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.

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Most veterans transition smoothly to civilian life - but those who struggle financially can face complex systems and unclear guidance.

My latest report - Veterans and Finance - recommends earlier education and better access to support.

Read more at the link in my bio 🔗
Most veterans transition smoothly to civilian life - but those who struggle financially can face complex systems and unclear guidance. My latest report - Veterans and Finance - recommends earlier education and better access to support. Read more at the link in my bio 🔗
1 day ago
It was a privilege to close out the Armed Forces Covenant Conference. Two days of learning, challenge and connection. Inspiring to see how many organisations and individuals are dedicated to improving the lives of our Armed Forces and Veteran community.
It was a privilege to close out the Armed Forces Covenant Conference. Two days of learning, challenge and connection. Inspiring to see how many organisations and individuals are dedicated to improving the lives of our Armed Forces and Veteran community.
1 day ago
Great start to the second day of the UK Armed Forces Covenant conference. A meeting with all three Veterans Commissioners and Minister Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, followed by his inspiring key note address. Also a chance to pop into the Poppyscotland Bud and say hello.
Great start to the second day of the UK Armed Forces Covenant conference. A meeting with all three Veterans Commissioners and Minister Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, followed by his inspiring key note address. Also a chance to pop into the Poppyscotland Bud and say hello.
2 days ago
Delighted to welcome the UK Armed Forces Covenant Conference to Glasgow today. A packed room and a busy and interesting programme with more to come tomorrow.

Was also great to get advanced sight of the updated Armed Forces Covenant Toolkit ahead of the conference - a valuable guide for councils and partners on upholding the Covenant and working together to support the Armed Forces community so that no member faces disadvantage due to their service. 

You can view the toolkit here using the link in my bio 🔗
Delighted to welcome the UK Armed Forces Covenant Conference to Glasgow today. A packed room and a busy and interesting programme with more to come tomorrow. Was also great to get advanced sight of the updated Armed Forces Covenant Toolkit ahead of the conference - a valuable guide for councils and partners on upholding the Covenant and working together to support the Armed Forces community so that no member faces disadvantage due to their service. You can view the toolkit here using the link in my bio 🔗
3 days ago
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