Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year
As the winter break approaches and 2024 draws to a close, we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on the past 12-months and the challenges and opportunities that have arisen. In one of the most severe economic upheavals in a generation, I can’t stress enough that there has never been a more important time for tenants and housing organisations to work together to ensure our communities are safe and healthy places to live.
As we move forward into a new and hopeful year, the TIS team and I wish you and your loved one’s moments of rest, joy, and happiness.
It is not without the vital support of the TIS membership community and our key partners, who have enabled our organisation to grow stronger this past year that we are in a position to share our pinnacle moments from 2024. For that, we are extremely grateful for your encouragement and the new connections that have been formed.
Throughout 2024, the TIS membership community continued to grow, and we are now proud to reach over 255,000 tenants from our housing organisation community alone. The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) regulates 158 registered social landlords (RSLs) and the housing activities of Scotland’s 32 local authorities – 40% of these housing organisations are members of TIS.
Both TIS landlord and tenant membership increased by 15% as we welcomed organisations including: Aberdeenshire Council, Cadder Housing Association, Clyde Valley Housing Association, Forgewood Housing Cooperative, Forth Housing Association, Garrion People’s Housing Cooperative, Harbour Homes, West Granton Housing Coop, Williamsburgh Housing Association, and Yorkhill Housing Association. As a result, our community is now represented in 28 out of 32 local authority areas.
A significant highlight of the year for us was the TIS National Housing Conference and Exhibition, in November, which welcomed over 250 tenants and housing organisations to drive forward as a collective to change housing in Scotland for the better.
Hosted at the iconic Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, the programme showcased an unrivalled line-up of expert speakers, the most topical workshops, insightful study visits, and engaging discussions, across a two-day format to explore, discuss, and challenge how we will deliver the Scottish Government’s ambitious social housing plans amidst the current financial crisis and housing emergency and social economic inequalities that shadow the sector.
Each year applications for the TIS National Excellence Awards get better and better, and this year was no different. As part of the TIS National Housing Conference and Exhibition, housing organisations, staff, volunteers, tenants, residents, and community groups were celebrated as they scooped the top prizes for their outstanding work, passion, and commitment. Eight categories honoured excellence in everything from partnership working, tenant participation and scrutiny practice, to digital creativity and innovation.
A ninth, Special Recognition, category celebrated TIS Chairperson, Alice Bovill, for her significant contribution to housing over a number of years. Earlier this year, Alice, reached a remarkable life milestone, as she celebrated her 80th birthday. Over 30 years of Alice’s life have been dedicated to effecting positive change across the Scottish social housing sector, at both a local and national level. A true inspiration, she has been a supportive leader and mentor and has encouraged the TIS team to drive forward national housing policy and practice, to provide meaningful opportunities for tenants to have their say and to protect vital tenant rights.
If you have not already done so, you can view the video highlights from the awards ceremony at: https://youtu.be/-WMxm1yDw6o?si=lmelqc6TvWTxUOGe
This past year, we also reinforced our commitment to provide the very best advice, support, and training services as we announced the appointment of a full Board of Directors. The Board, who is responsible for providing leadership, monitoring performance, and agreeing on the strategic direction, is now made of up 7 tenant representatives and 5 landlord representatives from our membership community, alongside 2 co-opted members, who showcase a variety of skills, knowledge, and expertise, to support the long-term success of the organisation.
Pedro Cameron was welcomed to the team, in December, as Tenant Participation and Engagement Manager and focuses on supporting tenants and housing organisations to develop effective, tenant participation, community development, and scrutiny projects. Pedro will play a key role in growing the organisation and building upon our reputation for delivering high-quality services throughout the sector.
In November, I also announced plans to step down as CEO of TIS. The decision was not an easy one as I have been on an amazing journey with the organisation, that spans over 30 years. Looking back, I am so proud of how far we have come and the difference we make to the lives of people in communities across Scotland.
Whilst I look forward to the next stage of my life, I will miss the fantastic Board and talented colleagues and want to thank them for the support that I have received during my time at TIS. I leave confident that the organisation will go from strength to strength and that my successor will inherit a strong and ambitious team.
As we enter 2025, I am excited to see what the year ahead brings and confident that, together, we will continue to achieve our goals. From all of the team at TIS, we hope that you have a happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.
We look forward to working with you in the year ahead.
Ilene Campbell – TIS Chief Executive