The appointments bring further expertise across housing, business transformation, digital innovation, investment and the wider residential sector.

Neil Ferguson is an experienced leader with a strong track record of delivering positive change across the social housing, public and private sectors. He joined Trust Housing Association in 2013 and has been a member of its executive team since 2019.

As director of business development & digital, Neil leads areas including strategy, strategic partnerships, technology, data and service design. He also brings previous non-executive board experience and extensive expertise in transformation and change management.

David Scott brings extensive experience in investment research and the UK real estate market. Having begun his career at Standard Life Investments in 2010, he is now head of real estate investment research, covering the UK and North American markets.

David has a particular interest in social housing, having covered the sector for a number of years, and brings a strong understanding of the wider residential market, institutional investment and long-term sector trends.

Craig MacDonald, chair of Blackwood’s board, said: “Neil and David bring an excellent combination of experience and expertise to Blackwood, and I’m delighted to welcome them to the board.

“Neil’s extensive experience of working within the social housing sector, alongside his knowledge of strategy, transformation and digital innovation, will bring valuable insight to our work. David brings a different but complementary perspective, with considerable expertise in investment within the social housing and care home sectors as well as the wider residential market.

“Having a board with a broad range of skills, experience and perspectives is incredibly important, and I look forward to working with Neil and David as we continue to support Blackwood’s ambitions and deliver the best possible outcomes for our customers.”

Neil Ferguson said: “I’m delighted to be joining Blackwood’s board at such an important time for the organisation. Blackwood has a strong reputation for innovation and helping people live independently, and I look forward to supporting the Board and the wider organisation to deliver on its strategic ambitions and build on the significant social value and positive impact that Blackwood already creates.”

David Scott said: “I am delighted to be joining Blackwood’s board. I strongly believe in its purpose of creating homes and care that enable people to live independently and with greater choice. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience to the board and helping Blackwood build on its strong track record while continuing to put customers and communities at the heart of what it does.”