The 58-year-old Dundee local has joined the board of Blackwood Housing and Care for a second time to help cultivate the care provider’s strategic direction with his extensive decades of experience in and passion for the social care sector.

Mr Tares served on Blackwood’s Board from 2002 to 2007, before moving on to work for Capability Scotland as a disability equality trainer, and a volunteer inspector for the Care Inspectorate.

Mr Tares said: “I first encountered Blackwood in 1993 when, as a wheelchair user, I was offered accommodation directly by the founder Margaret Blackwood. I’ve been a tenant of Blackwood’s ever since.

“I’m really pleased to have joined the Board again after all these years – I’ve been welcomed back with open arms. It’s an important time for the organisation, and I’m thrilled to bring my own personal experience to the table to help shape decisions which directly impact tenants like me.”

He previously presented workshops for Tpas, the tenants participation advisory service, on tenant participation engagement, and helped develop an online compact for Tpas Wales to engage tenants with complex needs.

As a social care advocate and proud customer of Blackwood for the last two decades, Mr Tares’ appointment to the board has been received enthusiastically by the board, Blackwood staff and customers.

Mr Tares added: “A member of staff said recently said to me that it’s brilliant to have someone with my skillset on the Board, as I can effectively represent the perspectives of tenants as well.

“Blackwood’s board is extremely inclusive. In some cases, a ‘tick the box’ mentality can lead boards to appoint tenants for the sake of it, but that definitely isn’t the case here. My fellow board members have always appreciated my input and ensured I am a valued member.”

He has been involved with the Scottish Government for a number of years to help to reshape the social care sector, with a particular interest in procurement and commissioning. Mr Tares has also undertaken similar work for the Carnegie Trust, which resulted from his involvement with their Kindness Innovation network.

Fanchea Kelly, chief executive at Blackwood, commented: “David is a well-known and cherished member of our community, and we are delighted to have him back on our Board. Our aim is to help people live their life to the full, and David’s contribution to our vision has been a huge asset for a number of years.”

Mr Tares also has a keen interest in drama, and was involved in a play called “If these spasms could speak” which performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2013.