CIH Scotland has begun 2018 with the appointment of a new chair and vice chair to its Board.

Comprising a cross section of leaders and activists from across the Scottish housing sector, the Board plays a key role in representing, supporting and promoting the sector and the work of the CIH team in Scotland.

Viewpoint Housing Association director of people and place, Esther Wilson, has been appointed chair of the CIH Scotland Board, taking over from previous chair Amanda Britain, who will stay on as a board member.

Esther began her career in housing in Cumbria in 1999, returning to Scotland to take up a post at Clackmannanshire Council before moving to East Lothian Council to become housing strategy manager in 2005. East Lothian Council then appointed her to the role of service manager with responsibility for economic development and strategic investment in 2013. Esther has been on the CIH Scotland Board since March 2015 and was previously appointed to the position of vice chair in March 2016.

Meanwhile, Elderpark Housing Association chief executive, Gary Dalziel, has been appointed vice chair of the CIH Scotland Board.

Based in the Govan area of Glasgow, Elderpark Housing appointed Gary Dalziel as chief executive in February last year. Gary has worked in social housing for almost 25 years in a variety of roles including the last 15 years in a number of senior management roles within the sector. Gary is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing, and works as a part-time lecturer for City of Glasgow College.

Commenting on her appointment, Esther Wilson said: “I’m honoured to have the opportunity to serve as chair of the CIH Scotland Board. I would like to thank Amanda Britain for her dedication and commitment to the role over the past two years. I would like to congratulate Gary Dalziel on his appointment as vice chair and I am delighted to be working alongside him. I also look forward to continuing to work alongside my fellow CIH Scotland Board members.

“Housing, quite rightly, has a high profile in Scotland and I look forward to working with our members to influence the debate and develop the learning and support services offered to members in Scotland.”

Gary Dalziel said: “First and foremost, congratulations to Esther in being appointed chair of CIH Scotland. I am delighted to take on the role of vice chair and to support Esther in her new role. Having been a CIH member for over 20 years and fortunate enough to be a CIH Scotland Board member since 2012, I remain of the view that CIH should have a key role in developing and supporting the individuals who work within all areas of the housing sector.”

CIH Scotland executive director, Annie Mauger, added: “I am absolutely delighted and hugely appreciative of the commitment that Esther and Gary have made to provide leadership and support to the board, team and members and I am looking forward to working closely with them.

“I am very grateful to Amanda Britain for doing a fantastic job as our previous chair and pleased that she is remaining on the board as a great ambassador for the sector and CIH. We are looking forward to introducing Esther and Gary as the new board leaders at Scotland’s Housing Festival 2018 at the end of February.”