Scotty’s Little Soldiers is undergoing a planned evolution to help ensure that more bereaved military families can access the charity’s specialist support in the future.
Following internal approval from its Board of Trustees, the charity submitted a request to the Charity Commission at the beginning of the year to broaden its charitable Objects. The proposed change will permit Scotty’s to support anyone affected by a bereavement within the Armed Forces community, not just children and young people.
Scotty’s CEO Stuart Robinson explained:
“This is a natural next step for the charity and one we’ve been planning for some time. We’ve supported hundreds of bereaved families over the years and continue to focus on children and young people, but we’ve also identified wider gaps in provision across the community. These changes will allow us the flexibility in the future to develop new services and pilot schemes that address those unmet needs.”
While Scotty’s primary focus today will remain on bereaved children and young people, the charity believes this evolution will allow it to have an even greater impact moving forward – particularly in response to insights gathered from the Armed Forces community and reflected in recent consultations, including with the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT).
A key aspect of Scotty’s identity has always been its connection to bereaved families who are part of the Armed Forces community. While they may not be veterans themselves in most cases, their experience is deeply shaped by life in the military. This gives them a unique identity, one that Scotty’s proudly represents. As a result, the charity occupies a distinct space within the sector: rooted in the Armed Forces world but dedicated to those who live its impact without having worn the uniform themselves.
The shift is part of a broader, long-term strategy – three years in the making – to ensure bereaved military families of all ages feel seen, supported, and empowered. The phased evolution of services will also be reflected in a gradual rebrand: the overarching charity will be referred to simply as Scotty’s, while Scotty’s Little Soldiers will remain the brand for services delivered to children and young people.
Listening to the community and to beneficiary voices remains central to Scotty’s approach. This has led not only to the decision to amend the charity’s Objects, but also to design a new logo which was developed by the Scotty’s Council – a group of its members aged 12–25 with lived experience of military bereavement. The Council plays a vital role in representing the views of bereaved young people, providing honest and direct insights that help shape Scotty’s support services and strategic direction.
Talking about the new ‘Scotty’s’ logo design, Founder Nikki Scott said:
“We asked the Council to steer the direction of the new logo and trusted them to make the final decision. There were lots of opinions, but ultimately, we listened to our members. We’re proud that the rebrand hasn’t cost anything to design, and because most of our assets are digital, we’ll update them gradually over time.”
Scotty’s has recently received funding to launch pioneering pre-bereavement support for military children and young people, later this year, thanks to a £96,745 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. This new support will allow Scotty’s to be there for families from the moment a parent receives a terminal diagnosis, helping them prepare for the road ahead by building resilience, strengthening communication, and providing much-needed continuity during an incredibly difficult time. Subject to the Objects change being approved, further service development is in the pipeline and will be phased in over the next few years.
Originally due to step down this year, long-serving CEO Stuart Robinson will now remain in post.
Chair of Trustees Jason Worthy commented:
“We’re thrilled to retain Stuart’s leadership as we enter this exciting new phase. These planned changes are the result of months of work – and years of preparation – and they will ensure Scotty’s is even better placed to support the military bereaved community in the years ahead.”
Stuart added:
“The board and I had agreed to begin succession planning, but this next chapter has genuinely reenergised me. There’s so much important work ahead, and I’m proud to be leading Scotty’s into this new era.”
