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April round-up

Supporting veterans in education

It was a huge pleasure to attend the University of the West of Scotland’s Armed Forces Covenant signing on 4th April. The event was led by Professor James A. Miller FRSE and Lieutenant Colonel Gary Giles RM, and included insightful panel discussions highlighting the university’s commitment to ex-Forces staff, students, and their families. It was encouraging to see the institution championing wider employer support for the Armed Forces community.

Collaboration for veterans in custody

I had the opportunity to visit HMP Castle Huntly for the national meeting of Veterans in Custody Support Officers, chaired by Andy Hodge, Director of Operations at the Scottish Prison Service. It was positive to witness strong collaboration between statutory services and the third sector - closely aligned with the recommendations in my Veterans and the Law report. These partnerships are vital in ensuring veterans in the justice system receive the support they need to move forward positively.

Month of the Military Child

April was Month of the Military Child - a time to honour the resilience and strength of children and young people from Armed Forces and veteran families. The month culminates in Purple-Up Day, where people are encouraged to wear purple to show their support for military children and their families. I marked the day by attending the launch of Forces Children Scotland’s Rights Charter for Forces Children – a co-produced initiative to focus attention and drive forward positive change. It was an inspiring morning hearing the powerful words of young people from Serving and veteran families.

I also shared a blog reflecting on the importance of the month, of considering the needs of children and young people in the Forces community, and highlighting some of the great work being done to amplify their voices, which you can read here.

I marked the end of the month by resharing the story of Sophia, who spoke at the launch of the Charter and also shared her views as part of my Community and Relationships report. You can hear Sophia share her thoughts and experiences in her own words here.

Supporting transition into civilian careers

A very useful visit to the Career Transition Partnership Careers Fair at Murrayfield gave me the chance to meet a wide variety of employers across both the public and private sectors who understand the value of recruiting Service Leavers. These connections are key to ensuring veterans find meaningful employment where their unique skills and experiences are recognised and appreciated.

I also attended an event hosted by the Association of Project Managers, aimed at Service Leavers considering a career in project management. The event brought together employers and veterans working in the field, and it was heartening to hear such insightful input and practical advice from both. It’s clear that the project management profession is one where ex-Service personnel can thrive and continue to make a meaningful impact.

Celebrating veteran achievements

Finally, congratulations to all finalists and winners at this year’s Scottish Veterans Awards! It was an honour to celebrate the achievements of those who continue to serve their communities with dedication, resilience, and leadership beyond their military careers. Your stories truly inspire us all.