Support for armed forces veterans in Wales : second report of session 2012-13, Vol. 1: Report, together with formal minutes, oral and written evidence

This Report examines whether the level of support provided to Armed Forces veterans in Wales - both immediately before they leave the service and once they return to civilian life -is adequate.

The key recommendation is that the Welsh Government take forward proposals to establish a network of 'one-stop shops' for veterans across Wales.

A great deal of support is available for veterans in Wales, but often a lack of awareness means that support is not taken up.

A one-stop shop for veterans would be a convenient way for veterans to access information and receive advice on a range of important issues, such as housing, finances and employment.

To avoid duplication, however, the Welsh Government needs to take into account the support launched or planned by local authorities as part of their Community Covenants.

There should also be better co-ordination of the work done by the many charities supporting veterans.

In the light of recent court cases which have illustrated the need for vigilance to prevent fraudsters taking advantage of the public's willingness to give to veterans' charities there should be much more stringent inspection of charities' finances. There is also concern about charities providing treatments for complex psychological issues that do not meet NICE guidelines.

The regulation of charities may be insufficiently robust in this area.

The Charity Commission should insist that veterans' charities which offer medical, psychological or counselling services provide documentation from the relevant professional bodies to confirm that they have the appropriate endorsement for the services they offer