Matters of Interest
Five Minutes with Catriona Laing CB, Trustee of the Veterans’ Foundation
March 26 2026
- What inspired you to become a trustee of the Veterans’ Foundation, and what stood out to you about its work?
I’ve worked closely with the military during my career, particularly when I led the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. Working alongside British and US colleagues, supporting reconstruction and governance, I saw first-hand the dedication, resilience, and leadership of service personnel. Supporting veterans through the Foundation felt like a way to give something back. What stands out is how the charity backs the people delivering life-changing support across the UK, with a strong leadership team and board driving its next phase of growth.
- Can you tell us a little about your background and career to date?
I started as a development economist with the UK government, specialising in Africa, conflict, and global economic issues. I served as UK alternate director at the European Investment Bank and in Tony Blair’s Strategy Unit, where I led projects on instability, energy, education, and innovation.
I was the first International and Human Rights Director at the Ministry of Justice, then led the Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team. Later, I served as British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, High Commissioner to Nigeria, and UN Special Representative in Somalia, leading one of the UN’s largest missions. I am now senior official for soft power at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and serve on the Advisory Board of Cranfield University School of Management.
- What does supporting veterans personally mean to you?
It’s about recognising the sacrifices of service personnel and their families and ensuring they have the support to thrive in civilian life, through mental health care, education, employment, or rebuilding community connections.
- Is there a cause within the veteran community you are particularly passionate about?
I’m especially interested in helping veterans transition to civilian life. They bring extraordinary leadership and resilience, but these skills aren’t always recognised. During my MBA at Cranfield, I met ex-military officers whose talents impressed me, and I want to see more support helping veterans translate these strengths into civilian careers.
- What are you most looking forward to in your role as a trustee?
I’m excited to contribute from a governance perspective and support the charity as it continues to back the people delivering life-changing support for veterans. Collaborating with such a talented team and seeing the impact of their work on veterans and families is something I’m really looking forward to.
- What skills or experience do you feel you bring to the Board?
I bring strategic, leadership, and international experience, alongside first-hand insight into the challenges veterans face. My career in government and diplomacy has given me experience in governance, managing complex programmes, and delivering results, which I hope to use to maximise the Foundation’s impact.
- What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I practise yoga every day and love going to the theatre whenever I can.
- What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
When I was a child, I appeared in TV adverts. I was an angel for Manikin cigars and also featured in a Fairy Liquid commercial. A very different start to a career in diplomacy!
