Lesley Baird

Having worked with TPAS Scotland for 25 years, Lesley has given a significant proportion of her career to evolving this member-focused organisation to become the leading tenant participation organisation in Scotland.

Lesley is not completely exiting TPAS Scotland after March. She will continue to work with TPAS Scotland providing support and consultancy for tenant participation projects.

Elaine Scoular and Tony Kelly will replace Lesley as joint interim directors until the board decides on the best future option for the organisation.

Lesley said: “I will be sad stepping down from the position of CEO in March but feel the time is right for me to hand over the strategic leadership reins. Our members make TPAS the organisation it is today, and I feel I have played a key role in bringing a fantastic network of members together to drive positive change.

“I’m leaving TPAS at the right time as it enters its next phase and I know the board will make the right choice in selecting my replacement. I want to say a personal thanks to each and every member of TPAS Scotland, many of whom I’ve developed great friendships with over the years, for their continued support and engagement with our organisation, you have all been amazing. I will be at the TPAS Conference from 2-4th February 2022 where I look forward to speaking to you all personally.”

Speaking on behalf of the board, Calum McKay, chairman of TPAS Scotland, said: “We very much appreciate Lesley’s commitment to TPAS Scotland over the last 25 years. She has been instrumental in the success of the organisation to date. We are looking forward to continuing this success with the interim appointments of Elaine Scoular and Tony Kelly as we evaluate our options, to ensure our members receive the same standard of support and service they have received.”

Some recent words of appreciation from partners and stakeholders towards Lesley include:

“Lesley has been a true champion of ensuring social landlords involve and participate effectively with their tenants over the course of her career. She has steered the Tenant Participation Advisory Scotland to be one of the leading organisations in social housing in Scotland.”

“Lesley has been instrumental in effecting positive change and encouraging the housing sector to think differently and boldly about tenant participation, customer engagement and leadership. Lesley’s influence can be seen all over Scotland in so many ways and she has forged strong links with international colleagues. No other professional working in housing can say the same thing.”