Two members of the board registered an interest in the position of chair, a ballot was conducted, and Helen Forsyth was chosen as the new chair of SFHA.

Joyce Orr, director of Pineview Housing Association, was re-elected on to the SFHA board. Angela Linton, chief executive of Hillcrest Housing Association, and Jim Convery, Albyn Housing Society, governing body member, were elected as directors.

SFHA has also announced it has co-opted Ranald Brown, director of Assurance at Wheatley Group, on to its board for another year. Helen Forsyth, currently chief executive of Berwickshire Housing Association, and Vikki McCall, Stirling University, are new co-optees. Dr McCall was co-opted on to the board until next year’s AGM, after being an SFHA board director, following her departure from the board of Parkhead Housing Association.

Sally Thomas, SFHA chief executive, said: “On behalf of SFHA and our board, I’d like to thank Gerry for helping to lead SFHA during these last three years. He’s brought to the role a deep understanding of, and dedication to, social housing, to which he has been prepared to devote time and energy, because he believes it’s fundamental to a fair and just society. Alongside this, his personal attributes of support, encouragement, patience and good humour have been hugely appreciated, never more so than in the last six months.”

“As a well-respected figure in the social housing sector, and beyond, Helen will bring significant skills, experience and knowledge to the role of chair.

“This is a critical time for SFHA as we make the case for continued investment for affordable housing in the next parliament and start the recovery from the pandemic, and I am really looking forward to working with Helen as we continue to support our members in these challenging times.”