Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2021 - The ...
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Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2021
Contents
Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Foreword 2
Key Highlights 4
Veterans Strategy Cross-Cutting Factors and Key Themes 7
Summary of 10 Year Outcomes 8
Veterans Strategy Cross-Cutting Factors 9
Collaboration and Co-ordination 10
Data12
Perception and Recognition 14
Transition15
Veterans Strategy Key Themes 17
Community and Relationships 18
Employment, Education and Skills 19
Finance and Debt 25
Health and Wellbeing 27
Making a Home in Civilian Society 31
Veterans and the Law 34
Wider Achievements and Support 35
1
Cabinet Secretary for Justice
and Veterans Foreword
This is the fifth that the effects of the pandemic
annual update to are overcome as promptly and
Parliament on effectively as is possible.
support for the
2021 has also seen many charities
Veterans and
facing severe financial difficulties.
Armed Forces
To help address this, the Scottish
Community in
Government has made available
Scotland. I
£1 million to create a fund to provide
previously served
direct financial relief to third sector
as Minister with responsibility for
organisations that provide support
Veterans affairs, and I am extremely
to the Armed Forces community in
proud to once again be appointed to
Scotland. I am pleased that we have
the role, one which enables me to
been able to award funding to 19
support our veterans and Armed
organisations providing support
Forces community right across
for the Veterans and Armed Forces
Scotland. I am pleased to provide this
Community across Scotland.
update which showcases the wide
range of activity and the sheer This year also marks some truly
volume of work undertaken across the significant anniversaries, including
Scottish Government and by public the centenary year of the Royal
sector partners over the last 12 British Legion, Legion Scotland
months in support of the Veterans and and the iconic Poppy appeal by
Armed Forces Community. Poppyscotland. I am thankful that
this year we will be able to hold a
As with much of 2020, this last year
special concert marking the occasion
has seen Scotland face significant
and that all of our veterans who
challenges. Life has changed to a
were unable to jointly mark the
degree that could not have been
anniversaries of VE and VJ day last
predicted even 18 months ago. The
year will finally be able to gather
effects of the pandemic have been
together in celebration. The role of
felt across all sectors of society,
our veterans charities cannot be
from our children facing significant
overestimated and the vital support
interruptions to their education, to
that they continue to provide to our
the serious impact on the health
veterans and their families across
and wellbeing of the population. But
Scotland.
there have also been huge strides
in our efforts to fight this disease, In addition, earlier this year also
not least an effective vaccination marked the 80th anniversary of the
campaign which has had a dramatic Clydebank Blitz in which the town
impact on hospitalisation rates. As was largely destroyed and suffered
life begins to return to normal, I the worst destruction and civilian
very much look forward to ensuring loss of life in all of Scotland during
that our veterans and their families World War 2. I will be attending
face no barriers in accessing the a memorial service at the end of
support that they require, and November to remember those who
2
were injured and killed in the raids I would like to thank the current
and to pay tribute to all residents Commissioner, Charlie Wallace, for
of Clydebank and survivors of his work and unfailing support to
the blitz for their resilience and our veteran community.
determination, and willpower to
rebuild their town. Over the past year, The Veterans
Employability Strategic Group
As we continue to emerge from continues to make good progress in
the pandemic, I am delighted to improving employment opportunities
announce that we will also be for veterans. Representatives of
taking the opportunity to review the private sector are now working
and refresh our initial response to within the Group, and I look forward
the Veterans Strategy, published to continuing to highlight the huge
in January 2020. We will look at benefits which employers stand to
the extent to which our existing gain by offering sustainable and good
commitments remain valid and if quality employment to veterans and
there is an opportunity to add more their family members. We continue to
detail to existing commitments and/ welcome a number of veterans into
or add new commitments. employment with government and
I look forward to building upon the
I am acutely aware of the impact early success of the Going Forward
that COVID has had on our mental Into Employment programme.
health and wellbeing, and that the
pandemic has prevented many In closing, I am heartened by, and
of the social events which are a hugely proud of, what has been
vital lifeline for our veterans. As achieved in such a challenging time.
restrictions are slowly eased and our I hope that the information which
veterans are able to come together follows in this report goes to show
in a safe and secure manner, efforts that despite the limitations which
to tackle social isolation will be have been placed on us all, we have
resumed in earnest and in 2022 made great strides in ensuring that
we look forward to contributing to our Veterans and Armed Forces
the implementation of the Veterans community in Scotland receive the
Mental Health Action Plan. best possible support and care. But
as always, there is more that can be
I am pleased that the Scottish done and we will continue to enhance
Veterans Commissioner has our provision for veterans, Service
published two new reports on personnel and their families across
Employment, Skills and Learning, Scotland. They contribute a huge
and Housing. These contain a amount to our society and I look
number of recommendations for forward to ensuring that Scotland
the Scottish Government and, for is the destination of choice for our
the first time, the UK Government. Service leavers and their families.
I look forward to enacting the plans
we have in place to deliver the
recommendations to the Scottish
Government. As in previous years,
addressing these recommendations
is a key priority and one which Keith Brown MSP
I believe is hugely important.
Cabinet Secretary for Justice
and Veterans
3
Key Highlights
Collaboration and coordination
The Scottish Government has The Scottish Veterans Fund
contributed £250,000 per year from continued in 2021, with a further
2020-21 until 2022-23 (for a total of £200,000 awarded to 16 projects
£750,000) to the Unforgotten Forces across Scotland, with a specific focus
Consortium. on projects that supported recovery
from the COVID pandemic.
Data
The Scottish Parliament agreed Recognising that the Census only
that Scotland’s Census, which will takes place every ten years, we have
take place on 20 March 2022, will identified opportunities for more
include for the first time a question regular data collections by including
on previous service in the UK Armed the same question from the Census
Forces. in the Scottish Government’s three
primary surveys.
Perception and Recognition
For the first time, the Veterans The Scottish Government accepted
Employability Strategic Group now the recommendations within the
has membership from private sector Scottish Veterans Commissioner’s
employers. new reports on Employment, Skills
and Learning and Housing.
The Scottish Government’s 2021-
22 Programme for Government has
committed to securing improved
opportunities for veterans.
4
Community and Relationships
The Scottish Government will An updated version of Welcome
develop a plan to tackle social to Scotland was published in
isolation and loneliness backed by March 2021 following extensive
£10 million across the lifetime of consultation with the Military as
this parliament. well as third and public sector
organisations.
Employment, Education and Skills
The Veterans Employability Strategic The Scottish Government continues
Group has developed an action to offer work placements and Fixed
plan giving the group a clear focus Term Appointments to veterans
on enabling Service leavers and through the Going Forward Into
veterans to access, sustain and Employment programme.
progress in good jobs.
The Scottish Government provided
£35,000 of additional funding to
SCQF to develop a skills recognition
tool.
Finance and Debt
The Scottish Government published The Scottish Government funded
the second Benefit Take-up Strategy the publication of the Money Advice
in October 2021 and veterans Trust’s new guide on ’How to Deal
stakeholders were consulted during with Debt’.
its development.
5
Health and Wellbeing
The Scottish Veterans Care Network The Scottish Government continued
was launched in November 2020, to fund Combat Stress and Veterans
with an initial priority to develop First Point during 2021-22.
a Mental Health Action Plan, which
will be available in December 2021.
The Drug and Alcohol Information
System was implemented on 1
December 2020 and went live across
Scotland on 1 April 2021.
Making a Home in Civilian Society
Funding continues to be available A pathway to prevent homelessness
to deliver homes specifically for for veterans is currently being
veterans where Local Authorities developed by members of the
identify this as a strategic priority. Veterans Scotland Housing Group
Since 2012 over £6m has been made and will be published by the end of
available through the programme 2021.
to deliver over 100 homes for
Veterans.
We continue to support Housing
Options Scotland to provide its
Military Matters project.
6
Veterans Strategy Cross-Cutting
Factors and Key Themes
Cross-Cutting Factors and Themes
Vision
This Strategy has a 10 year scope. Through the 10 year timescale, the Strategy addresses the
immediate needs of older veterans as well as setting the right conditions for society to empower –
and support – the newer generation. Initiatives and proposals will work towards an enduring Vision
articulated by three key principles.
Those who have served in the UK Armed Forces, and their families, transition smoothly back into
civilian life and contribute fully to a society that understands and values what they have done and
what they have to offer.
Principles
The Principles articulate in greater detail the strategic objectives of the Vision.
Veterans
Veterans Veterans are are able to
are first and encouraged access support that
foremost civilians and enabled to meets their needs
and continue to be maximise their when necessary,
of benefit to potential as through public and
wider society civilians voluntary
sectors
These Principles encompass Regular and Reservist Veterans and where appropriate, their families and
the bereaved. The focus is on those Veterans of the UK Armed Forces resident in the UK. In due course,
we will consider encompassing Veterans who return to or choose to live overseas. These Principles are
consistent with, and underpinned by, the Armed Forces Covenant.
Cross-cutting factors
That affect service provision for Veterans across all Key Themes
Collaboration Co-ordination Data Perception Recognition
Key themes
That emerged as affecting Veterans’ lives
Community and Employment, education Finance and debt
relationships and skills
Health and wellbeing Making a home in Veterans and the law
civilian society
7
Summary of 10 Year Outcomes
Cross-Cutting Factors
1 Collaboration between Improved collaboration between organisations
organisations offers Veterans coherent support.
2 Coordination of The coordination of Veterans’ provision delivers
Veterans’ services consistent aims and principles over time and
throughout the UK, ensuring Veterans, their
families and the bereaved are treated fairly
compared to the local population.
3 Data on the Veteran Enhanced collection, use and analysis of data
community across the public, private and charitable sectors
to build an evidence base to effectively identify
and address the needs of Veterans.
4 Public perception and The UK population value Veterans and
understanding understand their diverse experiences and
culture.
5 Recognition of Veterans Veterans feel that their service and experience is
recognised and valued by society.
Key Themes
1 Community and Veterans are able to build healthy relationships
relationships and integrate into their communities.
2 Employment, education Veterans enter appropriate employment and can
and skills continue to enhance their careers throughout
their working lives.
3 Finance and debt Veterans leave the Armed Forces with sufficient
financial education, awareness and skills to be
financially self-supporting and resilient.
4 Health and wellbeing All Veterans enjoy a state of positive physical
and mental health and wellbeing, enabling them
to contribute to wider aspects of society.
5 Making a home in Veterans have a secure place to live either
civilian society through buying, renting or social housing.
6 Veterans and the law Veterans leave the Armed Forces with the
resilience and awareness to remain law-abiding
civilians.
8
Veterans Strategy
Cross-Cutting Factors
9 9Collaboration
and Co-ordination
Armed Forces and Veterans Supporting the Armed
Champions Forces Covenant
The previous Veterans Minister met The Scottish Government continues
with the network of Local Authority to be an active member of the
Armed Forces and Veterans Armed Forces Covenant governance
Champions at the end of 2020. structure, including the Covenant
During this roundtable discussion, Reference Group.
the Champions’ Role Description
was agreed and defines how they Furthermore, the Scottish
will deliver their role in support Government continues to contribute
of the Armed Forces and Veterans to the Armed Forces Covenant and
community in their Local Authorities. Veterans annual report, which details
Furthermore, we continue to engage how the principles of the Covenant
Champions to leverage their local are being delivered across the UK.
knowledge and expertise, for The Scottish Government continues
example in support of the Scottish to engage with the MOD as it seeks
Veterans Commissioner’s latest to further embed the Armed Forces
recommendations on Employability, Covenant into legislation through
Skills and Learning. the Armed forces Bill introduced
In addition, during 2021 we have in January 2021. We worked
established relationships with the closely with the MOD in advance
new network of Champions in the of introduction to try to ensure
Department for Work and Pensions the legislation is fit for purpose in
in Scotland to determine how they Scotland and we will continue to
are supporting the Armed Forces work with MOD as they develop the
and Veterans community and how Legislation’s statutory guidance.
the Scottish Government can best
support their efforts.
10Unforgotten Forces Scottish Veterans Fund
Consortium The Scottish Veterans Fund (SVF)
The Scottish Government continues continued in 2021, with a further
to fund the Unforgotten Forces £200,000 awarded to 16 projects
Consortium, a partnership of 16 across Scotland, with a specific
civilian and ex-service charitable focus on projects that supported
organisations with the purpose of recovery from the COVID pandemic.
delivering a wide array of services From 2022-23, the funding available
to Veterans in Scotland. The Scottish through the SVF will increase to
Government has contributed £500,000.
£250,000 per year from 2020-21
until 2022-23 (for a total of Relationship with the
£750,000) to support their work in Services and Family
improving the health, wellbeing and Federations
quality of life for older Veterans in
Scotland. In 2021, the consortium The Scottish Government has
expanded the targeting of their an excellent relationship with
support to include all veterans the Armed Forces and Families
over 60 years of age, instead of Federations in Scotland. We continue
the previous 65. to hold regular discussions with the
three Services to ensure a joined up
approach to supporting the Services
in Scotland at both Official and
Ministerial level. We worked closely
with the Military during 2021 to
support the delivery of Defence and
national security priorities within
the various and ever-evolving COVID
restrictions, helping the Services to
better understand where, and how,
the various restrictions applied and
how essential Defence business
could continue to be delivered safely
and appropriately.
We continue to have regular
discussions with the Family
Federations across all three Services
and worked with them in 2021 to
address issues around the rollout of
the COVID vaccine in Military Bases
and in the development of the latest
version of the Welcome to Scotland
document.
11Data
2022 Census and other will give us the option to utilise this
sample to carry out more in-depth
surveys research with respondents who
The Scottish Parliament agreed identify as veterans.
that Scotland’s Census, which will
take place on 20 March 2022, will Research on the veterans
include for the first time a question community
on previous service in the UK Armed
Forces. This will help to support a We have built strong relationships
better understanding of the veterans across the wider academic and
community in Scotland including research community to better
numbers, location, employment understand and, where appropriate
status, housing and other needs support, the delivery of research on
such as healthcare and education. the veterans community in Scotland.
Analysis of the Census Outputs will This close engagement will help us to
help to inform policy development recognise research being delivered
and targeted support. and whether there is any need/scope
for policy interventions to address
Recognising that the Census only the findings.
takes place every ten years, we have
identified opportunities for more We are developing a proforma to
regular data collections by including be sent to veterans stakeholders to
the same question from the Census better understand what data, if any,
in the Scottish Government’s is currently collected by different
three primary surveys: Scottish organisations across Scotland.
Household Survey (SHS), Scottish This exercise will contribute
Health Survey (SHeS) and Scottish towards an overview of veterans
Crime and Justice Survey (SCJS). data collections, supporting the
All three surveys intend to include co-ordination of data across the
the veterans Census question in community. It will help us to
their next sweeps with subsequent identify what data might be used
Scotland-level analysis expected to to measure progress against the
be available at varying points during Veterans Strategy and help us to
2023. Having a question in each of identify evidence gaps and areas
these national surveys will improve for development. In addition, we are
considerably our understanding of exploring options to understand how
the profile, circumstances and needs relevant data held and/or published
of veterans in Scotland, which in by the Scottish Government could be
turn will help inform policy and developed to improve the evidence
services. Each of the surveys also base on veterans’ interactions with
collate re-contact samples, consisting the justice system, which would in
of respondents who consent to being turn help measure progress against
included in future research. This a number of outcomes linked to the
Veterans Strategy.
12Exploring data-sharing Additionally, the Scottish
Government is an active member
opportunities of the new Veteran and Covenant
As part of the Administrative Data Working Group, which aims
Data Research Scotland (ADR-S) to co-ordinate efforts to build a
programme, the Scottish Government better evidence base in support
has been working with the MOD of delivering the Armed Forces
to gain access to their Service Covenant and the Strategy for our
Leavers Database (SLD) in order Veterans. Scottish Government
to enable public benefit research officials have presented on the
on Scotland’s veterans population. Veterans Strategy monitoring
Information Governance documents work and have established good
to enable the data share are in the relationships with counterparts
final stages of review between SG in the OVA, MOD and Welsh
and MOD. Once acquired, the SLD Government. The group is actively
dataset will be indexed against the exploring options to work
National Registers of Scotland’s collaboratively to improve the
population spine and the NHS available evidence on veterans in
Central Register to provide a best Scotland.
estimate of veterans residing
in Scotland. Edinburgh Napier
University is leading on an ADR-S
project proposal to link the SLD with
Scotland’s 2011 Census. The analysis
of this data linkage project seeks to
answer key questions on the social
and personal circumstances of our
veterans community, and compare
and contrast these to non-veterans.
Those questions are based on the
themes of the Veterans Strategy.
13Perception and
Recognition
Promoting veterans as In addition, the Scottish
Government’s 2021-22 Programme
assets to employers for Government has committed to
For the first time, the Veterans securing improved opportunities
Employability Strategic Group (VESG) for veterans, ensuring that those
has membership from private sector who have risked their lives in the
employers. This is an important step service of the nation can access
towards bridging the gap between good jobs once their time in the
public sector policy, service delivery military is over. We will launch a
partners and employers to support public awareness campaign next
an improved understanding of year, targeting employers and
the benefit of employing veterans the business community to help
and thus ensuring they are increase employment opportunities
better supported to find suitable for veterans.
employment. The VESG is currently
establishing working groups as part
of its future focus, one of which is an
employer-led group.
14Transition
In addition to the five primary Holistic Transition Policy
Cross-Cutting Factors, our Veterans
Strategy consultation told us that The Scottish Government provided
Transition remains a key issue for comments to the MOD in advance
some of our Service leavers. It was of a refresh of its Holistic Transition
clear from our engagement that Policy in April 2021. The policy
veterans felt that little priority is intended to support Service
had been given to the Transition personnel and their families better
process in the past, but that it prepare for life after the military on
has come a long way since then. a through-career basis. It recognises
Stakeholders were clear that the that transition is far wider than
process needs to start earlier employment and that a wide range
and go beyond employment into of life changing issues can affect
wider support, including education both the Service person and their
options, finding suitable housing immediate family as they leave the
and managing money. Armed Forces. Through the policy,
the single Services will identify
potential vulnerable Service leavers
and facilitate a referral to the new
Defence Transition Services.
15Engagement with Defence Scottish Veterans
Transition Services Commissioner –
We have built strong relationships focus on Transition
and engage regularly with the Following the publication of the
Defence Transition Services (DTS) Commissioner’s Transition scene-
which has ensured that DTS can setting paper in December 2019, he
better support its clients in Scotland has since published two additional
with a good understanding of the reports on Employment, Skills
devolved services and support and Learning (December 2020)
which are available to veterans and Housing (June 2021), both in
in Scotland. In addition, DTS have the context of Transition. These
the opportunity to raise with us reports contained a number of
issues experienced by their clients recommendations for the Scottish
which we can then take forward Government and, for the first time,
as necessary, including improving the UK Government.
guidance and signposting and
through the provision of advice. The Scottish Government welcomed
This year, following an issue raised both reports and accepted their
by DTS, we worked with partners to recommendations. We continue to
better ensure that veterans do not work with partners to prioritise
face disadvantage when applying for the delivery of the Commissioner’s
social housing. recommendations and again
contributed to his annual progress
report. We look forward to his report
on veterans Health, the final paper
in the series focused on Transition.
16Veterans Strategy
Key Themes
17Community and
Relationships
Social Isolation and
Breakfast Clubs
COVID restrictions have prevented
in-person breakfast clubs from
proceeding this year, however
Legion Scotland and many other
charitable organisation carried
out virtual clubs throughout the
pandemic to help combat social
isolation.
More broadly, the Scottish
Government will develop a plan to
tackle social isolation and loneliness Welcome to Scotland
backed by £10 million across the Welcome to Scotland is a Scottish
lifetime of this parliament. As part of Government guide created in 2018
our first 100 days we have already to ensure Service Personnel and
announced the first £1 million to their families are fully equipped with
tackle issues in communities across the correct information and support
Scotland now. upon their move to Scotland.
Befriending and Mental An updated version of Welcome
to Scotland was published in
Health First Aid March 2021 following extensive
We reported last year that in consultation with the Military as
2020-21 the Scottish Government well as third and public sector
provided £3,000 of funding to hold organisations to ensure that the
two one-day Befriending training guide is up-to-date and contains
sessions for up to 25 individuals as the most relevant information for
well as four two-day Mental Health personnel and their families ahead
First Aid training sessions per up to of relocation to Scotland.
12 individuals from the Veterans
community. COVID-19 has thus
far precluded the delivery of this
training, but it is now anticipated
that this will now be delivered by
the MOD, in conjunction with Legion
Scotland, before the end of this year.
18Employment,
Education and Skills
Veterans Employability Employability Initiatives
Strategic Group (VESG) The Scottish Government, alongside
During 2020 the VESG was delivery partners, will continue
refreshed with two new co-chairs to ensure employment support
and members from private sector services for those facing significant
employers. The group has agreed challenges when leaving the Armed
key areas for action linked to the Forces continue to be enhanced.
SVC Employment, Skills and Learning The employability support
report on Transition. An action programmes are open to all
plan for implementation is being individuals who meet the eligibility
developed with its key themes criteria, including veterans and
focusing on: Service leavers. Implementation
• Upskilling and retraining to of No One Left Behind phase 1
enable Service leavers and is now complete with phase 2
veterans to address skills gaps; implementation planned for April
2022, drawing on the best practice
• Understanding the Labour market; of Community Jobs Scotland (CJS)
and the Employability Fund (EF).
• Positive employer practice;
Employability support funding will
• Data; and
be transferred to Local Employability
• Third sector support. Partnerships (LEPs), where local
decisions will be based on the
The action plan will give the group needs, strengths and capabilities
a clear focus on enabling Service of the individual and taking on
leavers and veterans to access, board regional local employer needs
sustain and progress in good jobs, and demands. LEPs are made up
building on a clear understanding of of public, private and third sector
job opportunities available to them bodies. Veterans are priority groups
in Scotland. The Group will work within both CJS and EF programmes,
with employers to promote the skills and will remain so under phase 2 of
they bring to the labour market and No One Left Behind. The network of
promote alignment of services to Local Authority Armed Forces and
ensure their accessibility. Veterans Champions will play a role
in supporting LEPs and veterans into
accessing the support and addressing
any barriers to fair and sustainable
employment.
19Skills and Qualifications During 2021, the Scottish
Government provided £35,000
Mapping of additional funding to SCQF to
Since 2018 the Scottish Credit develop a skills recognition tool
and Qualifications Framework for use on My World of Work. The
Partnership (SCQFP) has undertaken SCQF Partnership are working with
a substantial amount of work to key partners in Skills Development
map military qualifications to Scotland and MOD to deliver the
those recognised by employers and project. Its aim is to develop a
education institutions including: skills profiling tool specifically for
Service leavers that supports them
• A scoping report on priority job
in understanding the skills they have
roles within the Armed Forces;
gained in the military and how these
• Development of a number of skills translate into language easily
information leaflets for different understood by civilian employers/
job roles; institutions in order to gain a job
or move into further learning. The
• Development of a dedicated initial phase will examine around 20
webpage on the SCQF website to job roles within the Armed Forces
support Service leavers; that were considered both priorities
• Revision of the MOD’s in terms of needing transitional
qualifications matrix to ensure support and roles typically held by
accuracy of qualifications being those Service leavers predominantly
offered within the Armed Forces; settling in Scotland. The project
and commenced on 1 April 2021 with a
completion date of 31 January 2022.
• Conversations with a range of
awarding bodies to encourage
more qualifications to be
recognised on the SCQF.
20Further and Higher Barriers to HE/FE for
Education Champions Service Children
The SFC-led Armed Forces and Scotland’s Community of Access
Veterans Community Group (AFVCG), and Participation Practitioners
which supports the work of the HE/ (SCAPP) arranged a presentation to
FE Veterans Champions Network, members of the HE/FE Widening
meets three times per academic Participation community to highlight
year. At the June 2021 meeting the importance of support to the
the group agreed the priority Service families community. Work
working areas for the upcoming continues with the Service Children’s
academic year (2021-22) which Progression (SCiP) Alliance to
are closer collaborative working create a dedicated presentation
with MOD’s Directorate of Training, and information toolkit to allow
Education, Skills, Recruiting & the presentation of HE/FE as an
Resettlement (TESRR) and Career opportunity to Service children.
Transition Partnership (CTP)
collaborative working. Scottish Funding Council’s
Two members of the AFVCG sit Data Analysis
on, and have presented to, an SFC has collected data on veterans
international veterans committee accessing colleges since 2017-18.
which includes participants from Since 2020-21, Service leavers
New Zealand, Australia, Canada have been identified in the Higher
and United States, and supports the Education Statistics Agency (HESA)
sharing of best practice, ideas and Student return, data from which will
common understanding. be available from December 2021.
The HE/FE Veterans Champions Like veterans, Service children or
Group was used to determine the children of military families are
appetite for developing a Scottish also considered one of the ‘At Risk’
Military Research Hub, the concept groups. These are students at risk
for which is Scottish universities of not achieving their full potential,
delivering research in partnership. including from aspirations through to
Thus far, nine universities successful outcomes and appropriate
have expressed an interest and employment. Students from Service
representatives from the universities families are to be identified in the
met in June 2021 to explore funding HESA Student return from 2021-22,
options for the hub and discuss however this data will not be
potential themes. These themes are available until at least 2022-23. The
still being considered but will likely data on Service children or military
focus around key transition areas families will in future enable SFC and
such as health, housing, education, other public bodies to plan and make
families, etc. informed decisions about students
from Service families.
21Forces Families Jobs NHS Careers Website
The Forces Families Jobs website is A dedicated NHS Scotland Careers
a central portal for employment and webpage, designed to support
training opportunities for military veterans and promote the NHS as a
spouses and family members, which post-service career, launched during
was launched in 2019. All employers Armed Forces week 2021. The
who advertise on the Forces Families page includes support for veterans
Jobs website have signed the Armed to apply to NHS jobs, guidance on
Forces Covenant and a profile is communicating transferrable skills,
provided for them to explain their career case studies from veterans
individual commitment to being and Armed Forces family members
forces family friendly. The Scottish who have transitioned and work in
Government continues to work the NHS, information on mapping
with Forces Families Jobs to post Armed Forces skills to the Scottish
vacancies by directing to Work for Credit and Qualification Framework
Scotland, our own job website. (SCQF), and more. The launch of
the website was accompanied by
Work Placements in a series of social media activities,
Scottish Government including the sharing of career case
studies across social media channels.
The Scottish Government continues
to offer work placements and Fixed Police Scotland –
Term Appointments (FTA) to veterans
through the Going Forward Into Employment and
Employment (GFIE) programme. Partnerships
Working with the Career Transition During the past year, Police
Partnership and other partners to Scotland’s National Recruitment
identify candidates, the initiative is Team have undertaken several
giving us the opportunity to take on activities to focus recruitment
Service leavers and veterans through of veterans into Police Scotland
short placements and FTA which including engagement with CTP and
could subsequently be converted the Officer’s Association and utilising
to permanent. Three veterans have Local Policing Veterans Champions
thus far been recruited successfully to arrange bespoke career transition
through this route and we are working events.
with partners to further embed GFIE
into our recruitment practices. Both the National Recruitment and
Talent Acquisition Teams support the
Additionally, the Scottish Wounded, Injured or Sick Programme
Government is exploring the (WISP), whereby Police Scotland
possibility of including a field secondment opportunities are
on veteran status as part of provided to personnel coming to the
the employee data voluntarily end of their Service. Additionally,
provided by Scottish Government Police Scotland recently announced
staff through its HR system. This the new Volunteering Strategy which
would help monitor the progress of provides more defined opportunities
activities aimed at increasing the for those wishing to bring their
number of veterans employed by the experience and transferable skills
Scottish Government.
22into the challenging and rewarding Cyber Skills Pilot
environment of volunteering in
policing. This could either be as Last year, we reported that Scottish
a Special Constable within local veterans were being retrained
communities, or as an Adult via a cyber-skills pilot led by
Volunteer in mentoring and Skills Development Scotland, in
supporting our cadre of Police partnership with SaluteMyJob
Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV). & Abertay University. The pilot
concluded this year with 14
University of Strathclyde’s individuals completing the course.
We are working with partners
Articulation Route to determine the employment
An articulation mechanism has been destinations of those who completed
developed and this will allow those the course.
with HND qualifications to enter
initial teacher education. Since 2020 Scottish Armed Forces
three veterans have been awarded Education Support Group
a STEM bursary whilst on the one
year PGDE programme. The bursary The Scottish Service Children
scheme is an SG sponsorship for Strategy Group (SSCSG) was re-
STEM students accepted on PGDE constituted to take a more strategic
programmes, who receive £20k for approach in improving the support
the year. to Children and Young People (CYP)
23from Armed Forces backgrounds.
The group updated its term of
reference and was re-named the
Scottish Armed Forces Education
Support Group (SAFESG). This group’s
work and minutes are now available
here to raise the profile of this
work. This website will also share
information and resources on best
practice and support for AF CYP. The
SAFESG also aligns their work with
the Morgan review of Additional
Support for Learning and action plan.
Additionally, in conjunction with the
Association of Directors of Education
(ADES) National Transitions Officer
(NTO), the SAFESG invites head
teachers from schools across
Scotland to share their insights, best
practice and develop ideas with the
strategic group. SAFESG is also working closely with
the NTO to support the next round
Some areas of best practice the of data collection on Armed Forces
group has been working on include: children and young people via
Seemis. Data collection is due to take
• Safeguarding: SAFESG facilitated
place in autumn 2021 and results
MOD input into the recently
will be used to further enhance and
updated Scottish Government
develop the support available to
Safeguarding guidance to ensure
these children and young people.
the needs and considerations
of AF CYP and personnel were The group is also working with
reflected. SAFESG also facilitated local authorities to understand and
discussions on Safeguarding support local data gathering, with a
between stakeholders to ensure view to developing and sharing best
alignment with the various digital practice.
internal processes related to this
area. In alignment with the Morgan review,
SAFESG is considering research
• Developing strategies to support opportunities to further understand
dispersed families. barriers to learning experienced
by these learners and develop
• Considering approaches to
approaches to mitigate them.
support families moving into
Scotland and their engagement
with the school and the Scottish
education system. SAFESG has
hosted sessions with Forces
Families Federations to share the
knowledge and experiences of
families moving to Scotland.
24Finance and Debt
Benefits Social Security Scotland
The Scottish Government has Over the last year, Social Security
designed the application guidance Scotland (SSS) has undertaken a
for devolved benefits to provide number of actions to further embed
comprehensive information on inclusive communication principles.
entitlement. Similarly, signposting This has included close engagement
will be included to refer clients to with its Inclusive Communication
the relevant agencies for reserved External Stakeholder Reference
benefits where appropriate. Group, of which BLESMA is a
member. Together, they will ensure
The Adult Disability Payment (ADP) that the agency communicates
application form will ask clients in ways that meet all of its
about their possible entitlement clients’ communication needs and
to Armed Forces Independence preferences, including veterans.
Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility
Supplement and War Pension Furthermore, Social Security
Constant Attendance Allowance. Scotland will develop signposting
Where appropriate, clients will be and referral arrangements with a
directed to Veterans UK for further range of organisations which will
advice, with whom we have worked make it as easy as possible for
to develop an information sharing clients, including veterans, to access
process. This is intended to ensure services. SSS will also ensure that
that veterans can efficiently access it is able to refer clients to partner
the support to which they are organisations that deliver other
entitled. Furthermore, we engage sources of financial or emotional
regularly with Veterans UK and MOD support and will aim to make
to ensure that there is consistency in that referral process as simple
the messaging provided to veterans. as possible so that clients do not
have to repeatedly give the same
information to different people in
other organisations.
25Benefit Take-Up Strategy Money and Pension Service
The Scottish Government published (MaPS)
the second Benefit Take-up The Scottish Government
Strategy in October 2021. Since co-ordinated in 2020 a Serving
the publication of the first Take-up personnel and veterans virtual
Strategy in 2019, several Seldom roundtable which was attended
Heard groups have been identified by stakeholders and organisations
as being key to the development of from across the Armed Forces
the second Strategy. These groups and veterans community. During
are likely to experience reduced the session, participants shared
access to, or take-up of, the Scottish their perspectives about current
benefits to which they are entitled. challenges relating to financial
Extensive engagement has been wellbeing to inform the development
carried out with stakeholders of MaPS’ Financial Wellbeing
representing these Seldom Heard Delivery Plan for Scotland. The
groups, and the outcomes of this intention is that this will be
engagement has been intrinsic to published before the end of 2021.
the development of the Strategy.
In order to ensure the inclusion Throughout the pandemic MaPS
of veterans in the development established partnership relationships
of our Strategy, both BLESMA with teams including Defence
and Veterans Scotland have been Transition Services and Veterans
engaged, and representatives from Welfare Service. This provided the
both organisations attended the opportunity for MaPS to deliver
Benefit Take-up Round Table Event webinar presentations to raise
for Seldom Heard groups, held in awareness and signpost to the
August 2021. Going forward, we practical support and guidance
will continue to work with these offered by MaPS/MoneyHelper
organisations and build lasting across various delivery channels.
relationships with the aim of
increasing benefit take-up.
Money Advice Trust
The Scottish Government funded
the publication of the Money Advice
Trust’s new guide on ’How to Deal
with Debt’. This was published
in January 2021 and can be
found here. This includes specific
signposting advice for veterans and
Service personnel.
26Health and Wellbeing
Armed Forces Personnel provide support to veterans who
are struggling to gain Priority
& Veterans Health Joint Treatment, access to health services,
Group or are encountering other health-
The Implementation Group (IG) related issues. We are in frequent
continues to regularly meet to drive contact with NHS Champions on a
forward progress on priorities set range of matters, drawing upon their
by the Strategic Oversight Group knowledge of local health systems
(SOG). The IG provided an update to and professional expertise. Through
the SOG in May 2021, and priorities representation at the Joint Group,
were refreshed. The 2021-22 Champions contribute local expertise
priorities are a continuation of the and insight to policy development
October 2020 priorities – Mental and other areas of work. For
Health, employability of veterans in example, this year a veteran was
the NHS, and Priority Treatment – attending a local hospital for an
plus the addition of Veteran Aware ongoing condition. He had been in
GP Accreditation and exploring the the area for some time, but due to
setup of a veterans trauma network enduring COVID restrictions was
within the Scottish health landscape. isolated and struggling with other
issues related to housing. The
Armed Forces and Veterans veteran was connected with the local
NHS Champion who put SSAFA and
NHS Champions the Royal British Legion in touch
Utilising their knowledge of local with him to offer their support and
health systems, NHS Champions guidance.
27Cross-Border Networks Drug and Alcohol
We continue to participate in Information System
and reinforce mutually beneficial The Drug and Alcohol Information
relationships and networks with System (DAISy) was implemented
organisations in England and the on 1 December 2020 and went
devolved nations. We continue live across Scotland on 1 April
to participate in the MOD/ 2021. Public Health Scotland are
DHSC/Devolved Administrations developing a series of reports for
Partnership Board, including use at a local and national level to
continued input into the cross- better understand the issues related
nation Priority Treatment Working to alcohol and drug harms. This will
Group. Recognising the value of include issues for veterans.
collaboration, we provide frequent
updates to the Partnership Board The Short Life Working Group on
and have brought papers for cross- Prescription Medicine Dependence
nation agreement. These actions and Withdrawal presented its draft
facilitate cross-nation sharing of recommendations to the Cabinet
best practice. Through the UK-wide Secretary for Health and Sport at the
Priority Treatment Working Group, end of 2020. These recommendations
there has been agreement to review were then published as a consultation
and work on engaging with veterans/ in spring 2021. The consultation has
clinicians on the current terminology now closed and Scottish Government
and opportunities for improvement. is considering the responses
together with the Short Life Working
We also have quarterly meetings Group prior to making finalised
with the Office for Veterans Affairs recommendations to the Cabinet
and partake in cross-nation meetings Secretary.
centred on health IT alignment
between NHS Scotland and the
Defence Medical Service. Programme
Cortisone is due to rollout later in
2021, with pilots scheduled to take
place across the UK. Programme
Cortisone will further align IT
systems within Defence Medical
System and the NHS, and allow quick
electronic transfer of records.
28Scottish Veterans Care Additionally, the National Suicide
Prevention Leadership Group
Network (SVCN) (NSPLG) undertook an academic
The SVCN was formally launched review of existing literature on
in November 2020, with an initial veterans’ suicide, and sponsored
priority to develop a Mental Health further research into their
Action Plan (MHAP). The Plan will experiences with suicide and
be available in December 2021. suicide prevention services, which
Contributions to the plan have come is currently under review. This
from over 80 veterans and their and other relevant research will
representatives, NHS Boards and be considered in the development
Integrated Joint Boards (IJBs). There of the new suicide prevention
has also been extensive consultation strategy which will be published in
with Third Sector veterans mental September 2022.
health and wellbeing providers,
the MOD and the Scottish Veteran Veteran Aware Status for
Care Network Health and Wellbeing GPs and Hospitals
Group. The Network has linked with
colleagues in England and Wales to The Joint Group have decided
share knowledge and experience and that, as a primary entry into the
conducted an extensive literature health system, it would be useful
review. The completed plan will to begin with General Practice
aim to support veterans in Scotland accreditation. A sub-group –
to live a healthy life and be able featuring representation from
to reach their full potential. When NHS, Scottish Government, Royal
required, they will be able to access College of General Practitioners,
high quality mental health and well- and Veterans Scotland – has been
being services that are tailored to established to take forward our
meet their needs. 2021-22 priority on Veteran GP
Accreditation. The accreditation will
Suicide Prevention seek to further embed good practice,
raise awareness of veterans’ issues,
Under Action 7 of the Suicide and promote learning across General
Prevention Action Plan, work Practices. This work will align well
has been undertaken to identify with the NHS Fife Pilot Project,
groups at elevated risk of suicide centred on improving methods
and facilitate specific preventative of identifying and clinical coding
interventions to target them. The veterans.
Scottish Government’s Mental Health
Transition and Recovery Plan,
published in October 2020, featured
a commitment to identify prevention
opportunities for veterans, alongside
existing work on at-risk groups.
29Data on Veterans Health Combat Stress
If expanded across Scotland, the Funding for Combat Stress has
NHS Fife Pilot Project, centred on continued in 2021-22 at the same
improving clinical coding within rate as the previous year. Any future
General Practices, will provide a funding will be determined by the
basis for identifying veterans within recommendations from the Veterans
healthcare and, in turn, hopefully Mental Health Action Plan. Combat
improve data on veterans in Stress is in the process of closing
Scotland. Complementing this work, Hollybush House in South Ayrshire
the Veteran Aware GP Accreditation with a view to opening more
will encourage clinical coding of accessible facilities in Glasgow and
veterans in practices. Additionally, Edinburgh.
the inclusion of a veterans question
in the Census and the Scottish Veterans First Point (V1P)
Household and Health Surveys will The six health boards that host V1P
improve health data on veterans. in Scotland have agreed to match
fund the Scottish Government
NHS Inform award to V1P for this financial year
The NHS Inform veterans page (2021-22). The Cabinet Secretary
remains up-to-date. We frequently for Justice and Veterans opened a
share emerging information with new facility for V1P Fife on 20 July
our networks, such as the Veterans 2021. Any future funding will be
Scotland Health and Wellbeing determined by the recommendations
Group, as appropriate. from the Veterans Mental Health
Action Plan.
30Making a Home in
Civilian Society
Housing to 2040 Human Rights Bill to be introduced
in this Parliamentary term.
Scottish Government published
Housing to 2040, Scotland’s first Local Housing Strategies
long-term housing strategy, in
March 2021, following extensive Following the refresh of Local
consultation with the housing sector Housing Strategy (LHS) guidance in
and people of Scotland, including 2019, which requires consideration
Veterans Scotland’s Housing Group. of the needs of Armed Forces
Housing to 2040 sets out a vision communities, local authorities
that everyone in Scotland should are demonstrating this in their
have access to a safe, warm, Local Housing Strategies. For
affordable and energy efficient example, in North Lanarkshire
home that meets their needs in the Council, consultative LHS for the
place they want to be, regardless of period 2021-2026 proposes to
tenure. Equality is at the heart of the strengthen support for the Armed
strategy and the right of everyone Forces community through further
to an adequate standard of living, engagement and consultation
including the right to adequate with the community and their
housing, will be included in a new representatives.
31Social Housing Allocations they are allocating homes. This
priority is over and above any
The position remains in Scotland priority for those Service leavers
that in law, the responsibility for the who are homeless, threatened with
allocation of social housing lies with homelessness or have a high level
social landlords (local authorities of housing need as set out in the
and registered social landlords). reasonable preference categories.
Each landlord sets out in their Landlords should also ensure Service
allocations policy how they allocate personnel and ex-Service personnel
their social housing. Our guidance are not disadvantaged in accessing
for social landlords in Scotland on social housing because of their time
allocations is practice guidance to in Service.
support landlords in complying with
legislation and statutory guidance. Affordable Housing Supply
It also covers areas of policy and
practice where landlords set out their Programme
own criteria and priority categories Funding continues to be available
in accordance with local needs. to deliver homes specifically for
veterans where Local Authorities
The allocations practice guidance
identify this as a strategic priority.
encourages landlords to consider
Since 2012 over £6m has been made
giving priority to Service personnel
available through the programme
and ex-Service personnel
to deliver over 100 homes for
appropriate to the context in which
Veterans.
32Earlier this year Riverside Scotland Homelessness Prevention
began the construction of 19 homes
specifically for veterans across two
Pathway
sites in North Ayrshire and South A pathway to prevent homelessness
Ayrshire and Hillcrest Housing for veterans is currently being
Association are due to complete developed by members of the
five homes for veterans in Veterans Scotland Housing Group.
Edinburgh in January 2022. This has included wide consultation
These projects are being with a range of homelessness,
supported with over £1.8 million housing and Armed Forces and
of Scottish Government grant. veterans organisations and
veterans with lived experience.
Housing Options Scotland
The report, with recommendations,
We continue to support Housing is expected to be published by the
Options Scotland to provide its end of 2021.
Military Matters project. This
service focuses on housing issues
affecting people serving in the
Armed Forces in Scotland; all UK
Service personnel transitioning
into civilian life in Scotland, and
veterans – helping them to find the
right home in the right place. Since
it began in 2012, the project has
supported just under 1000 people
in total. In 2020-2021, the service
received 266 new referrals.
33Veterans and the Law
Veterans in Custody or at risk of becoming involved in
the criminal justice system. The
Support Officers (VICSOs) Scottish Government is a member of
We have regular engagement the Strategic Group, which will help
with stakeholders from the VICSO ensure that we can support Sacro
network to better understand how and the veterans for whom they
they are supporting veterans in provide support. The group last met
custody, if there are opportunities in late September 2021.
for collaborative efforts and if the
Scottish Government can provide Police Scotland –
support. Furthermore, we have Champions and Support
developed good relationships with
the Scottish Prison Service and Police Scotland continues to invest
Edinburgh Napier University to in its cadre of Veterans Champions
understand and, where appropriate across the country, located in each
support, research into the veterans Local Policing Division and across
population in prison. We will consider the custody estate within the
research as it is published, including national Criminal Justice Services
any recommendations made. Division (CJSD). The core role of
Veterans Champions is to promote,
Breakfast Clubs amongst their divisional colleagues,
the existence of Police Scotland’s
The Scottish Government supports bespoke referral mechanism with
the use of Breakfast Clubs in prisons the Armed Services Advice Project
to encourage veterans to socialise (ASAP) for serving and former
in the prison community. We are members of the military.
working with the VICSO network,
in particular the Governor of HMP In November 2020, Police Scotland’s
Perth to understand how we can National Forum of Veterans
support breakfast clubs being rolled Champions became a virtual event,
out across the prison estate in which resulted in enhanced sharing
Scotland. We will attend a veterans of information, ideas and innovation
Breakfast Club event and VICSO which has ultimately led to an
gathering when we are able to do so. increase of over 375% in the number
of referrals being submitted by police
Supporting the work of officers in the past nine months.
Sacro The Champions have promoted the
referral mechanism within their
Sacro has recently established a respective communities and frontline
strategic oversight group for its police officers are better informed
Veterans Mentoring Service which and equipped to support serving and
will oversee the work of the Service former members of the military when
in supporting veterans who are in they need it.
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