SFHA Chief Executive announces retirement

For immediate use: Thursday 22 September 2016 

After six years at the head of the organisation, Mary Taylor has announced that she will retire next year from her role as Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA).

The SFHA Board will start the recruitment process in October, with a view to making an appointment by early January 2017.

Mary Taylor, SFHA Chief Executive, said:

“Yesterday, the Board of the SFHA received news of my intention to retire from full-time work and so from my current role as Chief Executive of the SFHA. This allows the Board to start recruiting a new Chief Executive. We’ve not agreed an end date as yet, but we expect it to be next spring. 

“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to lead the SFHA since 2010. The water was distinctly choppy when I first took the helm, and it’s been anything but plain sailing since then!

“However, the organisation is in a much better place now, on an even keel and ready to face the many external challenges, not least in dealing with classification and social security, and issues arising from Brexit.

“Energy in the sector is clearly picking up again, with hard won support across the Scottish Parliament for affordable housing.

“The prospects and opportunities for my successor are exciting. I am happy to wait to agree a final leaving date with the Board once they have made an appointment.”

Steve Delaney, who re-elected as Chair of the SFHA Board on Wednesday 21 September, said:

“Mary Taylor has transformed the SFHA from a membership body to a strong, trusted voice for social housing and social justice.

“Although we will be sad to see her go, we wish Mary well in her retirement.

“During Mary’s tenure, the SFHA has strengthened, not just in terms of externally facing work and relationships with members and partners but also internally.

“Our Executive Team will take forward our shared vision and ambitions with Mary in the meantime and with her successor, thereafter.

“We intend to advertise the post in October, with a view to making an appointment by early January.”

Ends

For further information, please contact Kirsten Walker on t: 0141 567 6221 m: 0788 788 8348 email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk

Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk

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NOTES:

1. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) was established in 1975 and has around 120 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
2. The SFHA is the voice of the principal builders and managers of new affordable housing for rent in Scotland. Housing associations own and manage around 40% of the country’s affordable rented housing stock, over a quarter of a million homes across Scotland.
3. Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.