Invergordon-based Albyn Housing Society on the hunt for new board members
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A TRAILBLAZING social housing provider headquartered in Easter Ross is opening the door to new board members.
Albyn Housing Society, the main provider of social housing in the Highlands, which covers a land mass the size of Belgium, is recruiting for new governing body members.
Albyn claims to be one of Scotland’s most innovative social landlords. By partnering with academia and government to deliver special homes that utilise artificial intelligence and machine learning, they are helping tenants live independently for longer.
With the approval of the board, Albyn has been successful in delivering £750,000 worth of extra support over the last three years to help tenants with the cost of living and their wellbeing.
The main role of the governing body is to monitor the performance of Albyn, ensure compliance with relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, and to help formulate and review the values, aims and standards of the organisation.
Jim Convery, current chair of audit & risk committee at Albyn, said: “I’ve worked with Albyn since 2004 and I’m really proud of the work they do with our local communities across the Highlands and the difference this makes to lives on a daily basis. For example, Albyn delivered much-needed support to help tenants pay their energy bills during the cost of living crisis.
“Being on the board of a housing association that is so focused on helping its tenants is incredibly rewarding.”
Kirsty Morrison, group chief executive of Albyn Housing Society, said: “If you want to make a real difference to the quality of people’s lives in the Highlands, this is a great opportunity. We support over 70 rural communities, many in need of a safe and warm place to live. We have led the way on many innovative projects that improve the lives of our tenants from assisting with fuel poverty to using technology to help our tenants live independently for longer.
“We want people who can promote and uphold our values at Albyn and can ensure that we stay the course in delivering for our tenants. But you don’t necessarily need experience in social housing. We ensure our board members are guided through the process, including formal training and a mentor on hand to assist you.”
Board members are required to attend one meeting in person per year and attend the Board meetings on a quarterly basis which can be done remotely. They will also need to attend a Board strategy day one day a year in person. No qualifications are required to serve on the governing body and Albyn is keen to encourage people from all backgrounds, reflecting the communities they serve.
These are non-remunerated positions although expenses will be paid. There will be ample chances to develop knowledge, experience and personal skills, as well as networking opportunities.
If interested, you can get in touch with the CEO of Albyn, Kirsty Morrison for an informal chat. More information can be found at https://www.albynhousing.org.uk/about-us-2019/board-and-management/
NEED TO KNOW MORE?
Albyn Housing Society Limited claims to be the main provider of quality affordable homes in the Highlands.
Established in 1973, Albyn now manages over 3700 properties in 70 rural communities geographically dispersed across 10,000 sq miles. Albyn has over 90 employees with offices in Invergordon and Inverness.
Albyn maintains existing homes, builds new homes, and provides support services to make life better for its tenants. It aims to invest in communities and the Highland economy.
As well as social rented housing, Albyn facilitates mid-market rent and low-cost ownership initiatives through its subsidiary Highland Residential. Its other subsidiary, Albyn Enterprises Ltd, supports Albyn's innovation activities, such as developing new solutions to enable people to live independently at home for longer.
Governed by the standards set by the Scottish Housing Regulator, Albyn Housing Society is a registered charity with a vision to build homes and support communities in the Highlands in a way which puts quality, affordability, and sustainability at the forefront of its efforts.
