Anne Ramsey

Mary McLuskey, SHARE’s director, provided an overview of the key actions, taken from a recent strategy day, which included, widening membership, embracing technological change, investing in staff and trainers, and developing clear career pathways to enhance professional development within the sector.

Mary said: “This is an exciting time for SHARE as we move forward with changes to ensure we are the sector’s first choice for personal and professional development.”

Pauline Munro, SHARE’s marketing and events manager, reminded attendees of SHARE’s achievements over the past year which included:

• good financial performance
• 2466 delegates attending a SHARE training course, and;
• although impacted by COVID, a number of events took place over the year including Bitesize briefings, Corporate Governance and Women in housing Scotland.

Michael Hesketh from Paragon Housing Association, announced earlier this year that he would be retiring and stepping down from SHARE’s Executive Committee.

Olwyn Gaffney, SHARE’s learning and development manager, said: “On behalf of SHARE we would like to thank Michael, who worked for 69 years between Crown, Military Charities and Paragon Housing Association for the valuable contribution he made to SHARE over the four years he served on the Executive Committee.”

Matthew Busher

A key part of SHARE’s AGM is the celebration of learning. Attendees heard from Anne Ramsey, community board member, at Queens Cross Housing Association, who shared her experience of gaining her Governance of Scottish Housing Association (GOSHA) Qualification: a qualification developed by Governing Bodies for Governing Bodies.

Anne said: “I would urge every Committee member to undertake this qualification. It’s about evidencing what you already do, and it has given me so much more confidence in my role.”

Kingdom Housing Association has been working closely with SHARE over the year and Matthew Busher, Kingdom’s interim director for housing, provided some insight into SHARE’s flexibility during the first wave of the pandemic.

Mathew said: “SHARE’s partnership working and flexibility to ensure we were able to continue with our teams CIH qualifications was ideal. CIH level 3 and later this year CIH level 4 will be delivered by SHARE to our teams in-house. It is a great way to ensure your staff have the skills and knowledge needed to deliver your housing service.”