Veterans Mental Health Advisory Group minutes: 20 April 2026

Attendees and apologies

• Lynne Taylor (chair), Principal Psychology Officer, Scottish Government
• Martin Bell, Health and Wellbeing Lead, Veterans Scotland
• Alexis Chappell, Chief Officer, East Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership
• David Dent MBE, Vice President (Global Head of Integrated Strategy) Clinical Research, Board Advisor Help for Heroes, Trustee RBLI, Professor (Hon), former Army Nurse, Lecturer RDMC, and CISD practitioner and mental health 1st aider, War Disabled Veteran
• Michelle Ramage, V1P Tayside Clinical Lead
• Kari Magee, Veterans Link Scotland Chair
• Sonia Phythian, Head of Operations for Scotland, Combat Stress
• Robert Reid, Director of Services Scotland, NI and the Military, Defence Medical Welfare Service
• Mark Fergusson, Policy Officer, Targeted Support Unit, Scottish Government (Supporting)
• Lindsey Restrick, At Risk Groups Team Leader, Targeted Support Unit, Scottish Government (Supporting)
• Thelma Bowers, Head of Mental health, Addiction and Learning Disability services, NHS Ayrshire and Arran/North Ayrshire HSCP
• Gerri Matthews-Smith, Director of the Edinburgh Napier University Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement/Scottish Armed Forces Evidence and Research (SAFE&R) HUB
• Susie Hamilton, Scottish Veterans Commissioner (SVC)
• Julie McIllroy, Head of SVC office

Apologies

• Jacqueline Berry, Allied Health Professionals/Occupational Therapy Lead, NHS Grampian
• Vicky Henderson, Aberdeenshire HSCP
• Linda Irvine Fitzpatrick, Strategic Lead, Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance
• Lindsay Kirkwood, V1P Ayrshire and Arran Clinical Lead
• Julie Thain-Smith, Head of Clinical Services, Help for Heroes
• Linda McAuslan, Lead Nurse Psychological Therapies / Adult Psychological Therapies Manager, NHS Forth Valley
• Jenny Pope, Deputy Director of Workforce NHS Golden Jubilee
• Ally Winford, Head of Targeted Support Unit, Population Mental Health Division, Scottish Government

Items and actions

Welcome

The chair welcomed members to the meeting and noted that, following publication of the framework, the pathway programme will now move into an implementation phase. As a result, this meeting would be the final meeting of the advisory group in its current form.

Members were invited to confirm whether they were content with the minutes of the February meeting. No objections were raised, and the minutes were agreed.

The Chair invited the Scottish Veterans Commissioner (SVC) to address the Group. The SVC thanked Dr Taylor for her leadership and contribution to the development of the framework, recognising the significance of reaching publication as a key milestone. The SVC also wished Dr Taylor well in her forthcoming post with NHS Tayside.

Review of Implementation Phase Plan

Scottish Government (SG) officials outlined the proposed implementation phase plan, including draft governance arrangements to support delivery of the pathway.

The proposed structures include:

• an oversight and delivery group, to provide national strategic leadership for the pathway
• a statutory services delivery group (SSDG), to support alignment, coordination and governance across statutory services
• a stakeholder forum, to facilitate information-sharing and the exchange of good practice across sectors
• a strategic reference group, operating in a consultative capacity

Membership of the groups has not yet been finalised. It was noted that current advisory group members may be invited to participate where no conflicts of interest exist.

Members considered the proposals and generally agreed that the proposed model would support effective delivery of the pathway. Feedback highlighted the importance of retaining the expertise that has informed the work to date. It was also noted that local authority representation, particularly within the SSDG, should not be overlooked. Members recognised that delivery across statutory services will be complex and may require dedicated Programme or Project Management Office (PMO) support.

Action: Members to provide any further written feedback on the proposed governance arrangements to SG officials.

Review of workstreams paper

SG officials introduced the proposed workstreams for the next phase of delivery:

• digital hub – providing access to self-management resources and supporting referral to appropriate levels of support based on presenting need
• access to professional and peer support for individuals with mild to moderate mental health needs
• access to statutory services for individuals with complex clinical needs

The group discussed the proposed digital hub and stressed the importance of avoiding duplication. Reference was made to the existing Thrive Together Hub, and it was suggested that its functionality and learning be considered as part of development and any related commissioning activity, ensuring prudent use of resources.

Members emphasised the need for a strong and proactive communications strategy to support implementation of the framework and ensure effective engagement with key stakeholders. It was noted that this should include a mix of communication approaches and consider engagement with local authority planning partnerships, local authorities, health boards, and armed forces and veterans champions within education settings.

SG officials invited members to submit further written suggestions regarding additional stakeholders or groups that should be kept informed or engaged during the delivery phase.

Action: Members to provide any further written feedback on the proposed workstreams and stakeholder engagement.

Review of key performance indicators for regional spoke service providers

SG officials invited feedback on the draft key performance indicators (KPIs). The chair clarified that the KPIs were intended to measure service delivery rather than outcomes or impact on mental health improvement.

Members discussed the concept of waiting well, recognising that while not all veterans may choose to take up support, regular contact and appropriate follow-up should be maintained. Reference was made to the Scottish Government Psychological Therapies Specification, which outlines expectations for supporting individuals seeking help.

A broader point was raised regarding the duty of care towards those providing support to veterans, including both clinical and non-clinical staff. It was suggested that this consideration may be better addressed through contractual terms rather than through KPIs.

Action: SG officials to explore how a duty of care and/or duty of candour may be reflected appropriately.

Review of action log

SG officials summarised progress against the action log.

Any other business

The SVC thanked members for their commitment and noted the significance of the work moving into the delivery phase.

The chair formally recorded her thanks to all members for their sustained engagement and commitment since the advisory group was established in 2024, recognising the group’s central role in co-producing the framework and laying the foundations for successful implementation.