SFHA expands board requirements for members.

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has recently broadened its board membership criteria after receiving approval from members at a special general meeting. This marks a significant step forward for the organisation as it aims to enhance its governance structure and diversify its leadership team.

At the June meeting, five key changes were approved with immediate effect to SFHA’s articles of association. These changes include an increase in the number of co-opted members permitted on the board and a new opportunity for individuals who have recently left or retired from the sector within the last two years to stand for election to the board.

Furthermore, the approved amendments will now allow board members who depart from their housing association to remain on the SFHA board until the next Annual General Meeting (AGM), rather than being required to resign immediately. Additionally, there is now the provision for an independent chair of the board, if deemed necessary. Lastly, co-opted members are now eligible to serve up to six consecutive one-year terms of office before being mandated to step down.

Louise Moules, the director of operations and membership at SFHA, expressed her satisfaction with the support received from members regarding these proposed changes. She highlighted the collaborative effort involved in developing these amendments, which were meticulously discussed with the organisation’s members before being ratified.

“I’m really pleased that members endorsed our proposed changes, which were formulated by a dedicated member working group and extensively deliberated with our members,” Moules stated. “These modifications will enable our board to operate with increased flexibility and deliver even stronger leadership to our dedicated staff team and the sector at large. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved for their thorough review and consideration of our recommendations.”