SFHA stresses importance of succession planning at annual conference

The housing sector must ensure it is preparing now in order to remain resilient for housing the tenants of tomorrow – this is the key message to be delivered by the Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Mary Taylor, at the SFHA’s Annual Conference. (1)

The event, entitled ‘Housing the Future’, takes place on 1 and 2 June in Glasgow and will explore how innovative design and technology can be used to respond to ever-changing tenant needs. The conference will also look at who will be leading housing associations in the years to come and ask whether there needs to be more focus on succession planning to ensure that today’s chief executives and chairs can ‘pass the baton’ on to others to maintain resilient and well-functioning organisations.

The conference comes as the SFHA’s Chief Executive prepares to retire at the end of June. Mary Taylor said:

“In recent years, the SFHA campaigned for, and welcomed, the increase in the Scottish Government’s affordable housing target and the grant rate, which will help deliver the 50,000 homes. While this will assist in housing future tenants, we have to ensure that the sector can also remain resilient and operate within an ever-changing political climate.

“Whether there are challenges or opportunities ahead, we must be able to recognise these and respond by equipping our organisations with the staff and boards who will be able to lead housing associations now and in the future.”

The conference will be addressed by Minister for Housing Kevin Stewart. He said:

“We are committed to continuing our investment in housing in Scotland and ensuring everyone can access an affordable home. In the past 10 years, the Scottish Government delivered over 65,300 affordable homes, 70% of which are for social rent and ended the Right to Buy.

“We took those actions in partnership with organisations, such as the SFHA, and we recognise and commend the crucial role Scottish housing associations play in delivering more affordable homes for Scotland’s communities.

“I would also like to thank SFHA’s Chief Executive, Mary Taylor, for her hard work and dedication over the past seven years and for playing a key role in ensuring the housing sector is preparing now to house the tenants of tomorrow.”

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

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SFHA.HousingScotland

Twitter www.twitter.com/sfha_hq

NOTES: 
1. The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) was established in 1975 and has 119 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 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.
3. Over 11,000 staff are employed by SFHA members across Scotland. 
4. Housing associations and co-operatives are not-for-profit bodies regulated by the Scottish Housing Regulator.