The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has started 2018 by making two key appointments to its team in Scotland.

Laura Fordyce, who joins CIH Scotland as service development manager, will be responsible for managing key relationships with local employers, stakeholders and partners with a focus on the development of member services and the promotion of CIH training programmes and qualifications.

Laura has more than two years’ prior experience in the social housing sector and joins the CIH from Dunedin Canmore, part of the Wheatley Group. Prior to this, Laura worked in the Scottish tourism industry, where she held customer delivery and business development roles at Jac Travel Ltd.

Commenting on her appointment, Laura said: “I look forward to working as part of the CIH Scotland team to further develop the services we are able to offer to members. I am keen to get out and meet our customers to understand their learning needs and identify how CIH can best support them going forward.”

Meanwhile, Callum Chomczuk will join CIH Scotland as deputy director on March 1. Callum is currently an account director with PR and public affairs consultancy Pagoda Porter Novelli, heading up its public affairs division. He has experience working in the public, third and private sectors and has policy specialisms ranging from health & social care and housing to transport and energy. He has particular expertise in developing external engagement strategies, identifying how and when to communicate with decision makers.

Callum worked previously as senior policy officer at Age Scotland, as policy and communications officer at Social Enterprise Scotland and as a researcher for the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Callum is currently convenor of the Association of Scottish Public Affairs and was previously a board member with Home Link Family Support.

Commenting on his appointment, Callum said: “Housing has never had a higher profile in Scotland. The target of building 50,000 affordable homes alongside the recent commitment to address rough sleeping demonstrate the political recognition of housing as a means of achieving economic and social progress.

“CIH Scotland has been at the forefront of this debate, informing discussion, challenging assumptions and ensuring that decisions are made with access to the best possible information. It is a very exciting time to be joining the organisation and I look forward to working with the team in Edinburgh, our membership across the country and the wider housing sector to ensure everyone has a decent, affordable home.”

CIH Scotland executive director Annie Mauger said: “I am absolutely delighted to be welcoming Callum and Laura as new team members. They both bring excellent skills that will help to increase our visibility in the sector, with our members and with key stakeholders. I look forward to working with them both. Their appointment will enable us to improve and increase the support and advocacy we are able to offer for and on behalf of the housing community throughout Scotland.”