Sally Thomas

Chief Executive Sally Thomas Discusses SFHA Future

The new Chief Executive for the Scottish Federation of Housing Association, Sally Thomas has made public her plans for the Federation and the sector as a whole moving forward. Sally Thomas made this announcement during her first speech since being appointed as the Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of

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Issue 325 : Feb 2025

Sally Thomas

Chief Executive Sally Thomas Discusses SFHA Future

The new Chief Executive for the Scottish Federation of Housing Association, Sally Thomas has made public her plans for the Federation and the sector as a whole moving forward. Sally Thomas made this announcement during her first speech since being appointed as the Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Association, or SFHA. During her speech, which took place at the SFHA AGM on Wednesday the 30th of August, Sally Thomas highlighted how vital it is that the federation adapt to change and to working together in order to flourish. Ms. Thomas also promised during her speech to make sure that the organisation is an effective leading voice for the sector in terms of bringing about positive change. As part of her speech, the new Chief Executive has said that change in the current climate is inevitable, however progress is optional and a challenge that most organisations and companies face. In a market of change it is a great opportunity for organisations to expand and diversify, making the most of new and upcoming markets as well as making the most of new models. One of the changes taking place is the Scottish Government’s development programme. As development needs to meet annual and regional targets. In order to meet the target of producing 50,000 affordable homes in order to providing housing for more than Scotland’s poorest and most vulnerable people. By boosting the number of houses being developed, there will also be possibilities for boosting the economy and offer jobs and apprenticeships. Housing is a Scottish Government priority and housing associations and the SFHA will play an important role in delivering these much needed 35,000 social rented homes and 50,000 affordable homes by March 2012. The SFHA will also be working to make sure that a good quality of service is delivered to their tenants.

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New Chief Executive Appointed for the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

A new Chief Executive has been appointed for The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, or SFHA. Stepping into the role is Sally Thomas, who will be replacing the former Chief Executive, Mary Taylor as she retires after seven years working for the Federation. Before her appointment to the lead role at the SFHA, Sally was working in the position of Head of Community Investment at the North Star Housing Group, which is located in the north east of England. In this role, Sally was seconded between April 2016 and April2-017 to the Housing Associations’ Charitable Trust, where she filled the role of Director of Communities. In this position, Sally had the responsibility of developing and delivering a range of community investment as well as a selection of social purpose programmes. Sally Thomas will bring a wealth of experience to her new role as Chief Executive of the SFHA and will no doubt get involved with tackling the challenges ahead. The housing sector in Scotland has a number of hurdles ahead; the Scottish Government has set a target to create 50,000 affordable homes, Brexit an uncertainty that sits in the horizon, the impact on tenants and landlords from the ongoing welfare reforms and a more fluid political climate at the moment. The challenges ahead also offer the industry a range of valuable opportunities, creating trade apprenticeships and housing more of the poorest in Scotland. Sally Thomas will be working closely to make sure that the next generation of affordable housing can be delivered. The new Chief Executive has said that the Federation will work to make sure that its members will be in the position to respond and react to the challenges that the housing industry face as well as being in a position to make the most of the opportunities on offer.

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