Future housing leaders gather at showcase event in Glasgow.

The Future of Scotland’s Housing Sector: Young Leaders Tackle Challenges in Glasgow

The cream of Scotland’s young housing professionals recently gathered in Glasgow for a high-profile summit aimed at addressing the challenges facing the troubled sector. This event brought together the most promising young talent from across the country, with the goal of not only preparing the next generation of housing leaders but also safeguarding the future of the industry.

Organised by Share, a charity dedicated to learning and development in the property profession, the Young Housing Professionals’ Network has already made a significant impact. Over 30 future leaders participated in a forum to identify key challenges, such as attracting and retaining top talent, navigating the cost-of-living crisis, and upgrading existing housing stock amidst financial constraints.

Daryl McIntosh, CEO of Share, highlighted the importance of training and professional development in the face of growing demands on the workforce. The Network, established just before the Scottish Government declared a housing emergency, has provided a platform for fresh perspectives to tackle industry challenges.

The summit, hosted by Nicola Dillon, an Investors in People practitioner and young people development consultant, received support from Elderpark Housing Association. Held at Elderpark’s headquarters in Glasgow, the event provided networking opportunities, idea sharing, skills enhancement, and career advancement for network members.

Nicola Dillon remarked on the success of the event, praising the innovative ideas and collaborative spirit of the young professionals. She emphasised the importance of continued dialogue and knowledge sharing to address sector challenges effectively.

While the network convenes quarterly, members also engage through an online forum to exchange queries, ideas, and build relationships. Share, as a registered charity, reinvests all profits into its services and upholds values of support, passion, and excellence in its operations.

Looking ahead, Share aims to expand its services beyond housing associations into the private rental sector, to meet evolving legal requirements and enhance service quality. The demand for training and professional development in the housing sector continues to grow, and Share remains at the forefront as the leading provider of training in Scotland.

In conclusion, the Young Housing Professionals’ Network in Scotland is paving the way for a more resilient and innovative housing sector. By nurturing young talent, fostering collaboration, and staying responsive to industry challenges, these future leaders are set to shape the future of housing in Scotland.