SFHA reflects on recent policy wins at landmark 50th AGM

SFHA reflected on recent policy successes at its landmark 50th AGM which saw three people elected to its Board. 

In his first AGM in charge of SFHA, Chief Executive Richard Meade highlighted the organisation’s role in successfully campaigning for a long-term funding settlement for the Affordable Housing Supply Programme, a commitment to exempting Mid-Market Rent homes from rent controls, and gaining housing associations access to funding for cladding remediation. 

SFHA also announced changes to its Board with Gary Meek of Blue Triangle Housing Association elected to represent the City of Glasgow Constituency, Audrey Murphy from Abronhill Housing Association elected to represent the Other Urban Areas Constituency, whilst Stacy Angus from Osprey Housing was elected to represent the Rural and Islands Constituency.  

The organisation also paid tribute to departing Board Members: Martin Wilkie-McFarlane from Wellhouse Housing Association (City of Glasgow Constituency), Fin Smith from Clyde Valley Housing Association (Other Urban Areas Constituency) and Dena MacLeod from Hebridean Housing Partnership (Rural and Islands Constituency). 

With housing associations facing an ever-changing economic and political outlook, the AGM also heard from Malcolm Robertson, the founding partner of Charlotte Street Partners. Sharing unique insight into his career in strategic communications and public affairs, Malcolm explained how political events, such as next year’s Scottish Parliament elections, may impact the housing sector. 

The AGM also featured a special film marking 50 years of SFHA and its members as part of SFHA’s Housing at Scotland’s Heart campaign. The event was concluded by former SFHA Chief Executive Sally Thomas who stepped down from the organisation this month after eight successful years. 

Reflecting on the 50th anniversary, SFHA Chief Executive Richard Meade said recent policy successes underlined the organisation was as strong as ever.  

He said: “As SFHA celebrates this special anniversary, I am hugely grateful to staff, member representatives and Board members for attending this AGM and, of course, for their outstanding contribution to our movement. 

“Our recent policy successes on multi-year grant funding, a commitment to exempting Mid-Market Rent from rent controls, and gaining funding access for cladding remediation simply underline that SFHA is stronger than ever as we fight for Scotland’s housing associations and the warm, secure and affordable homes they provide. 

“I’d like to pay tribute to our departing Board members Dena MacLeod, Fin Smith and Martin Wilkie-McFarlane for their stellar contribution to SFHA. I’d also like to congratulate Stacey Angus, Audrey Murphy and Gary Meek on their election to the Board- I am greatly looking forward to working with them as SFHA builds on 50 years of success.” 

Malcolm Robertson said: “The world is more chaotic than ever and it's important to understand the drivers of uncertainty and stability, both of which will be around for a while.  

"With the public mood flat, organisations like SFHA and its members have an opportunity to lead with confidence and show how they can be part of the solution to the housing emergency and address the chronic shortage of social and affordable homes.  

"These issues are on voters' minds ahead of the 2026 Scottish elections and progress hinges on politicians matching industry ambition with sensible policy, proportionate regulation and sufficient funding for the long-term." 

SFHA members can download this year's Impact Report showcasing how we've been working to support and represent members throughout 2024-25.