As Policy and Public Affairs Advisor, Allan coordinates CYCJ’s policy and influencing opportunities, alongside managing their communications work and stakeholder engagement.
Allan’s background is in campaigning, policy and research around human rights, poverty and environmentalism. In 2011 he completed a postgraduate degree in Human Rights and International Politics, specialising in Transitional Justice in Argentina. At the Poverty Truth Commission, Allan helped bring together people with lived experiences of poverty and key decision-makers.
With Scottish Refugee Council he drew from quantitative data and lived experiences to advocate for improved policy and practice for refugees and their families. Allan has also worked with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations on a range of policy issues and with the marine protection charity Open Seas as their Public Affairs Manager. Allan served for five years as a local councillor in Govan, sitting on several committees with a key focus on tackling social and economic inequalities and improving the lived environment.
Originally from Dunblane, Allan lives in rural Renfrewshire with his wife, two kids and two cats and in rare moments of free time, he likes to watch football, talk politics and will read anything.