At BAE Systems, we actively listen to the needs of our local communities and partner charities, working closely to understand where we can make the most meaningful impact. Our goal is to help create lasting change, while ensuring that these efforts resonate with both our employees and our business values.
We're focused on:
- supporting our armed forces community;
- inspiring young people - with a particular focus on STEM education; and
- building stronger communities.
Wherever we do business we’re committed to help build stronger communities by donating our time, funds and resources, because collectively our actions can generate a lasting positive impact for those who need it most. There are three main ways in which we do this:
Volunteering
Sponsorships and donations
Fundraising
In 2025 we contributed over
Supporting the Armed Forces
Advancing skills and education
Supporting local communities
Hours volunteered by employees
Shiza's story
We’ve proudly worked with the Ulysses Trust since 2015 and, with our support, the charity has helped more than 6,200 young people, across 217 cadet expeditions, grow and develop through challenging adventures. Shiza's story stands out as a powerful example of the impact it has had. After moving from Pakistan to the UK at 10, Shiza faced numerous challenges, including adapting to a new language and culture, and the separation from her siblings when they were taken into care. Through her school's Sea Cadet Unit, supported by the Ulysses Trust, Shiza participated in the "First Tracks" ski programme, an opportunity she never thought she’d have, given her background. Her success in the programme led to further opportunities, including a trip to Andorra for Snow Camp, which boosted her confidence and helped her overcome personal challenges. Today, Shiza is studying A-Levels at the prestigious Wellington College and also works as an ambassador helping to inspire others, like her, to pursue their dreams.
Kate's story
We’re honoured to be a founding supporter of The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund (DVSF), helping hundreds of veterans study for higher-education since 2018. The first of its kind in the UK, this pioneering scheme provides free education and tailored support to the ex-military community who have been injured or disabled in, or during, military service. Recognising the potential that ex-service personnel bring to society and the workplace, we were the first company to partner with the DVSF and to date we have committed over £950,000. The recovery process for veterans can be challenging, but focusing on a positive goal, like education, can significantly help in their journey. Kate, a former police officer and nurse in the Army, was medically discharged in 2016 and struggled to find her direction until she secured a teaching assistant role in 2017. Despite enjoying her role, Kate aimed higher, pursuing a degree with The Open University through the DVSF, with the goal of becoming a fully qualified teacher. Since completing her studies, Kate has regained control over her future and her story is one of many demonstrating the positive impact that this scheme has on the lives of veterans.
Nikita's story
Since 2014, our Company has been committed to supporting the Movement to Work programme, offering nearly 1,000 work placements to young people facing barriers to employment or education. The programme has proven highly successful, with over 60% of participants advancing to full-time roles, further education, or training. A significant number, more than a third, have secured permanent positions at BAE Systems, primarily through apprenticeships. Nikita, who joined through the programme, now works as a self-verification process assessor at BAE Systems in Rochester, Kent, after overcoming personal challenges. Her story reflects the programme's impact — transforming lives by offering opportunities that lead to lasting success and a fulfilling career. Nikita says: "Due to circumstances beyond my control I found myself living in supported accommodation. My support worker posted a leaflet through my door for the Movement to Work programme. I secured a place on the taster day and got a work experience placement with BAE Systems. I didn't expect to be offered a job at the end of it! After four years I still love working here and I've got a really nice work-life balance."
Defining our impact
We use the B4SI Framework methodology to define the value of our support and its impact on our community partners, in comparison with our peers and other organisations. Our reporting data is externally assured every year and all community investment related expenditure and any associated employee fundraising are reported through an online system and validated by an external assurance provider.