Director Morven Short to retire from Dunbritton HA

Morven Short, director of Dunbritton Housing Association, has decided to take early retirement after 24 years of service.

Ms Short will leave in early 2017 after handing over to her successor. The formal announcement was made at the Association’s AGM on 21st September.

Dunbritton’s Chair of the Board, Sephton MacQuire, said: “Morven is leaving Dunbritton in a very sound position in terms of our finances, governance, structure and strategic plans. I know that she has a number of things she intends to do and, knowing her, she will achieve every one of her targets and objectives.

“Personally I have enjoyed working with Morven and her team for many years and, on behalf of the Board, I wish her every success in her future endeavours.”

Starting her housing association career as a Development Officer at Central Govan Housing Association in 1987 and, during that time, also working with Dalskieth Co-op in Ferguslie Park, Morven was appointed as Dunbritton’s first Director in 1992. The newly established Association had no housing stock and only one other member of staff.

Since then Morven has led the Association’s growth and development to where it is today.

Dunbritton currently owns and manages over 1,200 houses in an area that spans both West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Council areas and has pipeline projects which will deliver in excess of 270 new homes over the next few years.

In 2013 the Association began its ‘Journey to Excellence’, (overseen by Quality Scotland and based on the EFQM Business Excellence Model) when it achieved ‘Committed to Excellence’ accreditation.

In February 2016 it achieved the coveted ‘Committed to Excellence Assessment 2- Star Award’, and it is currently working toward the prestigious Recognised for Excellence accreditation.

Ms Short said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Dunbritton and have seen it grow from ‘a good idea’ to a well-established Housing Association with a reputation for excellence that serves people in a wide and diverse operational area.

“Although sad to be leaving with so much on the horizon for Dunbritton, early retirement will give me the opportunity to do a lot of the things I’ve never had time to do.

“I am extremely proud of the staff team that we have in place and, supported by the Board, I am confident that they will continue to deliver excellent services and plenty more homes for people in need for many years to come. I sincerely wish Dunbritton every success.”