In monitoring progress in the delivery of SVC recommendations to the Scottish Government it is important to consider the impact on those I aim to support, namely veterans and their families. Their lives should benefit from the changing policy and practices that result from these recommendations.

The action necessary to make things better can be complex, often calling for joined-up thinking and collaboration across different agencies and change doesn’t happen overnight but we are starting to see real improvement. That is down to the effort of many individuals and organisations who have got behind the recommendations and worked together to influence and deliver change. That should be acknowledged and celebrated. This separate report on impact sets out all SVC recommendations fully achieved as at September 2025. Many more have progressed and are showing as partially implemented or implemented but work should continue to embed in my main progress report.

You can view all SVC recommendations fully achieved below.

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I spent the day at the RAND Europe Stakeholder Workshop on Future Views of Mental Health. 

Funders, service providers and stakeholders in one room, thinking through what mental health need and provision could look like over the next 20 years. Really valuable conversations - grateful to have been part of it.

Mental Health | RANDEurope | Future Of Healthcare | Armed Forces | Veterans
I spent the day at the RAND Europe Stakeholder Workshop on Future Views of Mental Health. Funders, service providers and stakeholders in one room, thinking through what mental health need and provision could look like over the next 20 years. Really valuable conversations - grateful to have been part of it. Mental Health | RANDEurope | Future Of Healthcare | Armed Forces | Veterans
20 hours ago
I attended a fascinating event this week.

We heard about Forces in Mind Trust's new 'FiMT Challenges' initiative - a fresh approach to accelerating positive change for the Armed Forces Community.

It was also a pleasure to meet Matt Bazeley OBE, new CEO of Forces Employment Charity, and hear his vision for supporting veterans as they transition into and progress through civilian employment.

Some really insightful and encouraging conversations about collaboration and innovation across the sector.

Veterans | Armed Forces Community | Veterans Commissioner | Scotland
I attended a fascinating event this week. We heard about Forces in Mind Trust's new 'FiMT Challenges' initiative - a fresh approach to accelerating positive change for the Armed Forces Community. It was also a pleasure to meet Matt Bazeley OBE, new CEO of Forces Employment Charity, and hear his vision for supporting veterans as they transition into and progress through civilian employment. Some really insightful and encouraging conversations about collaboration and innovation across the sector. Veterans | Armed Forces Community | Veterans Commissioner | Scotland
3 days ago
Yesterday, the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales met with Sir Chris Bryant MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People, and Sarah Owen MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to discuss the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.
It was a welcome opportunity to raise the concerns of the veteran community about the legislation and to have an open and candid discussion about the way forward.

Veterans | Armed Forces Community | Veterans Commissioner
Yesterday, the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales met with Sir Chris Bryant MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Minister for Veterans and People, and Sarah Owen MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, to discuss the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. It was a welcome opportunity to raise the concerns of the veteran community about the legislation and to have an open and candid discussion about the way forward. Veterans | Armed Forces Community | Veterans Commissioner
4 days ago
August has been a busy month, with a range of activity and events. Highlights included the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and a visit to The Black Watch Association and Museum.

Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
August has been a busy month, with a range of activity and events. Highlights included the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and a visit to The Black Watch Association and Museum. Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
1 week ago
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