Ian Buchan joined Independent Age in February 2008. He has nearly 25 years' experience in the health and social care field, working mostly with older people both in direct services and commissioning roles.

Most recently he was the senior manager responsible for Hackney Council’s In-House Care Services, mainly working with older people with complex needs. He started his working life in a community alarm scheme for older people in south London and went on to become a social worker and manager.

He also has experience of the voluntary sector as Chair of one of London’s Age Concern branches and was a Samaritans volunteer for nearly 20 years. During this time he held a number of roles from housekeeper to Branch Director.