Meeting of the Parliament 05 December 2024
When the business programme for this week was published, I asked my office manager whether he thought that I should put my name forward to speak in the veterans debate, given that I had spoken in previous years, and he suggested that it would be a great opportunity to talk about how wonderful he was. I should perhaps clarify that he is an Army reservist, not someone with an overinflated ego.
One of the first things that he did when he came to work with me was to encourage me to sign the armed forces covenant, in my role as an employer. I understand that there was some discussion about whether I could, in fact, sign it. I signed up as an employer, not as an elected representative, which is similar to the way that living wage accreditation works.
Once that was established, the process was easy to follow and I was helped along the way by Ray Watt from the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association. I even went a step further and applied to the defence employer recognition scheme, or ERS, with my office achieving a bronze award. It was an easy process that I would recommend to every one of my colleagues across the chamber. Highland RFCA was incredibly helpful throughout and I am sure that Lowland RFCA would offer just as much support. I am happy to give folk a steer if they want to catch me after the debate. Just this afternoon, the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body answered a question that I asked about what support would be given, telling me that the SPCB would be able to provide help to members.
The armed forces covenant benefits not just the wider armed forces family, as a lot of workplaces could benefit from it, too. My dad, my granda and my great granda all served in the Gordon Highlanders—at different times, obviously—and I have had the opportunity to work alongside a number of veterans and reservists over the years, so I know that those who have served are motivated and hard working and have experience of being able to work well under pressure. They are great folk to have in your team.
There was, for a while, an idea that veterans needed to be somehow rehabilitated or that it was an act of charity to employ them, but that is absolutely not the case: they are excellent employees. The person who gets the most from employing a veteran will be whoever employs them. That has become even more true in the past few decades. I understand that preparation for leaving the Army begins just about when someone joins. Soldiers, sailors and airmen are encouraged to get qualifications and are given learning credits to use. Many of the wide-ranging skills that they develop in their service are now matched to civilian qualifications, and advice is given throughout their service to help them plan what they will do when they leave the forces.
Overall, our veterans give a lot to our country, not only throughout their service but afterwards. However, there are times when support is needed. The demands of service life can cause difficulties for those who are serving or have left the forces, and for their families. Much of that can be, and is, addressed by the Ministry of Defence, which takes responsibility for many veterans issues. Sometimes, the MOD does not, or cannot, do that, but in any event, it is right that the Scottish Government and local authorities also play their part. It is also welcome that a wide range of charities and businesses add to that support.
I am pleased to support the motion and I agree that veterans and armed forces families should receive the best possible support and access to services.
15:04