What we do
The Scottish Pensioners’ Forum, established in 1992, is a national umbrella organisation representing older people across Scotland. It was initiated by the STUC Pensioners’ Committee to provide a collective voice for pensioners on issues affecting their rights, welfare, and quality of life.
In this section
The Forum brings together individuals and organisations – including local elderly forums, trade unions, churches, ethnic minority groups, and advocacy bodies – to campaign for a better deal for older people.
Mission and Objectives
The SPF’s core aim is:
“To advance pensioners’ rights and welfare and to educate and unite Scotland’s pensioners in order to present a collective voice to Government and other authorities on matters affecting retired people.”
Key objectives include:
- Advocacy: Representing pensioners’ interests in policy discussions and consultations with the Scottish Government and local and parliamentary level.
- Education and Awareness: Keeping older people updated on issues affecting them at a national
- Outreach: Engaging in outreach work and working alongside local older people’s groups and trade union retired members’ branches throughout Scotland
- Campaigning: Organising national and local campaigns on issues such as pension adequacy, energy costs, concessionary travel, and healthcare.
- Networking: Uniting older people’s groups and organisations to strengthen collective influence on decision-making
Core activities
Policy Engagement and Representation
SPF participates in Scottish Government stakeholder groups and Cross-Party Parliamentary Groups on issues such as poverty, age and ageing, women’s health, WASPI and funerals and bereavement.
We provide responses to government consultations and contributes to policy development on pensions, social care, and older people’s rights.
Campaigns and Advocacy
Historic and ongoing campaigns include:
- Opposition to raising the State Pension Age.
- Fair energy pricing and winter fuel support.
- Protection of free TV licences for over-75s.
- Addressing funeral poverty and improving health and social care services.
Events and Outreach
SPF hosts an Annual Conference for members and stakeholders.
We organise public demonstrations (e.g., UN International Day of Older Persons) and educational sessions during initiatives like Challenge Poverty Week.
We also run participatory sessions on inquiries (eg, COVID-19 impact on older people and the treatment of older people in the workplace).
Publications and Research
SPF produces newsletters, reports, and election manifestos to inform members and influence policy.
We collaborate on research projects related to ageing and workforce issues.
