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Veterans and the LawScottish Veterans Commissioner Recommendations

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Recommendations

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, and capture observations and findings. Each section sets out suggestions of how things could be improved based on the evidence and testimony gathered.

These suggestions will support the following outcome-focussed recommendations I am making to the Scottish Government:

  • Veterans are identified through the criminal justice journey, and the data about that section of the veteran community is used to support veterans who come into the system as well as to inform future policy and service development.
  • Staff in the criminal justice system are ‘veteran aware’ so that they feel able to understand and support the veteran community in their role.
  • The Veterans in Custody Support Officer (VICSO) role is retained and supported across Scotland, including protected time to carry out the role effectively.
  • A coordinated and collaborative approach is in place across Scotland, bringing together statutory and third-sector providers to support veterans who come into contact with the criminal justice system. This approach aims to be accessible, straightforward to navigate, and focused on achieving outcomes that prevent offending, support rehabilitation, and reduce reoffending.
  • Statutory services in the justice system recognise the benefits of employing veterans, and continue to optimise recruitment and retention, and maximise the value these employees bring to their organisations and the communities they support.

My recommendations are made in line with my remit to ‘provide leadership and challenge and drive momentum’ towards realising the Scottish Government’s ambition that veterans leave the armed forces with the resilience and awareness to remain law-abiding civilians.

These are long term outcomes, and I recognise that achieving them will require collaboration with a range of delivery partners across public, private and third sectors. By working collectively, we can continue to make life better for veterans and their families living in Scotland.

«  Section 4 – Veterans and the Law: Employment

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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
22 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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