We launched our new People Strategy at our AGM in Edinburgh last week, setting out how we will support and develop colleagues as they work to deliver better outcomes for older people across Scotland.
Shaped by our ambition, as well as feedback and aspirations from employees, the strategy recognises the contribution of people in every role, from colleagues working directly with tenants in their homes and communities to those supporting services behind the scenes. It aims to strengthen connections across a workforce spread over 21 local authority areas, so that colleagues feel part of ‘one Bield’ coming together to shape how the organisation continues to develop.
The People Strategy 2026-2030 is aligned with our wider ambition for independent living and improving outcomes for tenants. It is built around six strategic priorities that help strengthen our reputation as a great place to work:
1. Workforce planning
2. Leadership
3. Skills & capability
4. Culture & inclusion
5. Employees experience
6. Digital innovation
Nicola Ritchie, Bield’s Director of People and Digital, said:
“It’s an exciting time as our people deliver Bield’s ambition for independent living for older people across Scotland. Our new People Strategy reflects what our colleagues have told us matters to them and recognises the value that comes from the skills, experience and the ideas gained from the people working in many different roles across our communities.
We want everyone to feel valued, connected and able to help us deliver on Bield’s wider strategic ambition, providing homes and support that will help older people to live well and independently in their own homes for longer.
Our people are the driving force behind Bield’s success. By focusing on our leadership, inclusive culture and continuing to invest in training and professional development for colleagues, we can build an environment where everyone feels confident and empowered to contribute and develop as we look to have a meaningful impact on the lives of our tenants.
It was also a privilege to celebrate our colleagues through our Long Service Awards and to take time to reflect on their careers and dedication. As we continue to deliver and shape our future, it is also important to take time to reflect on the great effort and progress being made across our teams.”
At the AGM, Bield staff and Board Members also had a first look at the TSA’s new Virtual Home immersive learning platform, which explores how technology can support people to live independently in ways that suit their needs and choices. Rather than simply providing training, the interactive experience allows participants to explore different technologies and consider how they could be used to support people in their own homes. We will use the learning from the platform to help identify the types of technology that could make a positive difference to tenants, as part of our work to put our independent living approach into practice.
The AGM also provided space for the senior team, Board, staff and members to reflect on a busy 2025/26 while taking time to look ahead to a range of new initiatives and developments, as the organisation grows to support even more of people through its range of services and homes.
Download our People Strategy 2026-2030 here.
2025-2026 highlights include:
- We developed an Independent Living Approach (ILA) to ensure our tenants are connected, have choices, can be heard and have the right support at the right time.
- £19m was invested to support tenants to live independently, including £0.6m in technology to explore new ways of supporting people to live safely and confidently at home.
- 189 adaptations were completed, helping people to remain independent in their homes.
- Community Cafés were introduced across Bield, alongside Independent Living Hubs, helping tenants build connections, reduce isolation and support their wellbeing.
- £1.3m in additional benefits was secured for tenants by our Income Advice Officers, helping people maximise their income and maintain financial independence.
Reflecting on the success of the last 12 months, Debbie Collins, Bield’s Chief Executive, said:
“Bield’s AGM showcased how our amazing people across Scotland deliver our ambition for independent living for older people across Scotland. Focussing on the launch of our new People Strategy our staff, senior team and Board also looked back on a successful year thanks to our staff, throughout the country. We looked ahead to how we are strengthening tenant engagement to ensure more people are heard and can influence the services that affect them. It was also a time to celebrate the work of our Board as some stepped down after giving years of vital support, while we welcomed our new members.
“The independent living approach is central to all our work; this is about much more than homes and technology, it is Bield’s commitment to ensuring we support tenants to feel connected, to have choices, to be listened to and to have the right support at the right time.”
“I’d like to thank all our brilliant Bield teams and our Board for their work, all year round, helping people to live the lives they choose, with the right support at the right time.”
Looking ahead, we are building on our progress and using tenant engagement to make sure people have a real influence on the services they rely on. We will also continue to invest in technology and partnerships to embed our independent living approach across all services.