Service Leavers Database - Scotland
Launched in November 2018, the UK-wide ‘Strategy for our Veterans’ sets clear 10 year goals to ensure veterans and their families feel valued, supported and empowered. By committing to this strategy along with the other governments of the UK, the Scottish Government has pledged to achieve a shared vision, principles and outcomes. The Scottish Government's plan for taking forward the strategy was first published in January 2020 and refreshed in August 2022. As part of this plan, the Scottish Government committed to improving the use and analysis of veterans' data.
The Service Leavers Database captures those who have left the UK armed forces since 1975. Information is captured on:
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when they left the forces
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the length of time they served
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whether they served as regular or reservist
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whether they were part of the Royal Navy, Army or Royal Air Force
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and their level of seniority on leaving.
Data specific to Scotland is currently in the early stages of being added to the Scottish National Safe Haven and will be available by the end of 2024.
ADR Scotland is scoping out research questions the Service Leavers Database could help to address, in collaboration with organisations and charities with responsibilities towards veteran communities and wellbeing. This will include linking the Service Leavers Database to other datasets such as the 2011 and 2022 Scottish Censuses. The census linkage will enable insights into the regional differences in where former veterans live, their social circumstances, their health, and more specifically to understand variation between those who served in the army, navy or airforce.
The Service Leavers Database has considerable potential for public good research. With the inclusion of a question about veterans in the 2022 Scottish Census, the dataset offers the opportunity to develop a far better understanding of the veteran population and their needs. It is hoped that early analysis of the data will encourage further studies, which can generate insights for policymakers and those providing services and support to veterans.