The June meeting approved five changes, with immediate effect, to SFHA’s articles of association, including an increase in the number of co-opted members permitted, and a new option for people who have left or retired from the sector within the last two years to stand for election to the board.

Other approved changes will see board members who leave their housing association able to stay on the SFHA board until the next AGM, rather than having to stand down immediately, and the possibility of an independent chair of the board, should that become appropriate. Finally, co-opted members can now serve up to six one-year terms of office before they are required to stand down.

Louise Moules, director of operations and membership at SFHA, said: “I’m really pleased that members supported our proposed changes, which were developed by a member working group and widely discussed with our members.

“These changes will enable our board to work more flexibly and provide even greater leadership to our staff team and the sector, and I’d like to thank everyone involved for their careful consideration of our proposals.”