Two of Scottish Borders Housing Association’s (SBHA) brightest young people received recognition at the recent Chartered Institute of Housing Excellence Awards.

Strategic projects assistant Michael Melton received the Bob Allan Young Achiever in Housing Award, while IT apprentice Rian Taylor was nominated for Apprentice of the Year.

Michael, 26, started at SBHA as an intern in 2015 and, less than two years later, is now project-managing strategic projects.

Michael played a key support role in SBHA’s Borders without Barriers programme – a series of strategic projects designed to modernise the way in which the Association works and improve outcomes for Tenants. He also helped support the implementation of a new Customer Relationship Management (CRM)software and mobile working for staff.

Michael’s main achievement has been to support SBHA’s review of governance, delivered in a manner which allowed tenants to have a real voice. He worked with the Tenant Participation Advisory Service to develop roadshows on the governance review and wider Tenant participation which had over 120 Tenants attend. This high attendance was due to the innovative approach taken to the planning, marketing and creative delivery of the events, which included speed dating sessions, fish suppers, build a Board game and bacon-butty chats.

Michael also worked with Altair and SBHA’s Board & Tenant working group to re-design the Board and Sub structures, and supported the Chief Executiveto progress the governance review to a Special General Meeting and approval of Rule Change. Key to the re-design was the creation of a single Customer Board to focus on the Tenant experience as a whole, placing Tenants at the heart of decision-making.

Michael said: “It’s an honour to receive the prestigious Bob Allan Young Achiever in Housing Award. In my time at SBHA so far I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to so many projects, and have gained a real insight into housing. It’s been the best possible foundation for my future career.”

SBHA’s second Award nominee, Rian, 20 has already received recognition within the organisation for his professional excellence, having been nominated four times in SBHA’s Stars Awards. Joining SBHA in May 2016, in the past 18 months he has progressed to managing SBHA’s IT Helpdesk - supporting around 200 people - and has supported Staff training in the new CRM system.

Rian said : “I was really pleased to be nominated for Apprentice of the Year. I’m enjoying my time at SBHA and it’s great feeling that I play an important role within my team as well as gaining the skills and experience that I’ll need for the future.”

SBHA’s chief executive, Julia Mulloy, said: “We are extremely proud of both Michael and Rian. The CIH Award recognises and rewards the very best in housing, and we are delighted to see both of these young people being acknowledged in this way.

“Rian and Michael have already had a hugely positive impact within SBHA, and I’m sure that there is much more to come as they progress in their careers.

“We have a long history of providing apprenticeships and work placement to support young people. Succession planning is a key part of SBHA’s People Strategy, and we are pleased to play a part in helping young people to realise their ambitions and grateful to CIH for hosting this event which recognises our young talent in housing.”