an organisation that supported disabled workers until its nationwide factory closures. What could have been a moment of uncertainty instead became the start of a new chapter. With RBVE’s support and an inclusive workplace environment, Neil has been able to continue developing his skills, independence, and confidence.

Today, Neil is recognised as one of the factory’s most versatile and reliable team members. His all-round capability has made him a key part of the operation, and his willingness to learn ensures he is always ready to step into new roles as the business evolves.

Anton, SBMC

Anton served seven years in the Royal Artillery, including two tours of Iraq. After sustaining severe chemical burns during training and later being diagnosed with complex PTSD, he struggled to find stability after leaving the Forces.

Supported by our Training Manager, he is now on track to complete his NVQ Level 2 in Performing Manufacturing Operations, alongside additional qualifications in Health & Safety, Fire Safety, and forklift driving.

He has also become a positive force for others — setting up a weekly badminton club and taking part in fundraising events, including the Great Tommy Sleep Out and a 40km Tommy Trek, raising more than £2,600 for veterans in need.

With the stability of full-time employment, he is now planning a long-awaited trip to New York with his son.

* We measure our social value using the nationally recognised TOMS (Themes, Outcomes and Measures) Framework, widely used across UK public-sector procurement. TOMS provides standardised measures and financial proxies that allow social, economic and environmental outcomes to be quantified in a consistent and auditable way. Our 2025 figure is based on verified activity data and reflects the TOMS measures applied to all our work as we continue to embed the framework across RBVE.

A new development

RBVE has taken a bold step forward with planning permission secured for a state-of-the-art factory in Kent. This £15 million development will expand our capacity and create hundreds of new jobs and skills opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities.

The new site will also include a dedicated Training Academy that will support hundreds of people each year to build skills, gain confidence, and take their next step into employment.

The facility is being built to BREEAM Excellent standards, reflecting our commitment to sustainable growth. We are creating a space designed for the future: sustainable, inclusive and ambitious.

This development marks an important moment in RBVE’s history, but it also reflects what we have done for decades. We invest in people. We build potential. We create the foundations for long-term independence.

Defence Dinner

In June, RBVE welcomed leaders from across the UK Defence sector to highlight the impact of our work and the scale of our ambition.

Attendees gave strong backing to our new factory plans and recognised the opportunity to expand employment for veterans and people with disabilities. Their support reflected real confidence in RBVE’s approach and in the growth of our social enterprise model.

We are grateful to all who attended, including representatives from the Ministry of Defence. We extend particular thanks to Andy Start, National Armaments Director, Jim Carter, Director General for Commercial and Industry, and Julie Brettell, Supply Chain Director, for championing the drive to embed social value across the Defence supply chain.

Beyond our factory walls, our award-winning Lifeworks programme helps veterans and military families find lasting and meaningful employment that reflects their true interests.

For every unemployed veteran who moves into paid work, society benefits by at least £39,000* per person through reduced welfare costs and increased local spending.

*This figure is drawn from a 2023 evaluation of Lifeworks by Community Enterprise, which reviewed outcomes for 5,138 participants and conducted a 12-month, in-depth study of 100 veterans.

80% of Lifeworks participants secure paid work, training, or volunteering within 12 months

Removing Barriers

Lifeworks is designed to be accessible, stigma-free and shaped by real experience. Since 2011, the programme has helped 6,600 unemployed veterans all over the UK. The team is made up of veterans and people from the wider Armed Forces community, so participants feel understood and supported from the moment they arrive. Regular DWP Armed Forces Champion surgeries give veterans direct access to employment advice and benefits support in a familiar and welcoming environment.

We are also challenging the barriers that hold people back, especially the belief that military skills do not translate into civilian work. Lifeworks helps veterans reframe their experience in ways employers recognise, building confidence and opening the door to lasting employment.

64% of participants have mental health challenges

Sector Collaboration

RBVE is a trusted voice in national employment discussions, with Lifeworks playing a central role in aligning the sector and engaging employers. His Majesty King Charles III publicly recognised Lifeworks for its impact in supporting veterans through transition, reflecting the strength and credibility of our approach.

We contribute actively to Cobseo cluster work, offering insight and strategy on how to reach underserved veteran communities and improve outcomes across the sector. Our work is supported in part by long-standing partners such as The Army Benevolent Fund, demonstrating shared commitment to improving the lives of veterans and their families.

We also collaborate extensively with the Op Fortitude network of emergency housing providers to help homeless veterans find work when they are ready, Op Courage to support veterans who are managing severe mental health conditions, and Op Nova to help veterans through the criminal justice system. Collaboration remains a core part of how we drive change. Partnerships with organisations such as Positive Transition and Reflections help us share best practice and strengthen support for disadvantaged veterans. This joined-up approach is also delivering real results in the workplace.

38% have at least one physical disability

Companies like Alcaline UK are now hiring Lifeworks graduates, improving their Armed Forces Covenant status and embedding inclusive employment within their operations.

Expanding Reach and Inclusion

Lifeworks expanded its reach this year, strengthening both its footprint and the depth of support offered to veterans and their families. New delivery locations, including a flagship event in Gateshead, broadened access and helped us connect with communities that have historically been underserved. The Family-focused programme also grew significantly, particularly among Commonwealth and BME families.

Our online programme continued to extend Lifeworks’ global reach, supporting families overseas from Kenya to Cyprus. This flexibility ensures that veterans can access guidance wherever life takes them and reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are.

With thanks to:

Lifeworks is helping veterans of all ages and backgrounds to turn their lives around every day.

David has been working hard to overcome bipolar disorder. With support from Lifeworks, he secured a role with the AA as a mechanic. He’s absolutely delighted with the opportunity and proud to be back in work doing something he loves. It’s a huge step forward, and his confidence is growing every day.

Sarah, a female veteran and former army nurse, had been struggling with anxiety and depression. Lifeworks helped her secure a paid bus driver role in May, and things are going really well. She’s enjoying the structure, the responsibility, and the financial stability. It’s good money, and she’s starting to feel like herself again.

Ciaran is overcoming PTSD and has been working as a paid trainee electrician for a national electrical firm since May, following a Lifeworks programme. He’s finding purpose in the role and is building up his skills and routine. It’s a solid foundation and a hopeful new chapter.

Marc has been managing anxiety and depression. With guidance from Lifeworks and his Forward Assist coach, he secured employment building kitchens for a national company. On a recent call, he shared that he has moved out of social housing and into a flat with his girlfriend. It’s an exciting milestone, and he’s feeling positive about the future.

Graham, a Royal Navy veteran, lives with diabetes and health anxiety. He’s now employed by the local council, working in the management of sensitive documents. Lifeworks helped him identify a role that suits his strengths and offers stability. He’s very motivated and proud to be contributing to society.

Chris, an RAF veteran and weapons expert who served for 22 years, thought he was unemployable because of his age. Lifeworks helped him reframe his experience and explore new options. He is now working in the NHS managing patient safety, a brilliant fit that makes

excellent use of his skills.

Danielle, a 28-year-old female veteran, had been living with low confidence due to her dyslexia and dyspraxia. With her husband still serving, she spent a lot of time on her own and felt she was unemployable. Lifeworks helped her access a role in a farm shop in March, and she’s absolutely thriving. Her manager has been incredibly supportive, and she’s built a new social network. Her confidence has blossomed.

Helen, the spouse of a serving army member, contacted Lifeworks after being a stay-at-home mum for 16 years. She felt her identity had narrowed and wasn’t sure how to re-enter the workforce. Lifeworks supported her with CV writing, interview preparation, and navigating a job market that had changed significantly. She realised her experience was highly transferable. She is now employed full-time, working as a receptionist and tour guide. Her background in acting and voiceover has made her tours especially engaging.

Claire, originally from New Caledonia near Fiji, speaks French as her first language. Her husband served in the New Zealand Army before transferring to the British Army, and they both relocated to the UK. She faced significant barriers to employment, including a heavy accent and a five-page CV. Lifeworks helped her refine her CV, build interview techniques, and develop strategies to manage language challenges, including how to buy time and rephrase questions when she felt stuck. She described freezing in early interviews, but with support from our tutors, she gained confidence. Since completing the programme, she is now employed by the NHS as an Imaging Support Worker.

*Names and some identifiable elements have been changed to protect anonymity.

Providing Homes

Homes built to the standard we believe every person deserves, especially those who have served.

Paid work opportunities at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC), one of RBVE’s social enterprise factories, are less than a kilometre away. It’s safe, accessible, and designed to help people rebuild and move forward.

Thanks to philanthropic donations, our Centenary Village is growing each year. By 2027, we will have spent

£28 million to provide modern and communityfocused homes for veterans and their families.

Without a stable home, everything else becomes harder. When you can’t find somewhere safe to sleep and eat, it’s harder to succeed and progress at work. For some, that instability can lead to job loss. It’s a stark reminder that without secure housing, even paid work can slip away.

Our housing model exists to change that. From emergency accommodation to long-term homes, we create environments where veterans can recover, connect with other veterans of all ages, and find employment.

The Army Benevolent Fund Community Centre

The recently completed Army Benevolent Fund Community Centre is at the heart of our Centenary Village development. Built for connection, it’s a place that encourages veterans of all ages and their families to come together. It includes an accessible gym, IT centre, and café.

Summit Gym

The Centre includes an accessible gym with 150 active members, 79% of whom are veterans between the ages of 19 and 76. 85% attend the gym regularly.

Sir Donald Gosling IT Centre

The Vice-Admiral Sir Donald Gosling IT Learning Centre provides access to Lifeworks, laptops, and high-speed internet. CXK Future Proof sessions were hosted here for a three-month period, supporting young people aged 16-25 into vocational opportunities.

The Centenary Village is a national award-winning project that is setting a new standard for veteran housing and care. Supported entirely by donations, it will deliver 100 new homes for 100 veterans and their families by 2027.

The Village offers tailored accommodation for people at every stage. Emergency housing provides immediate safety for veterans in crisis or facing homelessness, including the first female-only veteran residence in the UK with direct employment pathways. Independent living supports those ready for more autonomy while remaining part of the RBVE community. Supported living offers stability for veterans with additional care needs.

With thanks to:

Work on the final 20 homes is already underway.

The mix of accommodation is intentional: a thriving community needs working-age veterans, families, older residents and people from every background. This diversity is not a tick box for RBVE, it is a critical success factor in creating a forward-looking place to live.

This is a model with national potential, showing what becomes possible when we invest in people, create opportunity, and build communities designed to last.

Tailored Accommodation

Not all veterans have the same needs. Across our wider Village community, we offer accommodation for every stage of life, with The Centenary Village extending that model even further.

While permanent residency is right for some older veterans with nursing care needs, 95% of our emergency accommodation residents are working-age. We support them to move towards independence with flexible housing, employment pathways, and community support.

Nearly half of all emergency referrals moved into independent accommodation within 18 months, with 72% having secured paid work.

Ross’s Story

Ross* came to RBVE after trying everything to keep his life on track. He had lost his housing when insecure work made rent unaffordable, and moving in with a relative had breached the rules of their accommodation block. The residents made it clear he wasn’t welcome, and Ross found himself homeless.

When he arrived at our Kent Village, he was frustrated, exhausted, and felt like life was slipping out of his control. Our team recognised that Ross’s self-esteem was closely tied to his independence and sense of purpose. Through Lifeworks employability coaching and personalised support, he began to rebuild both.

Within four months, Ross had secured better paid, more reliable work and a place to call his own. He is now thriving with renewed confidence and working towards a future he is proud to shape.

*Ross’s name and some identifiable details have been changed to protect anonymity.

Building Communities

Our village in Kent is more than shelter. It’s a place where we give veterans and their families stability, connection, and a sense of belonging as they rebuild their lives after service. Meanwhile, in our social enterprises, people find more than a job; they find camaraderie, confidence, and a renewed purpose. Our work communities are built on mutual respect and shared achievement, helping individuals thrive both professionally and personally.

Care at RBVE is never one-size-fits-all. Our dedicated community care team works across every division to ensure each person receives the right support at the right time. We believe that empowerment and independence are only possible when people feel connected, supported, and valued.

Care for Veterans

In our supported living facilities, veterans and their spouses live in safe, communal housing with access to tailored domiciliary support. This ranges from offering companionship and social interaction to helping with personal care, medication, and housework.

Among our care team, 40% have been with RBVE for over five years, and 20% for more than a decade.

With care hours rising in the last year from 150 to 218 per week and rarely dipping below full occupancy, demand continues to grow, and we are meeting it.

Step-In: A Bridge to Stability

Our welfare programme is a turning point for many veterans, helping them to regain control, reconnect with family, and build a foundation for long-term independence.

Our Reducing Veteran Homelessness Report gives a more detailed look at our Step-In programme.

Rebuilding Families

Scan the QR code below to read.

We focus on overall life goals, and for some, the first step forward in recovery is reconnecting with family. We know that relationship breakdown is one of the leading causes of veteran homelessness, and rebuilding those ties can be a powerful motivator. That’s why we support veterans in restoring family connections as part of their wider journey towards independence.

Examples of our family-focused support include:

• Helping veterans re-establish contact and rebuild relationships.

• Organising trips for veterans and their children.

• Providing access to soft play sessions for younger families.

• Covering travel costs for funerals, reunions, and anniversaries, ensuring veterans can be present for important moments.

Liam’s Story

Liam* joined the military at 18 and served four years before being medically discharged with PTSD. At first, he built a successful civilian life. But over time, pressure and isolation led him to start drinking again. He lost his job, his home, and the stability he’d worked hard to create.

He moved into our Kent Village and, with the help of a Step-In (Welfare) Officer, was able to manage his PTSD and understand himself better. Today, Liam is working towards a qualification and building a career he is proud of. He’s also spending more quality time with his son. He’s motivated, supported, and moving forward.

Building an Active Community

We’re committed to helping our residents stay healthier for longer — physically, mentally, and socially. We deliver this through:

Volunteering, offering residents low-pressure ways to build confidence, learn new skills, reconnect with routine and community life, and re-enter the workforce.

Community activities that encourage social interaction.

Adapted exercise options for disabled residents and those with limited mobility.

Regular social events that celebrate shared history, strengthen relationships, and bring residents and staff together.

Talks and learning opportunities.

Our Supporters

Everything we do is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of those who support us.

Every contribution, whether through fundraising, partnerships, or orders placed with our social enterprise, helps us build something lasting.

We immediately spend the funds we raise to create more jobs, provide more homes, and build more communities. We hold only around three months of operating costs in reserve, which is modest for a charity of our size. This means that every pound goes straight into recovery and independence.

By supporting RBVE, you’re helping to build a future full of possibilities for Britain’s Bravest.

Our President

During 2025, we were proud to announce that Lord King of Lothbury KG GBE DL formally handed over the reins of the Presidency to Lady Colgrain, Lord-Lieutenant of Kent

Lord King of Lothbury KG GBE DL

Lord King has supported the charity since 2018 and became President in 2020. He launched the Centenary Village campaign at the Tower of London alongside Evan Davis and General Sir Gordon Messenger KCB DSO* OBE, helping to raise its national profile. During the pandemic, he took part in a virtual rowing challenge, inspiring supporters to get involved in virtual events.

A committed advocate for employability, he launched the 2024 Lifeworks Evaluation in the House of Commons, emphasising the economic and social value of helping unemployed veterans back into work. Throughout his tenure, he has consistently championed Lifeworks and encouraged companies to support our employability programmes.

We are deeply grateful for his leadership and advocacy over the years.

Lady Colgrain, Lord-Lieutenant of Kent

Lady Colgrain has played an important role in elevating the charity’s visibility, supporting the visit of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2019 and Princess Royal in 2023. She opened our care home in 2022 and helped drive national engagement through her involvement in The Queen’s Green Canopy, for which Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) produced all the metal plaques. She also supported the charity’s name change and rebrand, and remains a strong advocate for innovation and RBVE’s pioneering employment model for people overcoming barriers to work.

We were honoured to announce that Lady Colgrain became our charity’s President this year.

Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE

Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE has been part of the RBVE family for many years. As a supporter, a fundraiser, and an ambassador for our Tommy Club, he has consistently used his voice and experience to advocate for those rebuilding their lives after service. Few people understand the realities veterans face as deeply as Ash does, and even fewer act on that understanding with such commitment.

Ash has channelled that dedication into Mindful Soldier, his new book written with trauma specialist Dr Jessica K. Miller.

The book brings to light the honest, often unspoken experiences many veterans carry quietly. Drawing on Ash’s career in specialist military units, it offers an accessible and deeply human exploration of resilience, recovery, and the practical tools that help people navigate life’s toughest moments.

Scan the QR code to order your copy.

Every copy purchased through the RBVE Shop directly supports our mission. Proceeds from Mindful Soldier come back to RBVE, helping us continue to create jobs, provide homes, and deliver life-changing support to thousands of veterans each year. And the impact goes even further: each book is packed and fulfilled by veterans overcoming life-changing injuries, meaning every sale creates meaningful employment for those rebuilding their lives from the ground up.

Tommy Club

For £30 a year, Tommy Club Champions help fund the practical support that helps veterans rebuild their lives after service.

What makes Tommy Club special is the community behind it. Champions choose to show up for veterans in a consistent, meaningful way, and their collective support has become a steady foundation for much of our work. Many go further, fundraising or contributing additional gifts that help us respond quickly when veterans need us most.

Scan the QR code below and join the community.

Fundraising

Every gift, pledge, and hour of support helps our mission. Thanks to our incredible community of donors, fundraisers, and volunteers, RBVE has been able to go further, reach more people, and build sustainable futures full of possibility for our veterans.

In 2025 alone:

We secured £7.5 million from donors and significant pledges.

Our corporate partners supported The Centenary Village with generous gifts in kind

215 volunteers gave over 5,000 hours of their time to support our mission.

The Great Tommy Sleep Out

The Great Tommy Sleep Out has become the UK’s most powerful fundraising campaign for homeless veterans. It won Fundraising Campaign of the Year at the 2024 Third Sector Awards. Since 2020, thousands of supporters have slept out in support, raising vital funds and awareness. This year’s campaign was our biggest yet.

• 14,500 people took part, raising more than £2 million to fund emergency accommodation, welfare support, and employment pathways for homeless veterans.

• BAE Systems and Barratt Redrow cosponsored the campaign, with colleagues sleeping out in locations all over the UK.

• In addition to the other companies, we are especially grateful to 3i, Barclays, FirstPort, FM Conway, National Highways, Network Rail, Reds10, and Thales for their support this year.

Reds10: Meet Your Mountain Challenge

As part of their Charity of the Year partnership with RBVE, Reds10 and several of their clients, including CPR Recruitment, Apteriors, and EvaBuild Ltd, took on the CHX Challenge, a multiday mountain expedition in the French Alps.

Hosted in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, the challenge combined physical endurance with real-world impact. By trekking through alpine terrain, the team raised an incredible £42,789.

This partnership reflects the growing momentum behind our mission. Corporate supporters like Reds10 are helping us build a future full of opportunities.

Tommy Ride 2025

A total of 41 military veterans and fundraisers cycled 150 miles from our RBVE Village in Aylesford to the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium, raising £94,410.

Among the riders was Hari Budha Magar MBE, the first double above-the-knee amputee to summit Mount Everest, joined by fellow veterans from the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, many of whom now work at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC).

Their former commanding officer, Major Govindabahadur Rana, rode in solidarity, making this year’s Tommy Ride, supported by Chemring Countermeasures, an even more powerful tribute. The ride culminated in a moment of reflection at the Last Post Ceremony, honouring those who served and sacrificed. We are very grateful to Chemring Countermeasures for sponsoring the 2025 Tommy Ride for a second year.

Barratt Redrow is a long-standing and deeply committed corporate partner of RBVE for a decade, supporting veterans with jobs, homes, and communities through fundraising and community engagement. From fundraising to signage orders, Barratt Redrow’s support is embedded across every level of RBVE. Our partnership was recognised at the Soldiering On Awards as a finalist for the Working Together Award for ten years of innovation and commitment to social impact.

Fundraising

Barratt Redrow has supported The Great Tommy Sleep Out since its launch in 2020, and in 2025 joined as a co-sponsor with BAE Systems. CEO David Thomas and CFO Mike Scott led from the front by sleeping out aboard HMS Cavalier in subzero temperatures. Across the business, 25 teams raised over £200,000 in 2025 alone.

Championing Veteran Employment

Barratt Redrow actively recruits veterans through multiple channels:

• Employs Lifeworks participants directly.

• Has recruited more than 200 veterans and reservists through its Armed Forces Transition Programme, supporting reservist employees with flexible schedules and unpaid leave.

• Launched the Site Managers of the Future programme at RBVE.

Supporting Social Enterprise

Barratt Redrow backs RBVE’s social enterprises, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC), by purchasing:

• Construction and health and safety signage.

• Hundreds of Tommy figures for show home developments, raising awareness and visibly demonstrating their Armed Forces commitment.

BAE Systems has been a long-term supporter of RBVE, beginning with local engagement from colleagues at its Rochester site over a decade ago and growing into a key UK-wide partnership.

Fundraising

In March 2024, BAE Systems became the first corporate sponsor of our flagship campaign, The Great Tommy Sleep Out. Their teams embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, hosting 27 events by the end of the month, making it the company’s largest colleague-led fundraiser in many years. Their support enabled the campaign to double in scale, raising over £1 million for the first time. This achievement was recognised with the Third Sector Fundraising Campaign of the Year award, with BAE Systems itself contributing £54,000.

For its second sponsorship in March 2025, BAE Systems surpassed both of its goals: doubling its own fundraising and helping to double overall campaign engagement. With activity across all levels and locations of the company in the UK, colleagues staged 65 Sleep Outs. Their combined sponsorship and fundraising contributions reached nearly £150,000. Together with Barratt Redrow, their support once again transformed the campaign, which grew to 14,500 participants across the UK. These participants braved the cold for a night and raised £2 million in March 2025.

“When I took part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out, I didn’t get much sleep myself, but that’s nothing compared to what some veterans endure night after night. BAE Systems are proud to be part of a growing movement to help homeless veterans across the country.”

Emily Cheeseman Communications Manager, BAE Systems

WWII: 80 Years On

Eighty years on from the end of World War II, RBVE marked VE and VJ Day with a series of commemorative projects that honoured the past. These days are reminders of the sacrifices made by veterans then, and the responsibility we carry to support the veterans of today.

VE Day 80

Roll of Honour

We unveiled our Roll of Honour in our Kent social enterprise factory, recognising the supporters and donors whose generosity continues to make a real difference to veterans and people with disabilities across the UK.

VE Day 80 Echoes

At Dover Port, we unveiled Echoes, a striking new sculpture by artist and Tommy Club patron Martin Barraud. Inspired by the acoustic sound mirrors that once lined the south coast, Echoes pays tribute to the early warning systems that paved the way for RADAR, a technology that helped secure victory in Europe.

Set against the backdrop of Dover Castle, the White Cliffs, and the English Channel, the sculpture commemorates both the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the 90th anniversary of RADAR. Alongside the installation, RBVE launched its VE Day Tommy campaign with Tommy Club President Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL.

VE Day 80

TfL Partnership

In partnership with Transport for London, we placed our iconic Unknown Tommy and Unknown Woman in War figures across the capital. From Baker Street to Tower Hill, they stood beside memorial plaques at stations bombed during the Blitz, offering quiet spaces for reflection in some of London’s busiest locations. Each figure was made by veterans working in our social enterprises.

VE Day 80

Tommy Beacon Lighting

RBVE joined communities across the UK in lighting a Beacon at 9.15pm, marking a moment of national reflection. Pat, a 93-year-old resident of Queen Elizabeth Court, was invited to light the beacon beside the memorial dedicated to her father, a WWII submariner. She shared the memory of receiving the wartime telegram that told her he was missing, a story that brought a profound sense of remembrance.

VJ Day 80

Percy’s Story

VJ Day was equally important to mark. It is a reminder that while much of the world celebrated peace, many continued to fight in the Far East.

This year, we shared the story of Percy Bowpitt. In the spring of 1942, Percy was just sixteen, working long shifts in a factory producing generators for the Royal Navy. With determination beyond his years, he forged a letter in his father’s name claiming he was eighteen, took the King’s Shilling, and waited for his call-up papers.

What followed took him thousands of miles from home, through the unrelenting jungles of the Far East, and into the ranks of a force often overlooked: the Forgotten Army.

Today, Percy is 100 years old and lives at RBVE’s Centenary Village. We are honoured beyond words that Percy shared his life story with all of us on VJ Day 80.

Our Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Lord King of Lothbury KG GBE DL

President

Steve Rowbotham

Chairman

Steve has a comprehensive background in the defence industry, having worked in the sector for more than four decades. He is the NonExecutive Director of General Dynamics UK Limited, where he previously served as their Chief Operating Officer.

Mark Bailey

Mark is a seasoned professional in the construction industry with more than 40 years’ experience. He has worked on a broad range of development-related job functions within the residential sector, leading on land acquisition, technical and commercial procurement, sales, and construction management.

David Dent MBE

David is the Vice President (Global Leader) of Integrated Strategy at Parexel International. A war-disabled veteran, he previously served in the British Army as a trauma and critical care specialist. He has more than 35 years of experience spanning international business and the NHS, and holds honorary professorships from the business schools at the University of Stirling and the University of Nottingham. He is also a Companion of the CMI and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Brigadier (Rtd) David Innes

David served in the British Army for 34 years as a Royal Engineer, followed by 15 years as Chief Executive in the charity sector. In addition, he has held several non-executive and trustee positions and remains actively involved with several charities.

Parul

Kaul-Green

Parul is a distinguished global executive and economist with more than 20 years of financial services experience in global companies. Her leadership roles include Chief Digital Strategy Officer at Liberty Mutual Global Risk Solutions and Chief of Staff and Executive Committee Member at AXA XL.

Matt Kelleher

Matt is Chief Digital Officer and Executive Board Member at the Asda Group. Over his nearly 30-year career in retail in directorlevel positions, he has led on strategy and transformation, e-commerce, supply chain and technology.

Peter Alesbury

Peter is a strategic Estates Director with significant experience in the management and operational delivery of the full estate lifecycle. His previous roles have included senior leadership positions in the NHS, private healthcare, facilities management, heritage organisations, and medical device companies.

Ameer Kotecha

Ameer is His Majesty’s Consul General, heading up one of Britain’s two diplomatic missions in Yekaterinburg, Russia. He began his career in the private sector before joining the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in 2015. As a diplomat, he has worked both in London and abroad, including Hong Kong, West Africa, and New York. Beyond his day job, Ameer is interested in food and drink. He authored Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Official Platinum Jubilee Cookbook and writes regularly for The Spectator.

Rebecca Lewis

Rebecca is the Finance Director and Company Secretary at General Dynamics UK. With more than 20 years’ experience managing the finances for complex global defence programmes, she has led multiple largescale events for charity and is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Christopher Spalding

Chris is an experienced CEO with significant commercial acumen and expertise. He has held senior leadership roles at Associated Newspapers, Metro International, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Virgin Group, LeapFrog International, and LineUp Systems.

Alison Start

Alison runs a consulting company specialising in commercial strategy and operational challenges in Defence and telecommunications across private and public sectors. She also serves as a Non-Executive Director for a Royal Engineers training provider and is a trustee for the National Museum of the Royal Navy.

Nicholas Stonley

Nick has more than 40 years of all-round experience in residential development, including 28 years as Managing Director for leading UK developers such as Berkeley Homes and Millwood Designer Homes. He has a strong track record in all aspects of the industry, including site engineering, land acquisition, project management, sales, and marketing, and has delivered exciting regeneration schemes throughout London and the South East.

Our Senior Leadership Team

Lisa Farmer OBE Chief Executive

Lisa was appointed Chief Executive of RBVE in 2022 after a period as Deputy Chief Executive. Lisa first joined the organisation in 2015 as Director of Strategic Development. She brings more than 20 years’ experience in fundraising, marketing, business development, and regeneration.

Colin Harsant Managing Director of Social Enterprise

Colin joined RBVE’s Senior Leadership Team in July 2024 following 20 years of managing and leading companies in the aerospace, defence, and automotive industries. A specialist in SME manufacturing, he holds both undergraduate and postgraduate business qualifications from institutions in the UK and France.

Helen Bidgway Director of People & Culture

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, Helen joined RBVE in 2022 with more than 30 years’ senior-level human resource experience across the charity and education sectors.

Alexandra Brown Interim Director of Care

Alex joined RBVE’s Senior Leadership Team in April 2025, having been with the organisation for three years. With a background in disability charities and the social care sector, she brings strong project management skills and commercial insight to all aspects of care.

Nik Marinov Director of Finance & Performance

Nik joined RBVE in September 2024 following senior finance roles across a range of commercial and charitable organisations. A qualified chartered accountant, he contributes a breadth of financial leadership to the RBVE management team.

Stuart McClure Director of Commercial Marketing

Stuart joined RBVE in 2024, bringing more than 20 years of senior marketing leadership experience from several multi-million-pound commercial organisations spanning diverse industries.

Julie Walker-Jopson Director of Living & Impact

Julie joined RBVE in 2008 and was appointed as a Director in November 2024. She has 30 years of experience supporting vulnerable adults in welfare-focused roles.

Get in touch

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Kent

ME20 7NL

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