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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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Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
15 hours ago
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
1 day ago
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
6 days ago
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
1 week ago
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