The chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Mary Taylor will today urge the housing sector to ensure it is preparing now in order to remain resilient for housing the tenants of tomorrow.

The key message will be delivered at the SFHA’s Annual Conference entitled ‘Housing the Future’ which takes place on June 1 and 2 in Glasgow and will explore how innovative design and technology can be used to respond to ever-changing tenant needs.

The conference will also look at who will be leading housing associations in the years to come and ask whether there needs to be more focus on succession planning to ensure that today’s chief executives and chairs can ‘pass the baton’ on to others to maintain resilient and well-functioning organisations.

The conference comes as the SFHA’s chief executive prepares to retire at the end of June. Mary Taylor said: “In recent years, the SFHA campaigned for, and welcomed, the increase in the Scottish Government’s affordable housing target and the grant rate, which will help deliver the 50,000 homes. While this will assist in housing future tenants, we have to ensure that the sector can also remain resilient and operate within an ever-changing political climate.

“Whether there are challenges or opportunities ahead, we must be able to recognise these and respond by equipping our organisations with the staff and boards who will be able to lead housing associations now and in the future.”

The conference will be addressed by minister for housing Kevin Stewart, who added: “We are committed to continuing our investment in housing in Scotland and ensuring everyone can access an affordable home. In the past 10 years, the Scottish Government delivered over 65,300 affordable homes, 70% of which are for social rent and ended the Right to Buy.

“We took those actions in partnership with organisations, such as the SFHA, and we recognise and commend the crucial role Scottish housing associations play in delivering more affordable homes for Scotland’s communities.

“I would also like to thank SFHA’s chief executive, Mary Taylor, for her hard work and dedication over the past seven years and for playing a key role in ensuring the housing sector is preparing now to house the tenants of tomorrow.”