Progress update: 2023

The findings from my 2023 assessment of Scottish Government progress against SVC recommendations can be found below.

For a summary of my findings you can read the news release from 2023 which highlights notables success as well as identifying areas requiring greater focus.

Key

Not implemented
Partially implemented
Implemented but work should continue to embed
Fully implemented
Superseded

Employment, Skills and Learning (2020)

	Recommendation	2022	2023
1	A fresh transition model is needed. The UK Government should lead work to rethink transition and develop a more flexible and accessible transition model that starts early, looks to the longer-term, puts the individual at the centre and is integrated within military systems from sign-on.	-	-
Notes The Scottish Government’s actions are not being assessed against this recommendation as it is primarily for the UK Government to deliver. The Scottish Government can and does contribute, however transition remains fully reserved to the UK Government and it is only they who can deliver a fresh transition model. Scottish Government Update - For information only The Scottish Government continues to develop and build upon its close working relationship with the UK Government. Throughout the past 12 months, we have continued to work closely with counterparts mainly in the Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on topics of mutual interest including contributing to: the development of the new Veterans Strategy, the proposed extension to the Armed Forces Covenant; the Covenant Annual Report; and other associated data-related activity including regular working groups with partners across the UK Government including the Office for National Statistics. Furthermore, we remain full members of the governance structure of the Armed Forces Covenant, led by the MOD, and have regular official-level discussions with colleagues in the MOD’s Covenant Team and policy leads in the OVA. In addition, the Minister for Veterans has regular tri-lateral discussions with the Ministers responsible for veterans in both the UK and Welsh Governments. Throughout this engagement, we continue to discuss a wide range of topics, which can and does include both transition and veterans employment. The MOD has also signalled its intention to remain part of any future veterans employment group in Scotland.
2	Serving personnel should be prepared by the military for working life beyond Service. This preparation should be built into training and career development programmes and transition thinking. Planning should be introduced early and reinforced throughout military careers and when leaving.	-	-
Notes The Scottish Government’s actions are not being assessed against this recommendation as it is primarily for the UK Government to deliver. The Scottish Government can and does contribute, however transition remains fully reserved to the UK Government and it is only they who can deliver a fresh transition model. Scottish Government Update - For information only As above.
3	Serving personnel and veterans need to take responsibility for their transition. They need to ‘own it’, fully engage in it and embrace the support on offer throughout their military career and beyond.	-	-
Notes The Scottish Government’s actions are not being assessed against this recommendation as it is primarily for the UK Government to deliver. The Scottish Government can and do contribute, however transition remains fully reserved to the UK Government and it is only they who can deliver a fresh transition model. Scottish Government update - For information only As above.
4	Advice and support is clearly sign-posted and promoted proactively, offered in a timely and accessible way and backed by advice and guidance which is informed by the latest local labour market information and circumstances.

5	Statutory support should be extended to spouses and partners with additional ‘wrap-around’ packages considered for Early Service Leavers and those struggling in a more competitive jobs market.

6	Funding for further learning or training should be re-examined to simplify the ‘offer’ and ensure ease of access and fit with the transition model for today. In addition, the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service learning credit support packages should be re-examined to ensure their fit with that more flexible model.

7	Work on the alignment of existing military and civilian skills and qualifications in Scotland should be completed and all new qualifications placed on both the RQF and SCQF frameworks as appropriate, to give veterans the best chance to compete for jobs when settling in Scotland.

8	Connections to the business community should be broadened and enhanced to ensure reach out to small and medium-sized enterprises as potential employers or as mentors to veterans looking to start their own business.

9	In this time of social renewal, social enterprises should be considered as a model to support community development, provide services, facilities and employment for veterans to ensure they do not experience any disadvantage due to their military Service.

10	Greater collaboration is needed across veterans’ charities and associated charities operating in Scotland and with central and local government to avoid duplication of effort and focus resources on areas of greatest need in the areas of Employment, Skills and Learning.

Making a Home in Civilian Society (2021)

	Recommendation	2022	2023
11	Service leavers and veterans should be enabled to find somewhere to live that is right for them and equipped to make informed choices. Preparation and planning to make a home in civilian society is a crucial aspect of transition and as such needs to be part of the flexible and accessible transition model recommended.

12	Service Leavers and veterans should have access to accurate, relevant and understandable advice and support on housing options in Scotland which is offered in a timely accessible way.

13	Service leavers can face multiple challenges when transitioning, and finding a home is a challenge that is exacerbated by a lack of suitable affordable housing. They should be assisted in finding and sustaining a home in the civilian world.

14	No one who has served their country should have to face homelessness or be faced with sleeping rough. The homelessness prevention pathways approach for the high risk groups is a tested way if addressing the issue, and a specific veterans’ Homelessness Prevention Pathway is needed to ensure every Service leaver and veteran has a safe place to call home.

Health and Wellbeing (2022)

	Recommendation	2022	2023
15	Those transitioning from the military and planning to settle in Scotland should be informed and well prepared to look after their own health and wellbeing, make informed choices and live in good health in the civilian community.

16	Those transitioning from the military and planning to settle in Scotland experience an efficient and timely handover from Defence Medical Services to NHS Scotland healthcare, with primary healthcare systems afforded early access to their full health records.

17	Service leavers should experience high quality, person-centred healthcare as part of a smooth transition back to civilian life. To support ease of access they should be identified as they transition and first engage with the NHS in Scotland.

18	All Service leavers should be enabled to look after their own wellbeing, and supported to stay well within their communities. Where it is needed, they should have timely and equal access to consistently high-quality mental health care and support services that are delivered as close to their home as possible.