Jim has been with the Association for 29 years and announced his retirement earlier in 2020.

Susan McDonald is a qualified solicitor with a wealth of experience in social housing and also has experience of strategic management through her role on the management committee of Ore Valley Housing Association in Fife for almost ten years and chair for the past five years.

During the competitive interview process, the recruitment panel at Reidvale was very impressed with Susan’s grasp of good governance and strategic planning which they believe will be key in helping shape the direction for Reidvale over the short to medium term and addressing the comments of the Scottish Housing Regulator’s engagement plan.

The newly elected chair of Reidvale, Eddie Marley, said: “Susan was an exceptional candidate at interview with excellent governance and regulatory experience. I am very much looking forward to Susan leading Reidvale Housing Association in its journey of improvement to ensure we meet the Scottish Housing Regulators regulatory standards for the long-term benefit of our tenants.”

During her 22 years at Addleshaw Goddard, Susan’s high profile within the sector was recognised by others including the Scottish Government which instructed her in relation to the new Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 and the Chartered Institute of Housing for whom she delivered the Housing Law training series as well as in-house training on its behalf to social landlords, local authorities and others including the Scottish Housing Regulator.

Susan also led the property team in securing over 900 units in a £20 million refinance for Paragon Housing Association. The deal involved a £10m standard debt from Royal Bank of Scotland and £10m bond funding from GB Social Housing plc.

She added: “I am looking forward to working with the board, staff and wider community to continue Reidvale’s improvement programme and redefine Reidvale’s vision and values as a high-quality local community landlord.”

Susan took up the post at the beginning of December.