David is a chartered accountant recently retired. He was a partner in Whitelaw Wells for 28 years, and although he was in general practice, the firm had a specialism in the charitable sector. David was auditor and independent examiner to a great number of charities of all different types and sizes, including many in the voluntary health sector. As part of his role, David would attend board meetings and many AGMs, and would routinely attend seminars and  conferences on charitable matters.

In addition, David served as director and treasurer of Action on Smoking and Health (Scotland) for 11 years, stepping down last year. During his time on this board, David learned much about how policy is developed and implemented, and he was pleased that the number of smokers in Scotland generally fell, albeit incrementally, during his time on the ASHS board.

Previously, he was on the board to Scottish Kids Are Making Movies for 13 years, a smaller charity which identified young people with an interest in filmmaking and developed that talent mostly through Edinburgh Filmhouse.

David has also participated in various charity challenges over the years in order to fundraise for good causes, most recently the Kiltwalk and before that the BHF Glasgow to Edinburgh Trek.