The UK Government has announced that a Veterans Commissioner for Wales will be appointed this year
A Veterans Commissioner for Wales will be appointed this year, the UK Government has announced.
The Veterans Commissioner for Wales will work to enhance support for veterans in Wales, as well as scrutinising relevant policy in the country.
The role builds on the success of counterpart roles in Scotland and Northern Ireland and will mean that all devolved nations have a veterans commissioner.
It comes as the Office for Veterans’ Affairs publishes the Veterans’ Strategy Action Plan. The plan includes 60 commitments from across government, including the launch of the new Welsh commissioner role, to support veterans, totalling more than £70 million in funding.
The plan will increase employment, step up health and wellbeing services and improve data and understanding of the veteran community.
Minister for Defence People and Veterans Leo Docherty said:
Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said:
Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Social Partnership, Hannah Blythyn said:
The Welsh Government also provides support for veterans in devolved areas, such as the Veterans NHS Wales service that ensures every local health board has a specialist veterans therapist. The Welsh Government also supports the UK Government’s Great Place to Work initiative, as well as the Veterans Railcard.
Commitments in the Veterans Strategy Action Plan include: