Our story
From registration in 2020 to building a sustainable future through the SAFE Lottery.
Why SAFE exists
Thousands of people leave the Armed Forces every year. Many bring discipline, leadership and teamwork that any employer would value, but find that their military experience does not translate neatly into the qualifications civilian employers ask for. Without the right certificates, or someone to help them get them, capable people can find themselves out of work, under-employed or at risk of financial hardship.
SAFE was set up to close that gap: to help serving soldiers and service leavers gain recognised skills through training that leads straight to the opportunity of a job, and to stand alongside veterans and their families in the community.
Our journey so far
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23 November 2020
SAFE is registered
SAFE is entered on the Scottish Charity Register as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, charity number SC050592, based in Edinburgh.
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2021
Our first year
In our first financial period, to 31 December 2021, the charity was set up and its first income of £1,000 was received. Our first annual return was submitted to OSCR on time.
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2022 to 2023
Building foundations
We moved our financial year end to 30 April. In the period to 30 April 2023, SAFE invested £100,547 in its activities as it focused on its core work, including developing premises from which to deliver its services.
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2023 to 2024
Growing our income
In the year to 30 April 2024, SAFE raised £55,419 and spent £48,978 on its charitable activities.
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2024 to 2025
Steady, volunteer-led work
In the year to 30 April 2025, SAFE raised £44,644 and spent £43,503, run entirely by volunteers with no paid staff.
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2026
Greater transparency
Our trustees' names and our annual accounts are now published on the Scottish Charity Register, as part of OSCR's work to strengthen public trust in Scottish charities.
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Next
The SAFE Lottery
Our main activities include developing income so the charity is sustainable for the long term. The SAFE Lottery gives us a regular, predictable income, so we can plan and fund more training places year after year.
Looking ahead
Our ambition is simple: more training places, more people moving into good jobs, and stronger links with the community groups and veterans who help us reach the people who need us. Every lottery entry and every donation brings that closer.