As Scotland prepares for the Holyrood election in May, we have called on all political parties to commit to long-term, stable support for specialist employment and justice services that veterans and their families rely on.
Veterans bring a wealth of skills to society, contributing leadership and resilience to Scotland’s workforce and economy. To ensure they can thrive, Scotland requires consistent, specialist services that support their efforts to establish a meaningful civilian life and provide tailored help for those who have come into contact with the justice system.
Supporting veterans is not only the right thing to do – it strengthens Scotland’s workforce, contributes to safer communities, and delivers value for public money
Why this matters
A stronger Scotland through stronger support
Veterans and their families enrich Scotland every day. Their skills in leadership, discipline and resilience, shaped by their experiences in the Armed Forces community, benefit employers, communities, and public services.
However, without long term, specialist support, too many face barriers to employment or are left to navigate the justice system without tailored help.
Society has a collective responsibility, as part of the Armed Forces Covenant, to ensure veterans are not disadvantaged by their service, and that their needs are responded to in a way that recognises the complexity of their experiences.
The Case for Action
• Strengthening Scotland’s economic growth
Veterans and their families bring unique skills that boost productivity, leadership, and economic resilience.
• Creating safer communities
Specialist trauma-informed justice services reduce reoffending and help veterans rebuild their lives.
• Delivering fairness and opportunity
Veterans and their families deserve consistent support that recognises their contribution to Scotland.
Our three key asks
1. Fair Access to Employment
What we’re asking for: A commitment to ensuring that veterans, their families, and the families of those still serving can access meaningful employment opportunities by:
• Safeguarding long-term funding for specialist employability programmes.
• Promoting Armed Forces-friendly recruitment practices across Scotland.
• Supporting skills development, career transition, and employer engagement initiatives that recognise the unique value of military experience.
Why it matters:
• Strengthens Scotland’s long term economic growth
• Helps veterans and families thrive in civilian careers
• Supports families during transition and beyond
What this achieves: A more resilient, skilled, and adaptive workforce.
2. Specialist Justice Support
What we’re asking for: Protection of long term funding for specialist third sector veterans’ services within the criminal justice system, including organisations such as NOVA Scotland.
These services deliver:
• Prevention, diversion and early intervention
• Community-based alternatives to change behaviours, e.g. addiction treatment, volunteering/unpaid work
• Rehabilitative support tailored to veterans’ needs
Why it matters:
• Addresses the underlying causes of offending and reoffending
• Provides trauma-informed, veteran-specific support
• Helps individuals rebuild their lives and strengthens community safety
What this achieves: Safer communities and improved outcomes for veterans.
3. Standardised Recording of Veteran Status
What we’re asking for: A consistent approach to recording Armed Forces veteran status across the justice system. This will enable Scotland to design evidence-based, trauma-informed and cost-effective responses that improve outcomes and reduce reoffending.
At present, inconsistent data means that Scotland cannot assess veterans’ pathways, risks or support needs, limiting evidence-based policy and prevention planning.
Why it matters:
• Enables evidence-based, cost-effective policy and prevention planning
• Supports trauma-informed responses
• Improves outcomes and reduces reoffending
What this achieves: A justice system that recognises and responds appropriately to veterans’ needs.
Our commitment: #SupportingScotlandsVeterans
We are committed to securing a stable, long term framework of support that honours the contributions of those who have given so much to Scotland.
Our vision is for a Scotland where every veteran and every family is supported with dignity, fairness, and opportunity.
