The scheme has been so successful that Osprey has run this again, appointing a new apprentice to the board.

Lauren Allan, who joined Osprey’s first apprentice intake in 2023, has now been appointed as a full board member while Scott O’Neill joins as the next apprentice.

“My time as an apprentice was invaluable,” said Lauren, a technical co-ordinator within housebuilder Barratt David Wilson North Scotland. “I was so lucky to get the experience so early in my career and to be able to do it in such a supportive environment.”

Lauren, who became a full member at Osprey’s AGM in September 2025, added: “I am honoured to have been appointed and look forward to bringing clear insight drawn from my technical background and on-the-ground understanding of development projects.”

Scott O’Neill is an Aberdeen University graduate who works as marketing manager at Scarf, a Scottish charity and social enterprise providing free, impartial energy advice and support to households across Scotland. He previously ran his own marketing consultancy.

He said: “I’m delighted to join Osprey’s board and play a role in driving forward such meaningful work.

“Osprey and Scarf share a strong commitment to helping people live in warm, safe, affordable homes, and I’m eager to build on that shared purpose.”

Scott, who took up his apprentice position after last year’s AGM, added: “This opportunity gives me valuable insight into how strategic decisions shape real outcomes, and I’m excited to be bringing my experience to the table while continuing to learn from others.”

When Osprey Housing launched the board apprentice scheme in 2023, it was the first of its kind and has since set a benchmark for sector practice. Lauren, along with Niamh Johnston, then a trainee solicitor, were the first to take part. 

Osprey CEO Stacy Angus said: “We designed the scheme to make board experience more accessible and build future leadership capacity while bringing fresh perspectives and diversity to the boardroom. As part of succession planning opening governance pathways for young professionals is really important on contributing the next generation of sector leadership.

“It’s been really positive to see the scheme go full circle with Lauren becoming a voting board member. She is a really positive member of the Osprey team while Scott brings valuable digital skills and insight which is key to driving improvements.

“Most importantly, both of them have core values that align with what we aim to achieve as a social landlord and make a difference — the culture match is vital in achieving good outcomes for our tenants. We see this as a win-win for all involved — it provides CPD for those in the scheme and the board benefits from the fresh perspectives and input.”

Also recently joining the board is Gillian Houston, who has an extensive background in finance and business planning in the social housing sector.

Ms Angus added: “We are really fortunate to have attracted both Lauren and Gillian as new board members to Osprey and look forward to working with them all as we look forward as an organisation to continue to grow and improve.”

Osprey chair Brian Watson said: “We are delighted to welcome Lauren and Gillian to the main board and Scott as our new apprentice.

“These appointments add to the existing board’s experience, commitment, and culture. Together, they bring great individual skills and strengthen even further our ability to provide effective governance and support Osprey Housing’s continued success as we deliver on our strategic objectives.”