Scotland’s Housing Network Celebrates 30 Years of Partnership

A Vibrant Showcase of Collaboration

Marking three decades as “Your Partner in Housing,” the gathering highlighted our enduring commitment to sector-wide improvement and collaboration. The day’s programme featured thought-provoking sessions, powerful storytelling, and energising calls to action.

A standout moment came from Kevin McLeod of Scottish Veterans Residences, whose personal story of accessing housing as a veteran moved the audience and underscored the real-world impact of housing policy. This emotional lens was explored in a plenary session led by Lt Cdr Susie Hamilton RN Ret’d, Scottish Veterans Commissioner, focusing on the unique challenges veterans face and how the sector can better support them.

Sector Leaders and Shared Insights

The opening keynote brought together representatives from ALACHO, the Chartered Institute of Housing (CiH), the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), Shelter Scotland, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), and the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE). Each shared insights from recent research and policy work, offering a comprehensive overview of Scotland’s housing landscape.

Practical Learning and Member-Led Ethos

Breakout workshops allowed delegates to dive deeper into key themes such as damp and mould data, housing options, net zero, co-designing services, MMR, and RRTP. Attendees praised the sessions for their relevance and the opportunity to learn from peers, embodying SHN’s ethos of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future

The event also celebrated SHN’s roots, with founding Directors Morag Boyter and John Wolstencroft in attendance. In a special moment, it was revealed that Liz Cooper of the Scottish Prison Service—one of this year’s speakers—had attended the very first SHN meeting in 1995.

SHN welcomed five new Board members: Brian Pearson, Callum Wynd, Anne Jenkins, Gillian Findlay, and Chris Ellis, who join the existing board in guiding the network’s future.

Looking Ahead

The Annual Gathering reaffirmed SHN’s role as a cornerstone of Scotland’s housing sector, providing data, insight, and a platform for shared learning. As the sector faces new challenges, SHN remains steadfast in its mission to support members and champion housing as a fundamental right.