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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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Yesterday, the Female Veterans' Transformation Programme formally launched its Female Veterans Toolkit in the historic surroundings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Toolkit provides practical, evidence-based advice and information for those who seek to support female veterans. It was a welcome opportunity to meet many stakeholders and women veterans. I also caught up with the UK Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Director of the OVA Anisha Worbs, and the Veterans Commissioners for Wales and Northern Ireland. You can view the toolkit at the link in my bio - other links 🔗
Yesterday, the Female Veterans' Transformation Programme formally launched its Female Veterans Toolkit in the historic surroundings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Toolkit provides practical, evidence-based advice and information for those who seek to support female veterans. It was a welcome opportunity to meet many stakeholders and women veterans. I also caught up with the UK Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Director of the OVA Anisha Worbs, and the Veterans Commissioners for Wales and Northern Ireland. You can view the toolkit at the link in my bio - other links 🔗
13 hours ago
It was a tremendous honour to speak at the Douneside Military Club dinner on Friday in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund. During the evening, the MacRobert Trust announced an exceptionally generous donation of £90,000 towards welfare facilities at RAF Lossiemouth - a powerful reminder that Remembrance is expressed not only in words, but in meaningful action.
It was a tremendous honour to speak at the Douneside Military Club dinner on Friday in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund. During the evening, the MacRobert Trust announced an exceptionally generous donation of £90,000 towards welfare facilities at RAF Lossiemouth - a powerful reminder that Remembrance is expressed not only in words, but in meaningful action.
2 days ago
I’ve issued a joint statement with the Veterans Commissioners for NI and Wales on the current form of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. We continue to insist that the UK Government addresses the substantive issues we have raised on behalf of the veteran community. Read more at the link in my bio - news and blogs 🔗
I’ve issued a joint statement with the Veterans Commissioners for NI and Wales on the current form of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill. We continue to insist that the UK Government addresses the substantive issues we have raised on behalf of the veteran community. Read more at the link in my bio - news and blogs 🔗
3 days ago
I welcome the publication of the new UK Veterans Strategy, which sets out a clear vision that veterans are celebrated for their service, their potential is fully realised, and the right support is in place to achieve this. It’s encouraging to see a stronger focus on outcomes and measuring impact, under the strategic themes of Celebrate, Contribute, and Support. I am pleased that the Scottish Government will now develop a Strategy Action Plan to deliver this vision across Scotland - particularly in devolved areas such as health, housing, and justice. I look forward to continuing to support all efforts to improve the lives of veterans and their families across the country. Read the full Strategy at the link in my bio 🔗
I welcome the publication of the new UK Veterans Strategy, which sets out a clear vision that veterans are celebrated for their service, their potential is fully realised, and the right support is in place to achieve this. It’s encouraging to see a stronger focus on outcomes and measuring impact, under the strategic themes of Celebrate, Contribute, and Support. I am pleased that the Scottish Government will now develop a Strategy Action Plan to deliver this vision across Scotland - particularly in devolved areas such as health, housing, and justice. I look forward to continuing to support all efforts to improve the lives of veterans and their families across the country. Read the full Strategy at the link in my bio 🔗
6 days ago
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