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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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This Tuesday afternoon, there will be a Scottish Parliament debate on Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community in Scotland. I've highlighted the findings of my 2025 progress report to MSPs, including areas where improvement is needed and attention should be focused as a priority. You can watch live on Tuesday at scottishparliament.tv 📺
This Tuesday afternoon, there will be a Scottish Parliament debate on Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community in Scotland. I've highlighted the findings of my 2025 progress report to MSPs, including areas where improvement is needed and attention should be focused as a priority. You can watch live on Tuesday at scottishparliament.tv 📺
2 days ago
It's #GriefAwarenessWeek - a time to promote better understanding of the impact of grief, and highlight support. Last month, I published my report reviewing support for the military bereaved community, who face uniquely complex challenges. Learn more in my latest blog, available at the link in my bio - SVC News and Blogs 🔗
It's #GriefAwarenessWeek - a time to promote better understanding of the impact of grief, and highlight support. Last month, I published my report reviewing support for the military bereaved community, who face uniquely complex challenges. Learn more in my latest blog, available at the link in my bio - SVC News and Blogs 🔗
4 days ago
November was a busy month - from moving Remembrance events to updates from partners in areas such as housing and support for Service children and women veterans. I also launched my report on Support for the Bereaved Community. Read more in my round-up at the link in my bio - SVC - news and blogs 🔗
November was a busy month - from moving Remembrance events to updates from partners in areas such as housing and support for Service children and women veterans. I also launched my report on Support for the Bereaved Community. Read more in my round-up at the link in my bio - SVC - news and blogs 🔗
4 days ago
A productive and valuable meeting yesterday with @veteransscotland and the Forces In Mind Trust. We shared key insights, upcoming plans, concerns across the sector and the positive progress being made. Collaboration like this strengthens our understanding and keeps us focused on what matters most - delivering meaningful, evidence-led improvement for the Veteran community in Scotland. Grateful to all involved for the continued commitment and partnership.
A productive and valuable meeting yesterday with @veteransscotland and the Forces In Mind Trust. We shared key insights, upcoming plans, concerns across the sector and the positive progress being made. Collaboration like this strengthens our understanding and keeps us focused on what matters most - delivering meaningful, evidence-led improvement for the Veteran community in Scotland. Grateful to all involved for the continued commitment and partnership.
1 week ago
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