Volunteers’ Week 2019: Martin and Helen, Muirhouse Housing Association
Muirhouse Housing Association board members, Martin and Helen, discuss their roles.
To mark Volunteers’ Week 2019, SFHA is celebrating the invaluable contribution committee and board members make to the housing sector. Every day this week, Housing Scotland Today will feature committee and board members who will tell readers more about their roles.
Today’s board members are from Muirhouse Housing Association (MHA).
Martin Thoronka
Martin joined the MHA Board in 2013. He is a tenant of MHA and a management accountant with finance experience in the private sector as well as with local authorities. Martin thinks it is “fantastic” to be part of an organisation that serves the community he lives in and enjoys working with other board members to set the direction for MHA. Martin is also a member of the Audit and Risk Committee and a board member of MHA subsidiary Muirhouse Homes.
How long have you been on the board?
I have been on the MHA board for over four years and about three years on the board of Muirhouse Homes.
Why did you join?
I’m an MHA tenant and after a conversation with the former director, I realised my skills as a qualified accountant would be invaluable to the organisation at the time, so I applied to become a member of the board of management in 2013.
What do you enjoy most about being on the board?
Being on the board has been a great privilege for me as I have had the opportunity to network and interact with other knowledgeable board members from various work backgrounds to ensure MHA and its subsidiary meet their strategic and operational objectives. It is absolutely fantastic to be part of an organisation that serves the community where I live.
What’s the most difficult aspect about being on the board?
The most difficult thing for me about being on the board has been time constraints. As a full-time employee and a parent of school children, fitting in with meeting schedules has been very challenging at times, especially when I sit on one of the sub-committees as well.
Why would you recommend joining a board?
To be on the board will give you a good insight into housing but, most of all, you become an integral part of strategic decision-making processes that set the strategic direction of the organisation, which ultimately affects our community members.
Helen Amour
Helen joined the board of MHA in 2015. Prior to joining the board, Helen worked as Director of HR and Corporate Services at Melville Housing Association. She has 31 years’ experience of working in the social housing sector, having held both junior and senior roles, mainly in human resources. Helen is also currently Chair of the MHA Staffing Sub-committee.
How long have you been on the board?
I have been a Muirhouse housing associaition board member for three years
Why did you join?
My reason for joining the board was to use my knowledge and experience of social housing to help the community I live in. I grew up in Muirhouse, and, for me, there’s no better place to live.
What is the best thing about being on the board?
The best thing about being on the board is working as part of a team to do the best for our customers and staff.
What is the most difficult thing about being on the board?
The worst thing is having to make difficult decisions that impact on both our customers and staff. But knowing we exhaust every avenue as a team before we reach a final decision helps.
Why would you recommend joining a board?
No matter what your background is, you can still help make a difference. You receive training in a number of areas (good for the cv) and you have an opportunity to meet an interesting group of people.