The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum’s annual conference took place on 10th June 2025 at the Glynhill Hotel in Renfrew with over 100 delegates in attendance.
A civic welcome was delivered by Renfrewshire’s Lord Provost, Lorraine Cameron, who welcomed delegates and praised the SPF’s role in amplifying older voices and shaping policy through sharing their lived experiences.
Chairperson Rose Jackson highlighted SPF’s active campaigning work, their engagement with 31 older people’s groups and their involvement in 5 cross-party parliamentary groups, meaning that for a small organisation, the SPF punched well above its weight.
The first speaker of the day was Craig Dalzell (Common Weal)
Craig presented on “How to Bring Care into Public Ownership”, outlining three pathways:
- Immediate purchase – potentially costly and politically difficult.
- Gradual buyout –a more feasible option via public investment.
- Out-competing private care – offering better conditions and outcomes for service users and staff.
Craig stressed the need for reform, citing the dominance of private care and the failure of the National Care Service Bill.
On Craig’s presentation, delegates raised concerns about:
• Biased procurement favouring private providers. • Lack of free supported accommodation. • Staff being overworked and poor inspection procedures. • Exclusion of service users from consultations.
Formal AGM business then took place
The Treasurer presented the financial report, noting that the accounts had been independently audited by Malley & Co., who raised no concerns or adverse comments.
It was also confirmed that extended funding has been secured to support operations from May 2025 through March 2026.
Motions to Conference included
• Motion 1: Constitution amendment to review Executive Committee membership after three missed meetings (with added clause: “without reasonable explanation”) – passed.
• Motion 2: Emergency motion on the Gender Pension Gap – SPF to support Unite’s TUC Day of Action was passed unanimously.
Nominations to serve on the SPF Executive Committee 2025–26 were approved and a Standing Orders Committee elected.
David Edwards then outlined the SPF’s transition to a Private Company Limited by Guarantee (PCLG) following discussions with the STUC.
Legal advice was secured, and amended Articles of Association will be presented at the 2026 AGM.
The second speaker of the day was Bill Martin of the Thursday Club
Bill has been a long-serving executive member of the Scottish Pensioners’ Forum (SPF) for 17 years and he shared insights into his work with Age Scotland and the Renfrewshire Seniors Forum. Bill’s current focus is the Thursday Club, a thriving initiative supporting older adults in Renfrewshire.
Bill informed delegates that despite the challenges posed by Covid, the club had secured premises and funding from the Renfrewshire Health and Welfare Fund.
He indicated that membership had grown to 94, with 40% of members living with disabilities.
The club’s activities included exercise sessions, quizzes with prizes, and year-round hot lunches, which were initially supported through the Winter Connections programme.
The club hosts quarterly open days and organises outings, including pantomime visits, requiring multiple buses due to accessibility needs.
Bill emphasised the club’s role in combating social isolation and loneliness and expressed gratitude for Renfrewshire Council’s continued financial support.
The final speaker of the day was Richard Leonard, the MSP for Central Scotland
Richard, a committed supporter of the SPF, honoured the centenary of Mick McGahey, a founding member of the SPF, highlighting his legacy of activism and unity.
• Richard reflected on his work with the GMB retired members section and reaffirmed the value of human dignity over private profit.
• He criticised the current Labour government’s austerity measures, noting their disproportionate impact on older and unemployed people.
• He condemned the failure to uphold promises to WASPI women and expressed concern over budget priorities favouring military and nuclear spending over welfare.
• Quoting McGahey, he reminded attendees: “We are a movement, not a monument.”
• In recognition of his advocacy, Rose Jackson awarded Richard honorary membership of SPF.
At 2 pm Eileen Cawley asked for a pause in proceedings to pay tribute to Christina McKelvie, former MSP and Scottish Government Minister for equalities and older people.
Eileen paid tribute to Christina’s selfless work as an MSP and her genuine concern for the needs of older people.
Conference then offered a standing ovation in her memory.
Delivering an update on the WASPI campaign, Linda Carmichael thanked the SPF for their continued support and updated delegates on the Ombudsman’s report and the ongoing legal efforts of the campaign.
The final session of the conference was The Year Ahead: An Open Debate, giving delegates the opportunity to discuss issues of importance to them and their organisations.
Key campaign areas identified included:
• Better Buses for Strathclyde
• Compensation Justice for WASPI
• The need for an Assisted Dying debate
• The rise of Right-Wing Politics
• Cap on Care Costs
• Disability Payments
• Political Accountability
• Visible Campaigning
• Directory of Contacts
• OFGEM & Youth Engagement
On closing conference, Rose Jackson thanked all contributors, with special appreciation to Bill Lynch and Eileen Cawley for their work in organising the event.
