Supporting veterans into work

A toolkit aimed at encouraging businesses to proactively recruit and benefit from employing veterans has been launched by Veterans Minister Keith Brown today.

Delivered by Business in the Community, the toolkit highlights tried and tested techniques being used by leading employers to successfully attract and recruit talented veterans. This includes advice on how to;

• Inspire and prepare veterans for civilian life
• Create recruitment processes that are friendly and accessible to veterans
• Create a supportive culture that helps to retain, develop and progress military talent within business

Mr Brown said:

“Veterans and their families are a significant asset to businesses and I am committed to continuing to work with employers and partners to focus our efforts on boosting their career opportunities once they leave the Armed Forces.

“That is why I am delighted to launch this toolkit which aims to help those who may not have considered employing veterans before. Employers can benefit from the extensive range of skills and experience veterans can offer and this toolkit could help companies recruit and retain talented veterans. It offers employers real working examples of best practice and outlines how they can enhance their offering to veterans.

“I hope that the toolkit will encourage businesses across Scotland to recognise the positive contribution veterans can make to their workforce – those of whom we ask so much, deserve nothing less.”

Mark Bevan, Director of Business in the Community Scotland. 

“We are proud to be working with the Scottish Government, SaluteMyJob and responsible businesses to promote an employment programme which supports returning servicemen and women into long-term civilian careers. The toolkit we have created together will equip employers with the expertise to set up effective military employment programme which will in turn reward them with loyal, skilled and committed employees."

Sandy Macdonald, Head of Sustainability, Standard Life, said:

“When entering the workplace armed forces veterans bring with them a unique set of skills and experiences, which we have found to be ideally transferable to our business. Despite this, we are well aware of the challenges and difficulties that many veterans face when making this transition and are fully supportive of efforts to help tackle these problems.

“Through our Armed Forces Network, we are actively engaged in a number of initiatives and programmes that help raise awareness and increase support to veterans. These range from work placement opportunities for veterans, support for veterans’ charities, and many more.

“We are very proud to be supporting the launch of this toolkit, in the hope it can provide guidance and encouragement to employers who want to support the military community and benefit from this rich source of talent”

Click here to view the Veterans Toolkit