An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations as its new Director of External Affairs after the organisation announced Carolyn Lochhead will leave the role at the end of January.
At a crucial time for Scotland’s social housing sector, and ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May, the role provides a unique opportunity to help SFHA influence national housing policy.
The organisation said it was looking for a senior leader with an outstanding track record to shape SFHA’s external voice, strengthen its influence and ensure the priorities of housing associations and co-operatives were heard at the highest levels of government.
Applications for the role have now opened with interviews scheduled to take place from 12 January.
SFHA Chief Executive Richard Meade said: “At such a critical time for the social housing sector, we have begun the process of recruiting a new Director of External Affairs and look forward to appointing a candidate for the role next month.
“If you are an outstanding senior leader with considerable experience in external affairs and believe in the power of housing associations and co-operatives as a vehicle for social change, then I’d highly encourage you to apply.”
SFHA also paid tribute to Carolyn Lochhead as she leaves the organisation at the end of January to take up a new opportunity outside of the sector.
Richard Meade added: “We’re very sorry to be losing Carolyn, but we fully understand her decision to take on a new opportunity outside of the sector.
“Over the course of four-and-a-half years, Carolyn has made a stellar contribution to the success of SFHA and played a key role in influencing national housing policy in support of our housing associations and co-operatives. We wish her all the best for the future.”
Carolyn joined SFHA in 2021 having previously been the Head of Communications and Public Affairs for the Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH).
During her four-and-a-half years at SFHA, Carolyn has led the organisation’s communications, policy, public affairs, digital and design teams as SFHA shaped the sector’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and this year marked its 50th anniversary.
Commenting on her departure, Carolyn Lochhead said: “It has been an honour to help SFHA shape national housing policy and support the housing associations and co-operatives that are so essential to a healthier, fairer and more prosperous Scotland.
“Scotland’s social housing sector is full of dedicated, expert and passionate people making a real difference to communities across the country. I have really valued the opportunity to support our members in their delivery of warm, secure and affordable rented homes.
“In particular, I would like to thank the SFHA Board, Executive Team and staff who have been an absolute joy to work with and I wish them and all of our housing associations and co-operatives the greatest success.”
Recruitment for the Director of External Affairs position at SFHA is being supported by Aspen People. Further information about the role and application process can be found here.
