The vice chairman of Grampian Housing Association has become the organisation’s first voluntary Board member to achieve a new qualification in housing.

Peter Kennedy, who is also one of the Association’s sharing owners, was awarded the Level 4 Certificate in Housing, after he completed the online course through the CIH Academy.

Malcolm McNeil, director of corporate services, said: “Peter has successfully combined his studies with board membership, full-time work and other voluntary commitments and we congratulate him on this achievement.

“He is now well equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to face the current challenges in housing.”

Commenting on his award, Peter Kennedy said: “I have a keen interest in housing so it was a natural progression to pursue this opportunity.

“It has furthered my understanding of key issues in housing strategy, policy, finance and law which will be of benefit in our Board discussions about delivering customer focussed housing services from a strategic point of view.”

Introduced at the beginning of 2016, only 70 people UK wide have completed the revised qualification to date. Peter Kennedy is now preparing to continue his studies to the Diploma in Housing leading to chartered membership.