She takes up the newly created role at the organisation, where she has led on relationship management for portfolio acquisitions, research and customer service strategy in a housing career spanning three decades. In recent years she has been instrumental in fostering positive links with Scotland’s first student housing Co-op in Edinburgh and creative industries.

As part of the senior leadership team in Scotland reporting to Places for People Scotland managing director Tom Norris, Shelley will play a key role in driving forward the housing association’s sustainable growth strategy by strengthening communication and collaboration across government, the housing sector, and associated industries.

Places for People Scotland managing director Tom Norris said: “Shelley is well respected for her impressive track record in affordable housing and brings strong commercial acumen and a deep understanding of the issues facing the sector to this important new role.

“We strive to have a positive impact on people’s lives through everything we do as an organisation and have a broad view on which encompasses our plans for future growth. Shelley will work with our existing networks and will play a valuable role in creating new connections to drive sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement as we continue to grow, innovate and work alongside the Scottish Government and partners to meet the Housing to 2040 vision.”

Over the next decade, the affordable housing sector in Scotland is facing the significant challenge of ensuring housing costs remain affordable while meeting NetZero targets, particularly in relation to decarbonisation of existing housing stock. Other changes affecting housing associations of all sizes include, planning reform, rising costs of construction and clearing a route to deliver enough homes to meet government targets for affordable housing.

Shelley Hutton said: “More than ever before, close co-operation and knowledge sharing among housing providers, local authorities and government will be important if we are to deliver low carbon, affordable housing in the volumes required. As one of the largest organisations, and as part of a nationwide group, among other things we have strengths in procurement, governance and are already leaders in low carbon technology for heating thanks to our partnership with manufacturers.

“I’m delighted to continue my career with Places for People Scotland in such a challenging and interesting role. It comes at a crucial and exciting time as the sector in Scotland rises to meet the challenges of change and I’ll relish creating opportunities for collaboration and to ensure we continue to have a positive impact on places and people.”

Shelley took up her role last month.