The housing sector is facing a challenging time but can also look forward to new opportunities, according to the new Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) chief executive who was welcomed into the post last week.

Sally Thomas has taken up the role of leading the federation after Mary Taylor retired after seven years with the organisation.

Prior to joining the SFHA, Ms Thomas was head of community investment at North Star Housing Group in the north east of England. She was seconded from April 2016 to April 2017 to the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust (HACT), where she took up the role of director of communities, with responsibility for the development and delivery of the community investment and social purpose programmes.

Ms Thomas said: “This is a crucial time for the housing sector, as it is facing many challenges – helping to deliver the Scottish Government’s target of 50,000 affordable homes, the as yet unknown effects of Brexit, the impact on tenants and landlords of ongoing welfare reform, and a more fluid political climate. However, these challenges will also bring opportunities – such as being able to house more of Scotland’s poorest and most vulnerable people and, in response to Brexit, working to create a greater number of trade apprenticeships. The SFHA will work hard to ensure that its members can respond.

“I have long been an admirer of the work of housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland and the strong social values that bind them together. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to lead the federation, and build on its many achievements, at a time when our work has never been more relevant and important.

“I look forward to working with SFHA members and our stakeholders to ensure that the federation can support them to deliver the next generation of high quality affordable housing which the people of Scotland need and deserve.”

Ms Thomas will address SFHA members at the federation’s AGM on Wednesday 30 August. The event’s guest speaker will be minister for UK negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell MSP. Delegates will also have an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities that may lie ahead for housing associations and co-operatives post-Brexit