Politicians join academics at event to shape policy on housing and ageing

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People taking part in the 'serious game'

Academics from the University of Stirling are today joined by UK politicians at a milestone event to discuss future policy on housing and ageing.

Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing in Scotland, and Rebecca Evans AM, Minister for Housing and Regeneration in Wales, were invited to address the one-day conference in Edinburgh, organised by Stirling’s Head of Housing Dr Vikki McCall.

Dr Vikki McCall

Dr Vikki McCall

Experts from Scotland, England and Wales will compare experiences on a national level, before creating a set of recommendations for the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments that support policy and practice in the future.

As part of the event, they will also take part in a bespoke ‘Serious Game’ created by professional game developer Jim Wallman to allow for in-depth debate and discussion around housing and ageing priorities.

The conference, organised by the University of Stirling in partnership with the Universities of Dundee and Heriot-Watt, follows two previous workshops involving practitioners and stakeholders.

Kevin Stewart

Kevin Stewart MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Local Government and Housing

The series of events were funded by the Scottish Universities Insight Institute and Social Policy Association with the aim of enabling effective planning for housing and ageing in Scotland for 2030.

Professor Judith Phillips, Deputy Principal (Research) at the University of Stirling, said: “Housing and ageing are big challenges for the future and it is vital we gain an understanding of how they are being delivered and experienced by older people across Britain, in order to take forward best practice.

“By bringing together Scottish, Welsh and English policy makers, we will be able to gather insights from existing approaches and foster UK-wide collaboration.”

Judith Phillips

Professor Judith Phillips

The evidence collated from the three workshops will be shared with housing and ageing organisations and people working in the housing and health sectors in Scotland, England and Wales, at a conference on Monday 2 July.

Background information

Media enquiries to Rosemary Free, Communications Officer, on 01786 466 169 or rosemary.free@stir.ac.uk

University of Stirling

The University of Stirling is ranked fifth in Scotland and 40th in the UK for research intensity in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework. Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions and helping to shape society.

Interdisciplinary in its approach, Stirling’s research informs its teaching curriculum and facilitates opportunities for knowledge exchange and collaboration between staff, students, industry partners and the wider community.

The University’s scenic central Scotland campus – complete with a loch, castle and golf course – is home to more than 14,000 students and 1500 staff representing around 120 nationalities. This includes an ever-expanding base for postgraduate study.

www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni