A chat with our new CEO

With two decades of experience in the public and third sectors, including time as chief executive of the Sight Scotland group, Mark O’Donnell joined Age Scotland as the charity’s CEO in January. We put him in the hot seat to find out about his plans and to get to know him better.

What are the biggest challenges facing older people in Scotland?

There are many, but I think the cost of living crisis is making pre-existing challenges worse. It is also dragging lots of older people into personal and social difficulties that they might never have previously imagined they would face. Woven through all of that are the ongoing major problems of loneliness and isolation, which are only intensified by economic hardship. Difficulties with access to timely and person-centred health and social care – and wider public services – is another issue. Then, of course there are big cultural challenges about negative perceptions of older age.

Age Scotland turns 80 this year, what do you think the charity’s greatest achievements have been?

I have a lot to learn about the charity’s long and fascinating history. It could be argued that adapting to the unprecedented impacts of Covid-19 whilst keeping services and colleagues afloat is one of the biggest achievements. More generally, the organisation should be proud of how it has kept older people’s issues high on the political and societal agenda. Equally, the countless numbers of people it has supported throughout its history, whilst continuing to show that later life is something to celebrate, is a significant achievement.

What are your top priorities for Age Scotland in the next chapter of our history?

I think that tackling the challenges outlined above is key, alongside continually striving for new and innovative ways to grow our impact and reach, particularly through deep and genuine engagement with those we’re here to serve. We need to be sustainable as well as ambitious into the long-term, of course, to be able to deliver. We have a very solid base on which to build a long-term financial strategy. I also want this to be known as a great place to work and volunteer.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I have a busy family life with three teenagers at home, which keeps my wife and I busy and grounded! With the time that’s left, I’m also disciplined about keeping fit. I love reading, listening to music, bingeing boxsets and writing poetry. And not forgetting socialising!

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

Possibly that, as a leader, you shouldn’t pretend that you always know the right answer to problems even when everyone may be looking to you for it, whilst obviously accepting that your role is to help find the best possible answer.