- The Forces Employment Charity is calling on all candidates to commit to meaningful, long‑term action to improve employment and justice support for veterans and their families across Scotland.
- Long‑term, specialist employment and justice services deliver proven benefits for veterans, communities and Scotland’s economy.
- The charity has created a Veterans Employment and Justice Pledge, urging those standing for election to back practical measures that would strengthen Scotland’s workforce, reduce reoffending and ensure veterans are supported with dignity and fairness.
With the Scottish Parliament election just weeks away, the Forces Employment Charity is calling on all parties to commit to meaningful, long‑term action to improve employment and justice support for veterans and their families across Scotland.
Veterans and their families make a significant contribution to communities and the economy. However, many face barriers to sustainable employment, while some veterans are at risk of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
The charity has created a Veterans Employment and Justice Pledge, urging the political parties to back practical measures that would strengthen Scotland’s workforce, reduce reoffending, and ensure veterans are supported with dignity and fairness.
The Forces Employment Charity delivers specialist employment and career transition support to thousands of Service leavers, veterans, reservists and their families every year, helping them to succeed beyond service. In addition, through its justice service NOVA Scotland, the charity provides dedicated, trauma-informed support to vulnerable veterans in contact with the criminal justice system, enabling them to rebuild their lives and establish long-term stability.
The charity is urging parties to support three key commitments in their election campaign:
1. Fair Access to Employment
Support measures that ensure veterans, their families, and the families of those still serving can access meaningful employment opportunities. This includes:
- Protecting long‑term funding for specialist employability programmes
- Encouraging Armed Forces‑friendly recruitment practices
- Supporting skills development, career transition and employer engagement initiatives that recognise the value of military experience
These steps would help veterans thrive in civilian careers and contribute to Scotland’s economic growth.
2. Specialist Justice Support
Commit to protecting long‑term funding for specialist veterans’ services within the justice system. These services deliver:
- Prevention, diversion and early intervention
- Community‑based alternatives such as addiction treatment, volunteering and unpaid work
- Rehabilitative support tailored to veterans’ needs
These interventions would address the underlying causes of offending and reoffending, ensure veterans receive the specialist help they need to rebuild their lives, and help to build safer communities.
3. Standardised Recording of Veteran Status
Support standardised recording of veteran status across the justice system so Scotland can design evidence-based, trauma-informed and cost-effective responses that improve outcomes and reduce reoffending. Improved identification would:
- Strengthen throughcare
- Reduce recalls and reoffending
- Improve evidence‑based policy and prevention planning
- Ensure Scotland meets its Armed Forces Covenant commitments
This change would not alter sentencing or create preferential treatment, but would ensure veterans receive appropriate, cost‑effective support.
Alistair Halliday, Chief Executive of the Forces Employment Charity, said: “Every day, Scotland benefits from the experience and dedication of its veteran community, yet too many still face barriers to establishing sustainable civilian careers or accessing tailored justice support; support which saves lives and transforms futures.
“In this election, we ask all parties to support practical measures that will strengthen Scotland’s workforce, create safer communities, and ensure fairness and opportunity for those who have given so much. We hope to see these commitments taken forward in the next parliamentary term so that veterans and their families receive the long-term specialist support they deserve.”
Find out more by reading the charity’s Veterans Employment and Justice Pledge.