AI startup joins Scottish Federation of Housing Associations

Mark Pearce, Wyser’s founder, said: “We’ve spent a lot of time working with housing and advice services, and one thing is consistent – teams are stretched, and too much of their time is taken up with admin rather than the work that makes the biggest difference.

“Joining SFHA gives us the chance to listen properly, learn from members and make sure what we’re building genuinely helps in the day-to-day. If we can give even a small amount of time back to frontline teams, that has a real impact.”

Almost half of housing associations are already using AI, according to a recent survey by the National Housing Federation, although nearly nine in 10 respondents reported low knowledge of the technology.

However, experts have warned that AI must be used carefully in the sector, with concerns that vulnerable tenants could be left facing an automated system with less room for human judgement if the technology is used for the wrong jobs.

Wyser’s membership reflects “a shared focus on making services work better, not through big promises, but through practical changes that ease pressure, improve consistency and support better outcomes for the people who rely on them,” the SFHA said.

Alison Grady, business manager at the SFHA, added: “We always strive to make sure that the associates we bring on board with SFHA add value for our members.

“We’re delighted to be able to offer more in the AI space, where we know there will only be increasing demand and interest.”