Previous Commissioners

Charlie Wallace

Scottish Veterans Commissioner 2018-2022

Charlie Wallace took up the post of Scottish Veterans Commissioner in September 2018 after completing 35 years’ service in the Army.

He followed a traditional career in the Infantry holding various command appointments on operations and at home. He saw active service in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the UN in the Former Yugoslavia (Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia) and Northern Ireland during Operation Banner. He also served in Brunei, Hong Kong, Nepal, the Falkland Islands, the USA, Canada and India.

Charlie was the chief planner in HQ Multi-National Division (South East) in Basra, Iraq and held the same role for a year in HQ Regional Command (South West) in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province for which he was awarded the US Bronze Star. His last appointment in the Army was Deputy Commander of 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland.

Deeply committed to addressing the challenges that individuals and their families face after military service, Charlie sought to highlight the impressive talent this group of people bring to our society. He wanted to help the Scottish Government recognise this talent and showcase it to those who may not understand or be fully aware of it. Charlie also sought to ensure that those who made mental and physical sacrifices for their country were appropriately cared for and given the best opportunities to positively contribute to civilian society.

During his time as Commissioner Charlie produced four reports in a series entitled ’Positive Futures’, which focused on getting Transition (from the armed forces) right in Scotland:

As part of the scrutiny and supportive challenge aspect to his role, Charlie introduced a system of Progress Reporting on the implementation of all SVC recommendations. Progress is monitored by the SVC office and the Commissioner now reports annually in an electronic Progress Report published each autumn and available on this website. Details of all recommendations which have been fully achieved can be found under Impact.

 

Eric Fraser CBE

Scottish Veterans Commissioner 2014-2018

Eric Fraser took up his post as Scotland’s first Veterans Commissioner in August 2014. His four-year appointment allowed Eric to identify areas in public services that might provide greater support for the veterans community in Scotland, as well as helping shape future policy development and opportunities.

Eric joined the Royal Navy in 1976. During a 37-year career he served at sea and ashore, including a period as a gunnery officer during the Falklands conflict. He also commanded HMS Guernsey and HMS Boxer, and was the Assistant Naval Attaché in the British Embassy in Washington DC at a time that spanned the 2001 attack on the World Trade Centre and Pentagon.

Subsequent appointments focused on joint operations including spells at the Permanent Joint HQ in London. Later, he had responsibility for providing communications and IT support for all UK forces deployed overseas for which he was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2009.

Eric’s final posting before retiring from the Navy as Commodore in January 2014 was as the UK Naval Attaché in the British Embassy in Washington DC.

His work as Scottish Veterans Commissioner focused on three key areas:

  • Reviewing the support provided to veterans in Scotland
  • Challenging the negative perceptions of ex-service personnel and promoting their skills and experience
  • Enhancing veterans’ access to support services through improved information and communication

During his four years as Commissioner Eric published five detailed reports, with 63 recommendations to Scottish Government and others. These can be found on this website.

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10 things to know about veterans and their families...

@veteransofficegovuk has created a series of resources to improve understanding of the veteran community for people working alongside them or developing or providing services.

The resources include a poster, a desk aid and a short film. 

You can find out more at the link in my bio 🔗
10 things to know about veterans and their families... @veteransofficegovuk has created a series of resources to improve understanding of the veteran community for people working alongside them or developing or providing services. The resources include a poster, a desk aid and a short film. You can find out more at the link in my bio 🔗
3 days ago
I had a very productive meeting in Dundee this week with David Wallace, CEO of Social Security Scotland. It was good to hear about the development of the organisation since it became operational. He explained the focus on dignity, fairness and respect when supporting applicants.
I had a very productive meeting in Dundee this week with David Wallace, CEO of Social Security Scotland. It was good to hear about the development of the organisation since it became operational. He explained the focus on dignity, fairness and respect when supporting applicants.
4 days ago
During my visit to Dundee on Monday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Campbell, Lord Provost of Dundee and Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, about the support available for the local veteran community.

I also met Susan Paterson, NHS Tayside’s Executive Armed Forces Champion, to discuss how NHS Tayside upholds its Armed Forces Covenant commitments – to its staff as an ERS Gold Award holder, and to those accessing health and care services.
During my visit to Dundee on Monday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Campbell, Lord Provost of Dundee and Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, about the support available for the local veteran community. I also met Susan Paterson, NHS Tayside’s Executive Armed Forces Champion, to discuss how NHS Tayside upholds its Armed Forces Covenant commitments – to its staff as an ERS Gold Award holder, and to those accessing health and care services.
5 days ago
I enjoyed the opportunity to meet students and alumni of the cyber security Pathways Programme at @abertayuni, which allows Service Leavers to gain cyber skills and qualifications while tackling a crucial skills gap. With thanks to Natalie Coull who runs the programme at Abertay, Martin Bell of @veteransscotland, and Andrew Jackson of @salutemyjobuk, which recruits and selects Service Leavers and veterans for the programme.
I enjoyed the opportunity to meet students and alumni of the cyber security Pathways Programme at @abertayuni, which allows Service Leavers to gain cyber skills and qualifications while tackling a crucial skills gap. With thanks to Natalie Coull who runs the programme at Abertay, Martin Bell of @veteransscotland, and Andrew Jackson of @salutemyjobuk, which recruits and selects Service Leavers and veterans for the programme.
6 days ago
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