The Scottish Veterans Commissioner (SVC) has published her annual assessment of the Scottish Government’s progress in improving support and services for Scotland’s veterans and their families.
The report evaluates progress against a number of recommendations, made by the SVC office, which the Scottish Government has committed to implementing.
Mirroring last year’s assessment, the Commissioner noted encouraging progress across the areas of health and wellbeing, and employment, skills and learning.
Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton commented: “Once again, I am encouraged by positive developments in the area of health and wellbeing. The ongoing direction and strategic oversight provided by the Armed Forces Personnel and Veterans Health Strategic Oversight Group, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer, is a welcome contribution which is helping to deliver demonstrable impact.
“Of particular note is the Scottish Government’s investment in the creation and development of the Scottish Veterans Treatment Pathway over the last two years. NHS Highland has been nominated as host and co-ordinator, with implementation of the Pathway expected by the end of 2024.”
The Commissioner also commended the work of the NHS Scotland Armed Forces Talent Programme, a Scotland-wide recruitment initiative which supports and aids members of the Armed Forces and veterans community, including families, to consider NHS Scotland as a potential career destination.
In the employment, skills and learning area, the Commissioner recognised the continued development of the Military Skills and Qualifications Discovery Tool, which helps Service leavers and employers translate military skills, qualifications and experiences for the civilian workplace.
The Commissioner continued: “Veterans often face a lack of understanding from potential employers about their transferable skills, and many find it challenging to sell themselves to employers after leaving the military. The Military Skills and Qualifications Discovery Tool is a valuable resource to address these issues, and I’m encouraged to see an increasing number of roles being mapped and improvements being made to ensure a positive experience for users.”
Addressing areas for improvement, the Commissioner highlighted ongoing concerns around the timely provision of suitable mental health support for veterans, and little headway in homelessness prevention.
She continued: “Disappointingly, progress towards the delivery of both the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway and the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Pathway remains notably slow, and I repeat my assertions that successful delivery of these must be a key priority for the Scottish Government.
“I recognise the importance of getting this work right, however, delays in providing equitable access to the mental health and wellbeing support that veterans should expect are concerning. Continued commitment – and associated funding – must be protected to secure this.”
Delays to the delivery of the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Pathway, which was published in early 2022, were also raised last year. Despite positive action and achievements by some statutory and third sector partners, the Commissioner voiced disappointment with the lack of overall progress.
“The Veterans Homelessness Prevention Pathway was the result of important collaborative work led by the third sector, developed to help ensure that every veteran in Scotland has a safe place to call home. However, two years on little has been achieved in implementing this pathway.”
The Commissioner concluded: “Providing scrutiny and supportive challenge to policy makers and those providing services to veterans is an important aspect of my role. This independent approach ensures there is a clear and meaningful understanding of the support available to veterans in Scotland, allowing me to highlight achievements while directing attention to areas that require further improvement.
“Veterans and their families bring immense value to our workplaces and communities, but it is crucial that we recognise and resolve the unique challenges they encounter. No veteran should experience any disadvantage due to their service to our country, and ensuring they receive the support they deserve must be a priority.”
View the progress report in full here: Scottish Veterans Commissioner Annual Progress Report 2024.