At time of writing, the Association is one of just 41 organisations across Scotland to achieve Living Hours. This accreditation means that everyone working for SBHA is entitled to a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours’ work per week, a contract that reflects the number of hours worked each week and a reasonable amount of notice about any changes of shift.

SBHA became a real Living Wage employer in October 2020. Living Hours builds on this to provide the SBHA team with the security and stability of sufficient hours to meet everyday needs.

SBHA’s chief executive, Julia Mulloy, explains that this achievement comes at an important point in SBHA’s history: “We are delighted to have achieved Living Hours accreditation. This year marks the 20th anniversary of SBHA’s creation and central to the success of the past two decades has been the dedicated and skilled SBHA team.

“This accreditation, along with our status as a certified Living Wage Employer, underlines our commitment to fairness and equality in employment, our contribution to a fairer economy and our determination to attract and retain the best people.”

SBHA was created through the transfer of stock from Scottish Borders Council in March 2003. The Association provides 5,618 homes in more than 40 settlements across the Scottish Borders, and employs a dedicated team of more than 150 people, with an annual turnover of £26 million.