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Veterans and the LawIntroduction and Approach

Introduction and Approach

The purpose of this review was to look at whether the right support is in place for the small minority of veterans in custody or who come into contact with the criminal justice system, consider the role and contribution of veterans who work or volunteer within the system, capture observations and findings, and make outcome focussed recommendations to the Scottish Government to support continuous improvement.

Vision and Strategic Priorities

Vision

  • A Scotland where the contributions and sacrifices made by veterans and their families are recognised and appreciated and where all veterans feel valued by society.

 Strategic Priorities

  • Our veterans and their families are empowered to make informed choices to secure positive futures.
  • The diversity of our veteran community is clearly recognised and valued, with support and services accessible to all.
  • Policy makers and service providers will be responsive to need, collaborative in approach and aligned in their efforts to maximise impact.
  • Our communities and employers better understand, value and support veterans as they integrate, contribute, and build fulfilling lives.

The strategic context is informed by four key strands.

The Armed Forces Covenant which says that those who serve in the armed forces, veterans, and their families, should face no disadvantage compared to other citizens in the provision of public and commercial services, and that special consideration is appropriate in some cases, such as the injured and the bereaved. The Armed Forces Act 2021 saw the Armed Forces Covenant strengthened in law. This places a legal obligation on specified public bodies, including health boards and local authorities, to consider the principles of the Covenant when delivering relevant functions.

Renewing our Commitments sets out the Scottish Government ambition ‘to make Scotland the most attractive destination for Service leavers and their families, offering high living standards, great job prospects and a society that respects and values their contribution’.

The joint UK ten-year A Strategy for Our Veterans which aims, by 2028, to see that ‘every veteran feels even more valued, supported, and empowered and never disadvantaged as a result of their Service.’

The Scottish Government’s refreshed Action Plan published in August 2022, sets out a range of activity intended to respond to the changing needs of veterans and their families and make a positive impact on their lives. This includes the commitment to ensure that ex-Service personnel are properly supported when in custody or involved with the criminal justice system and the stated outcome ‘veterans leave the armed forces with the resilience and awareness to remain law abiding civilians.’

This work has looked at how veterans who come into contact with the justice system – and their families – are supported to achieve this stated outcome, hear about the experiences of these veterans and those who support them (statutory services, charities, others), identify issues and challenges as well as good practice, and consider what improvements might be required.

The UK and Scottish Veteran Strategies have a range of cross cutting factors that sit at the heart of collective efforts to support veterans and their families, and which are essential to success in developing and delivering high quality services and support. These are:

  • Collaboration
  • Coordination
  • Data
  • Perception
  • Recognition

This work has been informed by engagement across a range of groups and stakeholders to gather evidence, hear about lived experiences, and understand the current landscape of services and support. That engagement has included:

  • Veterans who are – or have been – in contact with the justice system
  • Scottish Prison Service
  • Police Scotland
  • Veterans in Custody Support Officers
  • Community Justice Scotland
  • Local Authorities
  • Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service
  • Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service
  • Judicial Institute for Scotland
  • Academics / Researchers
  • Third Sector Organisations

Acknowledgements

My most sincere thanks go to everyone who has taken the time to share their individual experiences, their research findings, or their professional expertise as I have taken forward this work. Especially I’d like to thank Stefan Grzybowski, Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond, Chief Inspector Trish Robertson and Inspector Stewart Kirk (Police Scotland); Governor Andrew Hodge and Andrew Bickerstaff (HMP Perth); Governor Scott Watson, Deputy Governor Martyn MacKenzie, Iain Johnston and Danny McLean (HMP Inverness); Governor Natalie Beal and Michael Wilson (HMP Glenochil); Deputy Governor Mark Holloway and Stuart Wright (HMP Edinburgh); Governor Gillian Walker and Fraser Stones (HMP Shotts); Sheriff A Cottam; Karyn McCluskey (Community Justice Scotland); Alistair Halliday (Forces Employment Charity); Scott Muir (Nova Scotland); Terrence Monaghan (Op NOVA); Adrian Kirk and Dr Jane Jones (Care After Combat); Gavin Phillip (Sacro); Lt Col Andy Middlemiss and Angela Watson (SSAFA); Gillian Booth (South Lanarkshire Council); Professor Geri Mathews-Smith and Dr Christine Haddow (Edinburgh Napier University); Sally Coulthard (Defence Gardens Scheme).

«  Foreword»  Section 1 – Veterans and the Law: Data and Research

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Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Officers' Association Scotland's employers reception in Edinburgh — a fantastic gathering of businesses and support organisations who recognise the immense value that Service Leavers and veterans bring to the workforce. A particular highlight was meeting Heather and Alix from Forces Wives Challenge CIC, a brilliant social enterprise dedicated to improving the wellbeing of women whose partners are veterans or currently Serving. OAS has supported some of their exciting work here in Scotland, and it's easy to see why — their impact is real and meaningful. Events like this remind me why building strong employer networks matters so much for our veteran community. @officersassociationscotland @forces_wives_challenge
Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Officers' Association Scotland's employers reception in Edinburgh — a fantastic gathering of businesses and support organisations who recognise the immense value that Service Leavers and veterans bring to the workforce. A particular highlight was meeting Heather and Alix from Forces Wives Challenge CIC, a brilliant social enterprise dedicated to improving the wellbeing of women whose partners are veterans or currently Serving. OAS has supported some of their exciting work here in Scotland, and it's easy to see why — their impact is real and meaningful. Events like this remind me why building strong employer networks matters so much for our veteran community. @officersassociationscotland @forces_wives_challenge
17 hours ago
A range of events, activity and announcements in May, including a moving service to mark 15 years since the withdrawal of British forces from Iraq, the appointment of the new Minister for Veterans in Scotland, and a meeting with the UK Armed Forces Commissioner. Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
A range of events, activity and announcements in May, including a moving service to mark 15 years since the withdrawal of British forces from Iraq, the appointment of the new Minister for Veterans in Scotland, and a meeting with the UK Armed Forces Commissioner. Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
2 days ago
It was a pleasure to attend the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity recognition evening at the Merchant's House of Glasgow yesterday. It was a real celebration of supporters of the Naval community in Scotland. Serving Personnel, cadets, volunteers and members of partner organisations were honoured including the Rosyth and Edinburgh Wives Choir and Vicky Brindley of the Naval Families Federation based in Helensburgh. I was delighted to catch up with CEO of RNRMC , Samantha Nicolson MBE and Lt Cdr Gary Nicolson MBE RN. Well done to all who were recognised for their outstanding contributions! @militarywiveschoirs @rnrmcharity @navalfamfed @navalchildrenscharity @rnassociation @forceschildrenscotland
It was a pleasure to attend the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity recognition evening at the Merchant's House of Glasgow yesterday. It was a real celebration of supporters of the Naval community in Scotland. Serving Personnel, cadets, volunteers and members of partner organisations were honoured including the Rosyth and Edinburgh Wives Choir and Vicky Brindley of the Naval Families Federation based in Helensburgh. I was delighted to catch up with CEO of RNRMC , Samantha Nicolson MBE and Lt Cdr Gary Nicolson MBE RN. Well done to all who were recognised for their outstanding contributions! @militarywiveschoirs @rnrmcharity @navalfamfed @navalchildrenscharity @rnassociation @forceschildrenscotland
6 days ago
A sombre and emotional service at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark 15 years since the withdrawal of British forces from Iraq. It was an opportunity to offer deepest gratitude to all who served in Operation TELIC, and the families who supported them. It was a particular honour to meet Audrey and Laura, the Chairs of the Army and RAF Widows Associations. I was delighted to catch up with the Veterans Commissioners of Wales and Northern Ireland and the Chair of Poppyscotland. A former RNEC classmate Cdr Michael Shaw RN shared his story in one of the powerful films shown, and it was great to see him. Also a huge honour to meet Pegasus, mascot of the Parachute Regiment who was turned out very smartly, as always.
A sombre and emotional service at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark 15 years since the withdrawal of British forces from Iraq. It was an opportunity to offer deepest gratitude to all who served in Operation TELIC, and the families who supported them. It was a particular honour to meet Audrey and Laura, the Chairs of the Army and RAF Widows Associations. I was delighted to catch up with the Veterans Commissioners of Wales and Northern Ireland and the Chair of Poppyscotland. A former RNEC classmate Cdr Michael Shaw RN shared his story in one of the powerful films shown, and it was great to see him. Also a huge honour to meet Pegasus, mascot of the Parachute Regiment who was turned out very smartly, as always.
1 week ago
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