Irvine Housing Association welcomed Duncan McEachran as new chair of the Association at its 22nd AGM last week following the end of former chair Alan West’s five-year tenure.

Duncan, a board member since 2012, is former chief internal auditor of NHS Dumfries & Galloway and former finance director and executive board member of Dumfries & Galloway Health Board, and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the not for-profit sector.

Duncan is currently a trustee for Action for Sick Children (Scotland). He is also a lay member of Justice of the Peace Advisory Committee (South Strathclyde, Dumfries & Galloway) and trustee (chair) of Relationships Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway.

Speaking of his appointment, Duncan said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as chair. I am very much looking forward to working alongside the Association’s executive team to grow and improve the homes and services we provide, and support the whole organisation in its strategic objectives. We are committed to creating homes and places where people want to live, and making a real difference in our communities.”

Nicola Thom, interim managing director of Irvine Housing Association, said: “We’re extremely pleased that Duncan has been elected as chair. He brings an important set of skills and an enthusiastic commitment to developing our vision. I would also like to thank Alan West as the outgoing chair. Under his leadership the organisation has achieved so much. Alan will remain a valuable Board member for the foreseeable future.”

The Association also announced the appointment of four new board members following the AGM. Ann Robertson MBE, tenant representative with a strong focus on community; Gerry Darroch with a broad range of housing and public sector and experience; Jessica Meek, housing analyst consultant and Margaret Burgess, former minister for housing and welfare and MSP for Cunninghame South 2011-16, and former manager of East Ayrshire Citizens Advice Bureau.

Commenting on the appointments, Nicola added: “We are pleased to welcome our new members to the Board. Their experience will be very valuable in taking the organisation forward as we continue to develop our services to respond to the changing needs of our customers.”

A colourful account of the Association’s activities throughout 2015/16 can be downloaded in its Annual Review.