In monitoring progress in the delivery of SVC recommendations to the Scottish Government it is important to consider the impact on those I aim to support, namely veterans and their families. Their lives should benefit from the changing policy and practices that result from these recommendations.

The action necessary to make things better can be complex, often calling for joined-up thinking and collaboration across different agencies and change doesn’t happen overnight but we are starting to see real improvement. That is down to the effort of many individuals and organisations who have got behind the recommendations and worked together to influence and deliver change. That should be acknowledged and celebrated.

We do not yet have good enough Scotland level data to be able to measure and report progress in a quantitative way, with numbers. That is my hope for the future, once we have further data from the 2022 Census and the annual Scottish Household Surveys. What we can do for now is report qualitative progress, on the basis of the evidence and observations which were used to assess progress on SVC recommendations.

This separate report on impact sets out all SVC recommendations fully achieved as at September 2024. Many more have progressed and are showing as partially implemented or implemented but work should continue to embed in my main progress report.

You can view all SVC recommendations fully achieved below.

Browse previous recommendations

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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 πŸ”—
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 πŸ”—
10 hours ago
I had the opportunity to give evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee (Westminster) on support for veterans in Scotland, alongside the Executive Chair of @veteransscotland this morning.

A good session covering the importance of effective transition out of service and into civilian life, the range of support available should it be needed by veterans and their families, and the value the veteran community contributes to Scotland. 
We also discussed areas of challenge, such as housing, access to healthcare, and navigating the support landscape. Thanks to the Committee for their questions and for their support for our armed forces and veteran community.

Watch the session at Parliament Live - link in bio πŸ”—
I had the opportunity to give evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee (Westminster) on support for veterans in Scotland, alongside the Executive Chair of @veteransscotland this morning. A good session covering the importance of effective transition out of service and into civilian life, the range of support available should it be needed by veterans and their families, and the value the veteran community contributes to Scotland. We also discussed areas of challenge, such as housing, access to healthcare, and navigating the support landscape. Thanks to the Committee for their questions and for their support for our armed forces and veteran community. Watch the session at Parliament Live - link in bio πŸ”—
11 hours ago
πŸ• The @bravehound_uk #ArmedForcesDay Dog Show on Saturday was a great showcase of the special bond between people and their canine companions, especially support dogs.

It was great to meet some of them, as well as catching up with Colin from @scotvetres, with Cally. Delighted that Minto was placed in the puppy class!
πŸ• The @bravehound_uk #ArmedForcesDay Dog Show on Saturday was a great showcase of the special bond between people and their canine companions, especially support dogs. It was great to meet some of them, as well as catching up with Colin from @scotvetres, with Cally. Delighted that Minto was placed in the puppy class!
1 day ago
🌈 As #PrideMonth ends, it’s vital to recognise the work still needed for all veterans to feel valued and supported.

#LGBT+ veterans harmed by the ban can apply for financial redress, with support available from @fightingwithpride and @royalbritishlegion.

Read my latest blog for more information about the restorative measures in place, and why support to apply is encouraged - use the news and blogs link in my bio πŸ”—

#Pride🌈 #LGBT #FightingWithPride
🌈 As #PrideMonth ends, it’s vital to recognise the work still needed for all veterans to feel valued and supported. #LGBT+ veterans harmed by the ban can apply for financial redress, with support available from @fightingwithpride and @royalbritishlegion. Read my latest blog for more information about the restorative measures in place, and why support to apply is encouraged - use the news and blogs link in my bio πŸ”— #Pride🌈 #LGBT #FightingWithPride
2 days ago
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