A leading Scottish housing provider has appointed a new Director of Assets in a bid to meet the housing needs of future generations of older people.
Bield Housing and Care has appointed Drew Moore to lead its Strategic Asset Management Strategy (SAMS) – in which it commits to investing £225m in the next decade to support healthy ageing at home.
With significant experience in the sector, Drew will oversee the charity’s investment programme, which includes targets to develop 400 new homes, improve the energy efficiency and cost of heating their existing homes as well as modernise the repairs and property management service to increase customer satisfaction.
Hailing from Peebles, Drew joins from Fife Housing Group, where he served as Asset Manager, responsible for delivering the asset management strategy including capital projects, planned and cyclical maintenance, new build housing, and procurement activities.
Drew has a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying, is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building, and a Member of the Institute of Asset Management. He is also a Member of the Board of Muirhouse Housing Association, and Chair of Muirhouse Homes, their mid-market rent subsidiary.
Drew said: “Bield’s commitment to working with its tenants to support the older generation and its ambitious vision and innovative solutions are seriously inspiring.
“It’s a really exciting time for me to be joining the team and I’m hoping to use my expertise to drive the innovative new asset management strategy by adding much-needed housing to the sector while improving our current offering.
“Bield’s vision is something that instantly resonated with me and I’m hoping I can support that drive to create a Scotland where people of all ages are respected, can make their own choices and are able to lead independent and fulfilling lives.”
Drew’s arrival comes at a critical juncture in the industry, with both challenges and opportunities within the housing sector. His guidance is set to be instrumental regarding in-home upgrades, community investments, addressing climate impacts and leveraging digital and technological advancements.
Bield’s Chief Executive, Dr Lynne Douglas, said: “Drew’s appointment will further support us to play a leading role in meeting the housing needs of future generations of older people.
“We have a dedicated and experienced leadership team at Bield who are absolutely crucial to the positive strides we are making as a housing provider. Drew is going to add further fresh thinking and knowledge to that.
“The continuous investment in our team is vital to support healthy ageing at home in safe, warm and affordable homes throughout our communities.”
Since its inception in 1971, Bield has grown from a single housing development to a leading figure in elderly care and housing in Scotland, noted for its creative and effective services.
Bield’s advancements, particularly in technology, have significantly improved the quality of life for its residents. Notable achievements include a telecare project that has markedly reduced hospital visits and strides in digital literacy and inclusion.
The organisation’s dedication to co-production and collaboration with tenants and staff ensures services are continuously refined and aligned with the needs of its residents.
In its journey towards becoming a net-zero organization by 2045, Bield has already made substantial progress, including a 5.8% reduction in energy consumption in 2022/23, and is actively installing solar panels and LED lighting for further reductions.
The housing provider is a leading source of housing and care services for older people across Scotland, supporting more than 5,000 people across 60 developments.
