Loreburn only Scottish nominee for award celebrating outstanding women in housing

Loreburn Housing Association is the only Scottish organisation to receive nominations for a national award celebrating the work of outstanding women. Loreburn is a finalist in three of the Women in Business categories. Now in its seventh year, the awards highlight the amazing work of women in housing. 

Loreburn Housing Association, which is based in Dumfries and Galloway, is in the running for Employer of the Year, Finance Professional of the Year and Board Committee Member of the Year. 

In the Employee of the Year category, Loreburn demonstrates a clear strategy of inclusion. Loreburn employs 120 staff, and 66% are women. Equality and diversity are embraced throughout the organisation, starting at the top with the management team which is 75% female. Loreburn has a female Chief Executive, Director of Housing and Director of Property and Development. The organisation has a higher percentage of females in other management roles, 56% female compared to 44% male.

Emilia Kopanicka is the finalist from Loreburn for the Finance Professional of the Year, and she is recognised for her outstanding professionalism. Loreburn said that she leads the Finance team with a “visionary approach”. Loreburn has invested in her talent by putting her through her CIPFA exams, and she has excelled in her studies. Ms Kopanicka has had to step up to a senior role, and she has taken on this challenge and created a team that is respected across the organisation.

Loreburn nominated its board member, Maureen Farrell for Board Committee Member of the Year. The entry demonstrates her passion and how she has made a real difference at Loreburn. She joined Loreburn in 1986, because she realised, as a teacher, that good quality housing was the foundation to help people succeed. With over 33 years involvement at Loreburn, Maureen is an exceptionally committed individual and an inspiration to many women across Dumfries and Galloway both within, and outside, the housing sector.

Lorraine Usher, Chief Executive at Loreburn Housing Association, said: “I am absolutely delighted that our efforts to create a culture of inclusion where women can thrive and prosper has been recognised. These nominations reflect the importance of recognising the contribution of women in our business. It also demonstrates that housing is a great career choice for ambitious women. 

“We are particularly proud of our triple Investors in People Gold status and being a finalist in three categories – including the prestigious Employer of the year – shows how our modern ways of doing business benefit all our staff and customers.”

The winners will be announced at the Women in Business ceremony at the Emirates Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester on 10 October, with attendance from organisation across the UK.