Scotland’s largest housing association appoints new chair

She previously chaired Ofgem’s expert panel for its Electricity Network Innovation Fund, was a budget advisor to two Scottish parliamentary committees, an honorary professor of public policy at University of Glasgow and is a former chair of ENABLE Scotland.

Ms Armstrong will take over from Mr MacNish when he retires at the group annual general meeting in September.

Wheatley is among the largest landlords in the UK, owning or managing more than 93,700 homes across Scotland.

She said: “I am delighted to be the next chair of such an impressive and successful organisation and look forward to working with my Wheatley colleagues and key strategic partners in implementing our renewed and ambitious five-year strategy, ‘Your Home, Your Community, Your Future’.

“We have supported tens of thousands of households in hardship across central and southern Scotland during the pandemic and we are determined to contribute creatively to the country’s recovery.

“This will involve continuing to build, maintain and invest in great affordable homes and – working with Wheatley Care and Wheatley Foundation – to improve the life opportunities of people living in our communities, wherever and whenever we can.”

“I would also like to pay tribute to Alastair MacNish’s highly effective leadership over nine years as a board member, including the past six as chair. In that time, Wheatley has earned a solid reputation as a high-performing organisation, with hugely dedicated staff, and one that puts the people it works for at the centre of decision-making and plans for the future.”

Mr MacNish said: “Jo is a fantastic appointment and was the unanimous choice of the board. I have no doubt Wheatley will continue to set the bar for building award-winning homes and delivering outstanding customer service under her leadership.”