In his second AGM, chief executive Richard Meade highlighted the organisation’s role in supporting housing associations and co-operatives to build a healthier, wealthier and fairer Scotland.

From influencing national housing policy and legislation to helping administer almost £1 million for homelessness prevention projects, the organisation has worked to ensure members’ voices are heard.

The meeting featured guest speaker John Edward from the Scottish Council on Global Affairs, who shared insights on the challenges and opportunities shaping Scotland’s future.

SFHA also announced changes to its board, with Tony Mallaghan of Yorkhill Housing Association elected to represent the City of Glasgow Constituency, Colin McCulloch of Dalmuir Park Housing Association elected to represent the Other Urban Areas Constituency, while Bryan Leask of Hjaltland Housing Association and Fiona Lettice of Orkney Housing Association were elected to represent the Rural and Islands Constituency.

At a post AGM board meeting, the board elected Angela Linton, former chief executive of Hillcrest Housing Association, as its new chair whilst Gary Dalziel, chief executive at Elderpark Housing Association, was elected as vice chair. The board also approved the appointment of Maria Lyle, chief executive of Scottish Borders Housing Association, and Linda Leslie, chair of Kingdom Housing Association, as co-opted board members for a year.  

The organisation paid tribute to departing board members: Karen Eunson (Rural and Islands Constituency), Catherine Rossine (City of Glasgow Constituency) and Douglas Mackie (Rural and Islands Constituency), who also stepped down as chair. 

The AGM closed with a screening of SFHA’s People, Places, Prosperity film, showcasing the vital role housing associations play in supporting people, strengthening communities and contributing to Scotland’s prosperity.

Richard Meade, SFHA chief executive, said: “It was fantastic to come together with our members at SFHA’s AGM to celebrate some of our successes in supporting Scotland’s housing associations and co-operatives during the past year.

“I have been particularly proud of how SFHA has supported members before, during and after the recent Scottish Parliament elections and is already influencing change to support housing associations on development, investment in existing stock and tenancy sustainment efforts.  

“A huge part of driving that change is of course SFHA’s board and I want to pay tribute to our departing board members Karen Eunson and Catherine Rossine, as well as our former chair Douglas Mackie for their exceptional commitment to SFHA and social housing. 

“I’d also like to congratulate our new board members Bryan Leask, Colin McCulloch, Fiona Lettice and Tony Mallaghan on their election to SFHA’s board. I am looking forward to working with them as we develop our new organisational strategy and support housing associations in creating a healthier, wealthier, and fairer Scotland.” 

Douglas Mackie said: “Over my time as SFHA’s chair, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from across Scotland and have seen first-hand their incredible commitment to delivering safe, warm and affordable homes for communities across the country. 

“Richard and the staff team have brought a great deal of energy to the organisation, and I know that working alongside SFHA’s board they will continue to focus on what members need by making the strongest possible case for supporting and allowing housing associations and co-operatives to thrive.”