Profile: David Gordon

Tell us about your career?

I am an actuary and worked for a pensions consultancy for 30 years, advising the trustees and sponsors of pension schemes on funding and benefit design. Early in my career, I prepared expert witness reports for damages for personal injury and for pensions on divorce for a number of Scottish legal firms. 

In 2020, I moved out of direct actuarial work to join my professional body, the Institute & Faculty of Actuaries, to establish and lead the Actuarial Monitoring Scheme, which carries out thematic reviews on the work of actuaries.

What drew you to join the Regulatory Committee?

Throughout my career, I have worked with numerous solicitors across many disciplines, so I think I have a lot of relevant experience of the legal profession and can make a significant contribution to the work of the committee as a non-solicitor member. There are many parallels between working in a profession such as actuarial services and the work of a solicitor. The legal and actuarial professions also have many similarities in their governance.

What would you say has been a personal highlight for you?

I was delighted and honoured to be chosen by my colleagues to be the convener in April, having only been a member of the committee for a year. 

Have you been surprised by anything you have learned through the committee? 

Before becoming involved, I wasn’t aware of the incredible range and depth of work that is carried out by staff and volunteers to represent the Society. As convener, I see how this incredibly impressive work affects so many aspects of Scottish life.

What are the priorities for the committee in the next 12 months?  

The committee will focus on two key areas: working with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure the appropriate and proportionate regulation of the legal profession in Scotland; and to maintain a wholly distinct voice within the Society on regulatory matters. 

What keeps you busy outside your committee work with the Society?

I sing in a choir, which is a great way to take my mind off work. I’m getting married in the autumn, so that’s keeping me pretty busy at the moment too!