Scottish Borders Tenants Organisation (SBTO) chair Angela Sulo received a warm vote of thanks as she marked the end of two years in office at the organisation’s AGM, held at Scottish Borders Housing Association’s (SBHA) head office in Selkirk.

SBTO members are all volunteers, who work with senior SBHA staff to provide invaluable feedback and advice, influencing SBHA policy and continually improving the services offered to tenants.

During her report, Angela highlighted the work of this year’s Scrutiny Project, which looked at grounds maintenance. The findings and recommendations from this will be crucial in informing SBHA’s work in this area in the months and years to come. The actions raised as a result of last year’s Scrutiny Project, on the Lettable Standard, continue to be implemented.

SBTO also took part in SBHA’s Strategic Planning event, working with governance members and SBHA’s Leadership Team to agree and set SBHA’s business priorities for the next five years.

Angela has enjoyed opportunities to meet and share ideas with members of other housing organisations, in Scotland and much further afield. This year SBTO hosted a visit from Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership, and later returned the visit. At the International Tenants Congress in Glasgow, she met delegates from all over the world.

Another great success for tenant engagement during Angela’s time in office was the Rutherford Square project, which last year was a winner at the TPAS awards. She particularly enjoyed her role as judge for the staff recognition awards and tenant competitions.

Angela finished by thanking members for their support during her time in position.

Alan Frank was voted in as the new chair, with Doris Charlton re-elected as treasurer and Angela Sulo and Kathryn Kelly elected as vice-chairs.

Alan was presented with a glass sculpture by honorary member Marlen Jones. The piece was created in memory of SBTO member Joan Donaldson, and is presented to each incoming chair. A replica of the piece was presented to Angela Sulo, thanking her for enabling tenants’ views to be heard at SBHA.

SBHA’s chief executive, Julia Mulloy, thanked Angela and the other SBTO members for generously giving their time to represent tenants’ interests, and to help improve SBHA’s services.