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.