One-year Anniversary

It’s now been one year since I took up the role of SVC. It’s been a busy but highly insightful and enjoyable first year. One of my top priorities has been meeting with individuals and organisations from across the country with the aim of capturing the collective voice of Scotland’s veterans community.

I’m extremely grateful to everyone who has given up their time to share their experiences. I appreciate that some of the memories and views shared have been deeply personal, and I hope that using them to inform my work will result in positive change for other members of the veterans community in the future.

I’m delighted to announce that the first of my reports to come out of this work will be published in January 2024. Themed around community and relationships, this piece of work will look into the experiences of the wider veterans community and how well-served all veterans and their families are by existing services and support. It will pay particular attention to the needs of women veterans, of LGBTQ+ veterans, the bereaved and to the partners, spouses and children of veterans and Service leavers – groups which I believe deserve a greater focus when it comes to supporting the veterans community.

Through engaging with groups such as Forces Children Scotland, the V Word, BLESMA,  Military Wives Choirs, Fighting With Pride, the Association of Wrens and many, many, more, I have a wealth of material to work with and I very much look forward to sharing my findings and recommendations early next year.

I also look forward to sharing an update on the Scottish Government’s progress against recommendations from previous SVC reports in September. Carried out annually, the purpose of the SVC Progress Report is to provide scrutiny and supportive challenge to policy makers and those providing services to the veterans’ community. This is an important piece of work which can help to highlight both successes and areas requiring further improvement.

Looking ahead to my second year, I will continue to drive forward my commitment to listening to the voice of lived experience and building it into all of my work. Thank you again to everyone who has welcomed me over the past year – it has been a real pleasure to meet you all and your contribution is hugely valued.

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In June, I published my Veterans and Finance report and marked Armed Forces Week across Scotland. From housing and mental health to celebrating Pride, it’s been a busy month supporting veterans.

Read more in my latest round-up - link in bio 🔗
In June, I published my Veterans and Finance report and marked Armed Forces Week across Scotland. From housing and mental health to celebrating Pride, it’s been a busy month supporting veterans. Read more in my latest round-up - link in bio 🔗
2 days ago
Navigating the welfare system can be tough - especially for veterans facing unfamiliar processes and complex rules around pensions and compensation.

My new report calls for dedicated ‘veteran-aware’ support for those accessing welfare.

Read more at the link in my bio 🔗
Navigating the welfare system can be tough - especially for veterans facing unfamiliar processes and complex rules around pensions and compensation. My new report calls for dedicated ‘veteran-aware’ support for those accessing welfare. Read more at the link in my bio 🔗
3 days ago
Most veterans transition smoothly to civilian life - but those who struggle financially can face complex systems and unclear guidance.

My latest report - Veterans and Finance - recommends earlier education and better access to support.

Read more at the link in my bio 🔗
Most veterans transition smoothly to civilian life - but those who struggle financially can face complex systems and unclear guidance. My latest report - Veterans and Finance - recommends earlier education and better access to support. Read more at the link in my bio 🔗
6 days ago
It was a privilege to close out the Armed Forces Covenant Conference. Two days of learning, challenge and connection. Inspiring to see how many organisations and individuals are dedicated to improving the lives of our Armed Forces and Veteran community.
It was a privilege to close out the Armed Forces Covenant Conference. Two days of learning, challenge and connection. Inspiring to see how many organisations and individuals are dedicated to improving the lives of our Armed Forces and Veteran community.
6 days ago
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