Janet Strang speaks about her time as Vice Chair of TPAS Scotland

February 20, 2024

As Vice Chair of the TPAS Scotland board, Janet Strang plays an extremely important role in governance, shaping the strategy of TPAS and supporting the Chairman, Calum MacKay (Barney).

 

A busy lady, Janet is also Chair of Cunninghame Housing Association, having been re-elected in the Summer of 2023.  Cunninghame Housing Association with properties to rent in North Ayrshire, East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, has been in operation since 1984 and is focused on making their ‘Communities Better Places’.

Janet joined the Board of TPAS following the retirement of her predecessor Sadie Greer in 2014.  Janet was identified as the ideal candidate to replace Sadie as she had been in the housing sector in Scotland for a long time and had lots of experience.

 

“At the time I joined the Board of TPAS, my role at Cunninghame Housing Association didn’t involve direct interaction with the tenants.  I was keen to learn more about tenant participation and how we as an organisation could improve our own tenant engagement.

 

It’s been a great experience working with the other Board members as I’ve learnt a lot.  We share experiences and working practices and I’ve been able to understand directly from tenant board members what key challenges they are facing and how they feel as their landlord, we (and other landlords) should address them,” said Janet.

 

“As a key housing provider in North and East Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, we are frustrated by the fact that there is little money for building new housing, even though there is lots of demand.  We need to ensure we protect our tenants and make rents affordable.  We’re trying to do things differently at Cunninghame HA through programmes such as our direct labour scheme which provides essential skills such as plumbers, joiners, electricians to our tenants to ensure their properties are maintained to a high standard.”

 

There are many great benefits being a member of TPAS Scotland.  Janet commented, “I think the Bronze, Silver and Gold Accreditation scheme from TPAS is a fantastic opportunity for any housing association to be recognised for the great work they do to support their tenants.” And the Annual and Housing Professional Conferences, well, they are just in a league of their own.  The programme, speakers, workshops, entertainment, venue, food, staff, and conversations with friends from across the TPAS network are what makes these conferences memorable and extremely useful.”

 

At TPAS Scotland we are looking for people to join our Board.  If you would like to work alongside Janet, Barney and others we would love to hear from you.  Our Board of Management consists of tenants and landlord members, with six from each category.  Our articles also allow for up to 3 co-optees. As a Board Member, you should have a range of skills and competencies such as

  • Seeing the bigger picture
  • Making effective decisions
  • Encouraging and supporting a culture of change and improvement
  • Act as an ambassador for TPAS
  • Be committed to your role
  • Work in partnership with internal and external individuals and organisations
  • Help ensure the activities of TPAS stimulate growth and drive value
  • Supporting the team at TPAS to deliver a quality service

 

Your role on the Board will support tenant engagement across the social housing sector in Scotland, improving services, sharing best practice and bringing lasting change to local communities.

 

To apply, send your name and phone number to enquiries@tpasscotland.org.uk and we will be in touch.  Thank you.