Ardenglen launches charter setting out “highest standards” of governance

Ardenglen Housing Association has launched a new charter, outlining its “unwavering commitment to good governance”.

All of the association’s board members have signed up to the document, which sets out a number of principles in the pursuit of governance excellence.

Ardenglen’s Leadership Governance Charter enshrines key values and objectives in what is, as every housing professional knows, a vital component to the good running of any housing association or housing co-operative.

Jointly unveiling the charter, Ardenglen Chair Isa Brier and Chief Executive Audrey Simpson said it was developed through close co-operation between the board and staff. The charter has been individually signed by each of the 11 current members of the Ardenglen Board.

The charter’s key elements include:

• giving clarity to the organisation’s purpose, roles and accountability, which will be “vigorously pursued”
• a clear understanding of everyone’s responsibilities
• accountability to members, tenants, service users the Scottish Housing Regulator and others with a connection to the association
• continuous development of the skills of the board
• the need for high standards of integrity and behaviour
• an ongoing review of governance
• ensuring relationships are constructive, professional and supportive.

Audrey Simpson, Ardenglen Chief Executive, said:

“All of us involved in the housing association movement understand how critical good governance is to the proper functioning of any community-based housing organisation.

“But we have taken the decision to enshrine it in a Leadership Governance Charter, which has the benefit of re-dedicating Ardenglen to the principle of excellence within the organisation.

“Quite apart from our regulatory obligations, our members and tenants have every right to expect us to meet their understandably-high expectations on governance. The new charter sets out very clearly the way we are doing that.”

Pictured: Ardenglen’s Board.