Staff spotlight - 60 seconds with our Housing Policy Officer

Each week we will be spotlighting Age Scotland staff to show the human faces of the organisation. Even though we’re all working from home, we can still get to know new and old faces and get a flavour for how they shape our work and support older people.

This week we have Age Scotland's new Housing Policy Officer, David Petrie.

Tell us about your role at Age Scotland?

As Age Scotland’s Housing Policy Officer, I research and help develop new policies and guidance to help older people live independently and longer in their own homes. Whether this be focusing on the accessibility of new homes and age-friendly designs, access to adaptations services and wider placemaking initiatives that help older people remain in their community and allow them to integrate fully. I have an additional focus on energy policy and fuel poverty, ensuring that older people can affordably and efficiently heat their homes, and ensure they are recognised within the policies and regulations guiding Scotland’s progression to net zero carbon.

What do you love most about your job?

The sheer range of issues I work across is incredibly varied; access to a warm, affordable and accessible home is a recognised human right and being able to advocate on behalf of some of the most vulnerable members of our society to achieve this is a real privilege.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“If you want to achieve something, you build the basis for it” (Noam Chomsky)

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work?

I enjoy spending my time with my friends and family, and have been appreciating being able to socialise again with everybody after the last 18 months even if it is mostly down at the pub! Whilst we weren’t able to do that I rediscovered my love of playing guitar over lockdown when there was little else to do. Most weekends you’ll probably find me watching some sort of sports, mostly rugby; since moving from Belfast to Edinburgh four years ago, I have reluctantly adopted Edinburgh as my home club and I am looking forward to getting back to live matches again this season.

How would you describe Age Scotland in 3 words?

Inclusive, collaborative and progressive.

Huge thanks to David for answering our questions, stay tuned for another staff spotlight next week!