New SFHA Chief Executive looks forward to building on federation’s achievements
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) this week welcomed its new Chief Executive.
Sally Thomas has taken up the role of leading the federation after Mary Taylor retired after seven years with the organisation.
Prior to joining the SFHA, Ms Thomas was Head of Community Investment at North Star Housing Group in the north east of England. She was seconded from April 2016 to April 2017 to the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT), where she took up the role of Director of Communities, with responsibility for the development and delivery of the community investment and social purpose programmes. (1)
Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said:
“This is a crucial time for the housing sector, as it is facing many challenges – helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s target of 50,000 affordable homes, the as yet unknown effects of Brexit, the impact on tenants and landlords of ongoing welfare reform, and a more fluid political climate. However, these challenges will also bring opportunities – such as being able to house more of Scotland’s poorest and most vulnerable people and, in response to Brexit, working to create a greater number of trade apprenticeships. The SFHA will work hard to ensure that its members can respond.
“I have long been an admirer of the work of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland and the strong social values that bind them together. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the federation, and build on its many achievements, at a time when our work has never been more relevant and important.
“I look forward to working with SFHA members and our stakeholders to ensure that the federation can support them to deliver the next generation of high quality affordable housing which the people of Scotland need and deserve.”
Ms Thomas will address SFHA members at the federation’s AGM on Wednesday 30 August. The event’s guest speaker will be Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell MSP. Delegates will also have an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead for housing associations and co-operatives post-Brexit. (2)
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For further information, please contact SFHA Media Adviser Kirsten Walker on t: 0141 567 6221 m: 0788 788 8348 email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk
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NOTES:
- Further employment information: in a previous role, Sally spent 18 years as director of a consultancy specialising in the social and economic aspects of regeneration and renewal. During her earlier career, Sally worked in roles for several housing associations in London and became Senior Operations Officer for the Homes and Communities Agency in 1986. Following this, she was Assistant Director for Tyne and Wear Development Corporation.
- The SFHA’s AGM will take place at 200 SVS, 200 St Vincent Street, Glasgow, G2 5NW
- The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) was established in 1975 and has around 116 members providing affordable housing and wider community services across Scotland, as well as a further 200 sector associates. The SFHA is owned and governed by its members and exists to lead, represent and support the work of housing associations and co-operatives throughout Scotland www.sfha.co.uk
- The SFHA is the voice of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland. SFHA members own and manage 80% of the 280,000+ housing association stock across Scotland. Together, housing associations and co-operatives provide housing for almost 500,000 people, which is one in every 11 households.
- Over 11,000 staff are employed by SFHA members across Scotland.
- Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.