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Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton’s term extended until 2026

The Scottish Government has extended Scottish Veterans Commissioner (SVC) Susie Hamilton’s term until September 2026.

Former Royal Naval officer Lieutenant Commander (Ret’d) Hamilton took up the position in 2022, and is the first woman to serve in the role. The extension will take her total term to four years.

Hamilton commented:

“I’m delighted to share that my term as Scottish Veterans Commissioner has been extended until September 2026. It’s an honour and a privilege to continue serving Scotland’s veterans and their families.

“I remain committed to championing their voices, highlighting their skills and experiences, working to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve, and driving change to ensure that no veteran faces disadvantage as a result of their service.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who continues to engage with my work, and I look forward to the next chapter of progress and partnership.”

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said:

“As the first woman to hold the post of the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Susie has done incredible ground-breaking work to amplify the voices and views of veterans across the country and is well-deserving of an extended term.

“Susie and I are steadfast in our shared commitment to ensure that all veterans and families are given the best support possible, recognising the valuable contribution they have made to our society. I am looking forward to working with her on our ambitions over the coming year.”

The first Scottish Veterans Commissioner was appointed by the Scottish Government in 2014 to improve outcomes and opportunities for veterans and their families in Scotland. Operating independently, the Commissioner’s role is to influence policymakers to address any changes required in devolved public services, ensuring veterans’ needs are met and holding the Scottish Government to account where improvement is needed. During her time in post so far, Hamilton’s work has included the publication of two thematic reports exploring issues affecting the veteran community.

‘Anything But Uniform: Community and Relationships’, published in January 2024, puts the spotlight on those whose voices are less often heard in the military community – including women veterans, the LGBT+ community, families, the bereaved, and non-UK veterans – so that their needs, experiences and circumstances are not overlooked.

‘Veterans and the Law’, published in October 2024, examines whether the right support is in place for the small minority of veterans who are in custody or who come into contact with the criminal justice system, as well as considering the role and contribution of veterans who work or volunteer within the system.

She is currently working on her third thematic report, due to be published in early Summer, which focuses on veterans and finance. This will cover areas such as financial literacy, welfare, gambling and employment in the finance sector.

In addition to her thematic work, Hamilton has continued to publish an annual Progress Report, tracking the progress made by the Scottish Government in implementing SVC recommendations from Commissioners past and present, spanning areas such as transition, health and wellbeing, housing, and education, skills and employment.

This scrutiny and supportive challenge to policymakers is an important element of the SVC role, highlighting successes as well as areas requiring more attention.