Ms Meldrum joins BHA after recently leaving Gentoo Group in the North East of England, having been executive director of operations there since 2015. Prior to this she was managing director of Gentoo Operations.

Michelle has worked in social housing in Sunderland since 1996, initially at the local authority then at Sunderland Housing Group after the stock transfer, which later rebranded to Gentoo Group in 2007. 

Although BHA will welcome Michelle at the end of October following Helen Forsyth’s retirement, both Michelle and Helen will be working closely in advance of this to ensure a smooth transition for customers, stakeholders and staff.

Jim McDevitt, chair of Berwickshire Housing Association board, said: “We are delighted with the appointment of Michelle as our new chief executive. She has a wealth of experience within the housing sector and I am confident she will prove to be an invaluable asset to the Association in the future. She will build on the legacy left by Helen Forsyth who departs from BHA with our very best wishes for her retirement.”

BHA’s outgoing chief executive, Helen Forsyth, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the appointment of Michelle as the new chief executive. She has a fantastic track record within the housing sector and clearly shares our values and the commitment to our tenants. I have no doubt Michelle will lead the organisation to greater success over the coming years.”

Michelle Meldrum added: “I am looking forward to starting a new chapter of my career with Berwickshire Housing Association. I am humbled at being offered the role of chief executive and can’t wait to get started to build on the great work carried out by Helen and the team. I wish Helen a long, happy and healthy retirement.”