After six years at the head of the organisation, Mary Taylor has announced that she will retire next year from her role as Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA).

The SFHA Board will start the recruitment process for her successor in October, with a view to making an appointment by early January 2017.

Mary Taylor, SFHA Chief Executive, said: “Yesterday, the Board of the SFHA received news of my intention to retire from full-time work and so from my current role as Chief Executive of the SFHA. This allows the Board to start recruiting a new Chief Executive. We’ve not agreed an end date as yet, but we expect it to be next spring.

“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to lead the SFHA since 2010. The water was distinctly choppy when I first took the helm, and it’s been anything but plain sailing since then!”

She added, “However, the organisation is in a much better place now, on an even keel and ready to face the many external challenges, not least in dealing with classification and social security, and issues arising from Brexit.

“Energy in the sector is clearly picking up again, with hard won support across the Scottish Parliament for affordable housing.

“The prospects and opportunities for my successor are exciting. I am happy to wait to agree a final leaving date with the Board once they have made an appointment.”

Steve Delaney, who was re-elected as Chair of the SFHA Board on Wednesday, said: “Mary Taylor has transformed the SFHA from a membership body to a strong, trusted voice for social housing and social justice.

“Although we will be sad to see her go, we wish Mary well in her retirement. During Mary’s tenure, the SFHA has strengthened, not just in terms of externally facing work and relationships with members and partners but also internally.

“Our Executive Team will take forward our shared vision and ambitions with Mary in the meantime and with her successor, thereafter. We intend to advertise the post in October, with a view to making an appointment by early January.”