Former Thenue board members clarify reasons behind resignations

The clarification follows last week’s coverage of the resignations, which noted that 11 board members, including chair Pauline Casey, had stepped down.

The resignations came as a whistleblower urged the Scottish Housing Regulator to investigate appointments made to the Thenue board over the last year.

The whistleblower claimed that Thenue’s board failed to meet its obligations in relation to governance, model rules and internal policies and procedures by “allowing Maureen Dowden and Derek Quinn to remain on the board as co-optees beyond the maximum term”.

In a joint response to Scottish Housing News, the former board members said: “It is important to provide clarity regarding the recent resignations from the board of Thenue Housing. A total of 11 resignations took place within a five-day period, reflecting the seriousness of the concerns held by board members.

“These resignations were not connected to the appointment of co-optees as has been suggested. The board approved all co-options without hesitation.

“The resignations arose from significant concerns about governance, transparency, and decision-making within the leadership team.

“Following the most recent AGM, a number of disruptive appointments were made to the board, which further undermined confidence in the organisation’s governance arrangements. The collective decision to resign was therefore taken as a matter of principle, to highlight the pressing need for openness, integrity, and proper governance at the heart of Thenue Housing’s leadership.”

The former members added that they “remain deeply committed to the values of accountability and service to tenants and communities” and hope the resignations “will prompt a renewed focus on transparent, ethical leadership in the near future”.

Thenue Housing previously confirmed the resignations and said it has begun the process of recruiting new board members. A spokesperson said the organisation is “in contact with the Scottish Housing Regulator to keep them informed, as is normal procedure in such circumstances.”

The Regulator said it does not comment publicly on individual whistleblowing cases or complaints.