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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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A really helpful and productive catch up with the Chair, Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope KCB CBE, and Director of Operations, Kate McCullogh, of @cobseo, The Confederation of Service Charities. I greatly valued their UK-wide perspective on policy and practice, and the opportunity to share insights from Scotland.
A really helpful and productive catch up with the Chair, Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope KCB CBE, and Director of Operations, Kate McCullogh, of @cobseo, The Confederation of Service Charities. I greatly valued their UK-wide perspective on policy and practice, and the opportunity to share insights from Scotland.
4 days ago
Last year, the Female Veterans' Transformation Programme launched the Supporting Female Veterans Toolkit, containing practical, evidence-based advice and information to help charities, statutory services and employers better support women veterans. From insights on needs and identity, to practical checklists for providing support in a range of areas, this is a hugely valuable resource to improve experienced and outcomes for an often overlooked group. Access the toolkit at the link in my bio - Other links 🔗
Last year, the Female Veterans' Transformation Programme launched the Supporting Female Veterans Toolkit, containing practical, evidence-based advice and information to help charities, statutory services and employers better support women veterans. From insights on needs and identity, to practical checklists for providing support in a range of areas, this is a hugely valuable resource to improve experienced and outcomes for an often overlooked group. Access the toolkit at the link in my bio - Other links 🔗
6 days ago
An inspiring evening at the Scottish Forces in Business Awards, where the huge contribution of the Reservist and military community in Scotland was recognised. Fantastic to see so many employers celebrating their military colleagues and to witness the range of talent and commitment from Rising Stars to Lifetime Achievement Awards. And great to meet with Julie Ann Simson of @forcesemploymentcharity. Congratulations to all nominees and winners!
An inspiring evening at the Scottish Forces in Business Awards, where the huge contribution of the Reservist and military community in Scotland was recognised. Fantastic to see so many employers celebrating their military colleagues and to witness the range of talent and commitment from Rising Stars to Lifetime Achievement Awards. And great to meet with Julie Ann Simson of @forcesemploymentcharity. Congratulations to all nominees and winners!
1 week ago
The Centre for Evidence for the Armed Forces Community, funded by the Forces in Mind Trust, has published an informative feature highlighting the unique challenges faced by bereaved military families - including insights from my recent report on support for the bereaved community. Read the article at the link in my bio - Other links 🔗
The Centre for Evidence for the Armed Forces Community, funded by the Forces in Mind Trust, has published an informative feature highlighting the unique challenges faced by bereaved military families - including insights from my recent report on support for the bereaved community. Read the article at the link in my bio - Other links 🔗
2 weeks ago
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