Cairn Housing Association held its first organisation-wide staff gathering in eight years, bringing together colleagues from across Scotland for a day of learning and connection at the Dunblane Hydro.
With staff spread across five offices and 24 retirement courts, it was the first time since 2017 that everyone from Cairn had been in the same room, making it a special opportunity to reconnect and celebrate achievements, as well as look ahead together.
The day’s programme was designed to motivate, inspire and remind everyone of the difference Cairn makes in people’s lives.
The event opened with a keynote session from Colin MacLachlan, former SAS soldier and star of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins. Colin shared powerful lessons from his time in the special forces, showing how the values needed to succeed in the SAS mirror those that drive success at Cairn.
The energy continued with Gavin Oattes from Tree of Knowledge, whose session Ice Lollies Really Do Matter brought humour and perspective. Gavin explored how to reconnect and stay positive in a world where remote and dispersed working are more common than ever.
Cairn’s own Customer Experience Manager, Collette Campbell, led Our Customer Journey: Every Contact Counts, an insightful workshop focused on seeing services through the eyes of tenants and understanding how every call, email, and interaction shapes the customer experience. Collette was supported by tenants from Tenants Together for the session.
Professor Vikki McCall, co-founder of Social Ludo, ran an interactive workshop called Pathways Paradox, a large-scale game based on real-life experiences of navigating housing, benefits and employment systems. The session challenged participants to think differently about how we can remove barriers and support people more effectively.
Staff also raised £1,615 for SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) through a charity raffle, with prizes including a three-night stay in Orkney, a four-ball at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, and a signed, framed Lions rugby shirt.
The day concluded with the announcement of the winners of Cairn’s annual staff awards, recognising individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in living Cairn’s values and delivering for tenants.
Cairn’s Chief Executive, Audrey Simpson, said: “The Cairn Gathering was more than a staff away day, it was an investment in our people and the tenants we serve. With Cairn’s geographical spread, staying connected and understanding the challenges faced by colleagues and tenants has never been more important.
“Our colleagues bring care and professionalism to their work every day; by strengthening connections and our collective insight we are building an organisation that puts people at the centre of every conversation and every decision. I’m proud of the energy and commitment shown this week and am excited for what we will continue to deliver together.”
The event was part of Cairn’s ongoing organisational changes which include a commitment to supporting, connecting and developing staff, ensuring everyone feels part of one team – no matter where they are based.
