What led you to join SFHA’s board and become chair?
As I retired, I was encouraged to join as a co-optee. I think my understanding of the Scottish housing sector after 22 years as chief executive of two associations and my experience of several boards, housing associations, third sector and public bodies meant they felt I would understand the role of a board member and also be able to support our chief executive.
You became chair during the height of the pandemic, what are your reflections on this period?
It was a period where everyone in housing stepped up to managing in a crisis. The response of all housing associations was exceptional. We showed, as a sector, that our culture and history of delivery could be translated into really working under incredibly difficult conditions.
SFHA really showed its worth. It quickly created the means to increase good dialogue with the regulator and government and acted on behalf of the sector when we were all feeling beleaguered and, at times, overwhelmed. The support through networks, teams, and the general willingness of SFHA staff to go and find out what people needed was impressive.
Looking at your time as chair, what are you particularly proud of?
Building a board remotely. There were a group of people on the board who had worked together before lockdown and were comfortable together, but, then there was a new group, which included me. I engaged with both board and staff one to one on Teams to build a relationship and to ensure the meetings were good humoured, comfortable and people could contribute. I am also proud of supporting Sally. She is an exceptional person, and I have been privileged to work with her and support her when she was there for the sector as a whole.
What have you enjoyed most during your two years as chair?
I actually enjoy the board meetings; they are a great group of people who keep me on my toes and expect the best from me. They are also funny, clever, and I learn a lot from them. I have enjoyed good recruitment and being involved in building a great team around Sally. We have exceptional people in SFHA, and I really enjoyed recruiting Aaron and Carolyn.
What are the current opportunities and challenges facing the sector, and how could someone help to influence these by becoming a board director?
The challenge has to be the affordability of getting to net zero and getting it right. The other challenge dear to my heart is that our tenants are inevitably poorer and more strapped for cash than ever before. This will exacerbate any issues or problems they face. It is up to us to ensure we give the evidence to government and develop every initiative with other partners that can alleviate those challenges. Being part of that debate at SFHA allows us to feed information directly to our leadership team and to have a say in what the focus of SFHA's work in supporting members will be. I think SFHA will be supporting some of our members through some very hard decisions about their future, and we need to be there for them to provide practical support.
What advice would you give to someone looking to join a board?
Get as much information as you can about the organisation, ask for training in being a board member, and don’t panic when the first meeting feels challenging. It takes time to get into the swing of a new organisation. Be curious, ask for information before meetings, and after, and don’t hesitate to say you do not understand.
Why should people consider standing for election to SFHA’s board?
It is interesting, and informative. The board is great and really welcoming and engaged. The meetings keep to time, promise! I think it stretches, stimulates and takes you to the strategic agenda, away from the preoccupations of your own organisation. If you like that kind of environment come and join us.
For further information on standing for election to SFHA's board, please follow this link.
